Jazz trio to light up musical event
Jazz, it is said, is the only music in which the same note can be played day after day but differently each time – because it comes from the soul. Realizing the variety it presents, Alliance Française de Delhi and Kalasetu are presenting Jazz-express: Paris-darjeeling-chennai, a subtle jazz duet, in conversation with a guitar sensation – under the umbrella of In[chorus] - Season 2. The musical extravaganza on April 12, from 6.30 pm, will be presented at the ML Bhartia Auditorium at the Alliance Française de Delhi.
This [Inchorus] creation will bring together three jazz exponents: the French singer – Raphaëlle Brochet, the Belgian double bass player – Philippe Aerts, and the Indian guitar player – Pranai Gurung.
Raphaëlle’s deep immersion in Carnatic music for 15 years gives her voice and repertoire a unique touch that Philippe embraces beautifully with his impressive technique.
The collaboration with Pranai Gurung, one of the top Indian guitar player of Delhi, is expected to turn into a unique fusion of colours, music and virtuosity. Apart from being a brilliant Jazz exponent, Pranai is revisiting the Nepali folk heritage of his area of origin, Darjeeling.
In[chorus] is a cycle of musical meetings organized by the Alliance Française de Delhi and the Kalasetu organization for the promotion of South Asian Traditional Performing Arts and exchanges between Indian and French artists. It offers a platform for creation dedicated to young promising musicians, of all genres, settled in India and France through residencies, concerts and workshops.
The aim is to encourage talented Indian musicians to take part in the development of a musical project or to strengthen an already existing collaboration with a French (or European) artist.
The first part of the programme will be dedicated to the Indian artist, followed by a restitution of his collaboration with his French counterpart.
Alliance Française de Delhi Director, Jean-françois Ramon, said, “After a successful season one of Inchorus, we are happy to bring to you Season 2 of the series which brings young and promising musicians of different genres together at a common platform. This stage helps to promote talented artists settled in both India and France.”
Born to musician parents, Raphaëlle (vocalist) grew up surrounded by jazz, destined to be an artist. She started her career at the age of 17 and studied music in different French Conservatories and in Canada. She received a scholarship from the Wesleyan University and spent time shuttling between India and the USA where she worked with her teachers, Sarada Thota (India) and Balraj Balasubrahmanyan (USA) for 12 years. She is now teaching at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels and at the Centre Mandapa in Paris.
Philippe Aerts (double bass and bass) is a Belgian jazz double bassist. He taught himself guitar and electric bass guitar when he was 11 and started playing the double bass at age 14. He is a member of different jazz groups (Philip Catherine trio, the Ivan Paduart trio). He also has his own trio with John Ruocco (tenor saxophone and clarinet) and Tony Levin (drums) and quartet with Bert Joris.
Pranai Gurung (guitar) is among the finest guitarists. He has been writing and collaborating with various musicians for over 15 years. He is as much as ease with Jazz and Bebop as with Funk, Pop, Retro, RNB and the Blues. He is collaborating as well with contemporary Nepali Folk Rock band like “Bipul Chettri & the travelling band”.