Kathmandu:

If it could be an affirmative indication that jazz is catching up in here, ‘Jazz for the Next Generation’ did more than that to this effect. Kathmandu Jazz festival, Jazzmandu 2005 that has kick started with a pervasive hullabaloo is testimony that Nepal is not bereft of its own Jazz musicians, especially when the event is patronised by an international crowd. Furthermore, the Jazz festival, which is celebrating its fourth anniversary in Nepal, is witnessing the revival of music that still has the power to sway.

The wave event ‘Jazz for the Next Generation’ at Yala Maya Kendra on November 4 has given aspirant Nepali Jazz bands an unprecedented opportunity to flaunt their musical flamboyance with acclaimed international musicians. The concert began in full swing with foot tapping performance by Jocose, which was followed by thundering drums and repartee of inspiring guitar licks by Karma Avalanche. But that was not the end as the third band to join the bandwagon ‘In Between’ still had some more to conjure up.

By the time the event wrapped up, the crowd was awestruck with the magnificence of the show. Though it was not easy for the judges to give their final verdict on the best performance, Karma Avalanche were finally able to win the judges’ heart with their wonderful performance. The judges for the event were Håkon Mjåset Johansen, Daniel Formo, and Bjorn Vidar Solli from the Norwegian band Solid! Karma Avalanche will get the opportunity to play at Jazz bazaar with the international bands at Gokarna Forest Golf resort on November 5.

Jazz on November 5

Jazz Bazaar

Time:  4:00 pm onwards

Venue: Gorkarna Forest Golf Resort

Ticket: Rs 599.

Musicians: Solid!

(Norway), Groove Suppa (Bombay), Cadenza (Nepal). Also featuring: Mariano (Spain — Alto Saxophone and Flute), Mort (USA — Electric Guitar), Bastian (Switzerland — Keyboard), Jazz for the Next Generation Winners (Nepal), Gandharva — Nepali Folk Music and Nepali Classical Music and cultural dances by Nepali performers.