KATHMANDU: Red Hot Latin Jazz has always been about the sizzling stage that delivers danceable beats for some sexy moves. This is what happened on November 8 when the New York-based group — Banda Magda — took the stage at Hotel Summit, Kupondole. Led by the Greek-born singer, accordionist and film-scorer Magda Giannikou with Argentine musicians Ignacio Hernandez and Andres Rotmistrovsky on guitar and bass respectively along with Navin Chettri on drums, they spread contagious grooves among the audience.

“We are going to play some music from Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Greece, and France … and we don’t know yet from where. But anyway we hope you enjoy the beautiful evening. Thank you for coming and supporting Jazzmandu. This is our first time in Nepal and we are so happy,” shared Giannikou who was in “so much excitement, and anticipation” for this trip.

As such, diverse cultures were brought on the stage through music in the first half of the evening. Seductive notes to upbeat notes were played by the band as stories and songs about love and conquering your fears unravelled. And playing the accordion, Giannikou mesmerised the crowd with her voice and show.

Their performances included Le Tigre Malin aka Tiger Song — a story about a girl who decides to courageously face a menacing tiger with the risk of losing something that is very precious — gift of voice — to her and it was enacted onstage by the vocalist and guitarist. Also, Giannikou got the audience repeat and sing a few words in one of their tunes.

The hourlong set of Banda Magda ended with the French number, Amour, t’es là? meaning Love, Are you there?. It was for the audience to which she expressed, “Thank you for being here. And I hope you had fun. I hope to see you around in this beautiful setting and country, Nepal.”

Moreover, the grooves and funk music continued to the other half as the powerful Cuban singer and flautist Yaite Ramos, La Dame Blanche took the stage of Red Hot Latin Jazz with another amazing artiste Julie Saury Trio.

Surya Nepal Jazzmandu 2015 started on November 4 and it will end on November 10 with Jazzmandu Finale to be held at Hotel Yak and Yeti. The Himalayan Times is the official print media partner of the event.