Drummer Paolo Vinaccia, bassist Arild Anderson and saxophonist Tommy Smith perform at a concert, organised by Spic Macay (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture amongst Youth) in collaboration with the state tourism department, at Rabindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar.

The trio began with an enchanting composition Blussy followed by a subtle and soothing Mira. Among the 10-odd sequences they presented, The Farmers’ Girl and Ilama Ilama compelled the crowd to give a standing ovation. The musicians also interacted with the audience after the concert. Youngsters went on to click pictures, collect autographs and learn more about this genre of music from the artistes.

Anderson is a legendary figure in international jazz scenario. He started as a member of Jan Garbarek quartet. Over the years, he has played with musicians such as Don Cherry, Sam Rivers and George Russell, and in 1982, he started the legendary band, Masqualero, that lasted for 10 years releasing four albums. He stressed that European and India music could learn from each other. “The meeting of both the genres lies in the improvisations we can bring by learning from each other,” he said.

Text: Namita Panda

Pictures: Ashwinee Pati