KATHMANDU:

Tihar is around the corner and what better way to welcome the festival of lights than through music that brings together local and international musicians? The Surya Classic Jazzmandu 2006 presented by Upstairs, to begin on October 11, will provide a stage for our own artistes to share it with those from around the world — the US, Canada, Venezuela, France, Israel, Australia among others. And lending flavour to the festival is none other than Jazzmandu veterans — Cadenza.

Navin Chhettri, founding member of Cadenza and also the driving force behind Jazzmandu, was influenced by Indian rhythms and vocals at an early age. After experimenting with many genres of music, he found his passion in jazz. His innovative arrangements have exposed the young generation of Nepalis to the improvisational nature of jazz. Navin’s younger brother Pravin (bass, guitar, trumpet) started as a bass player. He became skilled as a guitarist and now focuses his energies on the trumpet.

Mariano E Abello (saxophone, flute, clarinet, oboe) has performed with various groups in different styles including blues, flamenco, jazz, and bossa-nova. He has performed in different jazz festivals like Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, and North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands.

Samir Chettri (congas, percussion) grew up in a musical family. His first big musical experience was playing the bass for Cadenza’s album Groove For Shiva. He had a huge admiration for the Afro-Cuban and Brazilian rythms.

Rajat Rai (lead guitar) was influenced by the guitar in his early years and started playing for school concerts and other small events. He was invited by Aabhaya and the Steam Injuns to join them. He formed Groove Trio after leaving the Steam Injuns. He was then asked by Cadenza to perform with them as a guitarist. He performed with Norwegian musicians at the Ibsen concert held in the Capital in May.

Roshan Gurung (bass guitar) loved the guitar from an early age, and discovered he wanted to play the bass more than anything. His interest for Jazz was mostly inspired by Chi, the former bass player of Cadenza. (For tickets call 4441067)