Love Songs from New Orleans: The Romance of Jazz

Performing Arts
Music
Performances
Friday, 14th February 2025
From 7:00pm to 8:30pm (IST)
Rs. 499/- onwards

Details

What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with the music of love? After the stellar reception of her last performance, Pianist and Composer Charu Suri returns with a spellbinding selection of romantic jazz classics. Drawing inspiration from the heart of New Orleans, this enchanting program brings the intimate traditions of the Crescent City to the hallowed halls of the Royal Opera House.

From the tender whispers of "La Vie En Rose" to her own evocative compositions, this performance celebrates jazz's timeless charm and its profound ability to express human emotion. Leading the ensemble, Charu is joined by Sharmi Surianarain (vocals), Shashank Das (bass), and Arjun Chakraborty(drums), each infusing the music with soulful passion and effortless virtuosity.

Celebrate this Valentine’s Day with an unforgettable evening of romance, melody, and the magic of jazz.


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Faculty

Charu Suri

Charu Suri

Pianist and Composer

Pianist and Composer Charu Suri seamlessly blends classical music with diverse global influences, including Indian ragas, Sufi music, and jazz. As one of the few female composers from India to perform at Carnegie Hall, her talent has garnered international acclaim. Her musical journey has taken her to renowned venues across the globe, including Lincoln Center and St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Charu’s song Verona Waltz from her album Ragas & Waltzes won the Best Jazz Song in North America at the 2023 Intercontinental Music Awards, showcasing her ability to create captivating and genre-defying compositions.

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Shashank Das

Shashank Das

Bass player

Shashank Das is an Upright & Electric Bass player from Delhi, India. A Sandberg bass artist & scholarship recipient (Jazz campus, Berklee, Holland) .He has studied with renowned musicians such as Larry Grenadier, Neil Swainson, Mark Turner, Jeff Ballard, Jorge Rossy, Petros Klampanis to name a few. Some of his prominent sessions include playing with Shai Maestro,Gonazlo Rubalcaba, Gil Golstein, Jazzaarau Cuban Spirit ensemble, Jazzcampus big band Charley Rose, Joao Bittencourt, Matteo Fraboni, Dan Costa, Aditya Balani, Pranai Gurung, Bhrigu Sahni, Jordan Johnson to name a few.  

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Sharmi Surianarain

Sharmi Surianarain

Vocals

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Arjun Chakraborty

Arjun Chakraborty

Drummer

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Collaborations

District Insider
District Insider
Quriosity
Quriosity
Royal Opera House, Mumbai
Royal Opera House, Mumbai

Press Coverage

Songs from New Orleans

Songs from New Orleans

Sunday, February 9, 2025 Free Press Journal
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Blog

Crooner Jazz: Harmony of Sentimental Sounds

The term "crooner" originates from the verb "to croon," meaning to sing sentimentally in a soft, low voice. This style of singing, characterised by a smooth male voice that conveys deep sentimental feelings of yearning and impassioned love, gained immense popularity from the late 1920s until the 1950s. Iconic artists such as Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby, and Rudy Vallee became synonymous with this genre of crooner jazz, captivating audiences with their emotional delivery and velvety tones. While male crooners dominated the scene during this golden age of music, there are some exceptional cases where female voices also made significant marks as crooners. Renowned singers like Judy Garland and Vera Lynn showcased their ability to evoke similar sentiments through their soft yet powerful performances. These talented women contributed to the rich tapestry of crooning in a predominantly male sphere, demonstrating that the power of a heartfelt song transcends gender boundaries.


Eternal Combinations: Love, Jazz and Romance

Jazz music has long been synonymous with romance, offering a rich tapestry of sound that evokes nostalgia and intimacy. Traditional jazz styles such as swing, ragtime, and Dixieland are particularly effective in creating a soothing atmosphere ideal for romantic moments. The instrumentation in these genres typically features brass and woodwind instruments alongside a rhythm section, producing warm harmonies that enhance the emotional depth of any setting. The tempo of jazz can vary widely, but the softer rhythms often found in romantic renditions create an inviting backdrop for intimate conversations or quiet evenings together. Originality is another hallmark of jazz; musicians frequently improvise, allowing them to express their emotions uniquely and personally. This spontaneity can mirror the unpredictable nature of love itself.

Some classic romantic jazz pieces include "Fly Me to the Moon," "La Vie en Rose," "The Very Thought of You," and "What a Wonderful World." Each piece carries its charm and sentimentality, making them perfect choices for setting a romantic mood. As you listen to these timeless tracks, you'll find that jazz helps you relax and unwind and serves as an eloquent means of communication—conveying feelings that words alone may struggle to express.


The New Age Jazz Bands from India

Jazz made its way to India in the 1920s, brought by African-American musicians who toured the opulent ballrooms of India's five-star hotels. This introduction marked the beginning of a unique musical journey that has evolved over the decades. Today, while the jazz scene remains relatively niche, it thrives in metropolitan cities such as Mumbai and Delhi, showcasing a vibrant array of bands and artists.

Among the must-listen groups is Drift, known for its innovative fusion of traditional Indian sounds with classic jazz elements like syncopation and improvisation. The UNK: The Radha Thomas Ensemble stands out with its eclectic mix that incorporates various genres while maintaining the essence of jazz. Rajeev Raja Combine offers a fresh take on contemporary jazz, blending Western influences with Indian rhythms. The Jazz B'Stards are another notable act that brings energy and creativity to their performances, capturing audiences with their dynamic soundscapes. Fubar Gheto pushes boundaries by experimenting with different styles and incorporating elements from across the globe. Together, they contribute to a rich tapestry of talent reflecting tradition and innovation within India's burgeoning jazz community. The future of Indian jazz looks promising as these musicians continue to push creative boundaries and the Indian audience explores more of this genre.

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