Gig review/ The Klaus Graf Special Quartet




BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

The Klaus Graf Special Quartet

Genre; Jazz

Details: Experimental Theatre, NCPA, October 6

Rating: ****

Back after the break, the Klaus Graf Special Quartet played a tune that most people recognised but only the connoisseurs identified. "I had told the band members this one would work here," said Graf, bandleader and alto saxophonist. He was referring to 'Moanin', composed by Bobby Timmons and made famous by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers 

The piece was one of the many highlights of the German band's show at the Experimental Theatre, NCPA, on October 6. Over 90 minutes, they played a good mix of popular compositions and originals, ending with a three-part suite which Graf had written as a tribute to the city of Mysore, inspired by an earlier visit. The encore was an original called 'True Blues'.

Graf and drummer Meinhard Obi Jenne were touring India the third time, whereas pianist Thilo Wagner and bassist Veit Hubner were on their first visit. Mumbai was the last leg of their itinerary, and it was Graf's second time at the NCPA.

The 90-minute show began with 'Azule Serape', written by Victor Feldman and performed in 1960 by the Cannonball Adderley-Nat Adderley Quintet. Another Adderley piece 'I'll Remember April' was played later in the first half. The other known number was Duke Ellington's 'It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)'.

The familiar fare was interspersed with Graf's own compositions like 'Moving On' and the waltzy 'Changes In Life' - the latter appearing along with 'Mysore Suite' on his Live In India album recorded in early 2020. 

All through, the musicians displayed perfect understanding. Graf's playing had the right blend of technical finesse and touch artistry improvisation, and pianist Wagner played the ivories majestically, aided by the tight rhythm section.

The show was a precursor to the NCPA International Jazz Festival 2022, to be held from November 25 to 27. The line-up includes the Mingus Big Band, pianist Monty Alexander and the Thilo Wolf Jazz Quartet. That should be a fantastic experience.


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