If you venture into the ‘Music@Trincas’ section on the official website of Kolkata’s iconic dining destination, you are met with a nostalgic chronicle of the city’s vibrant cultural history, blending culinary excellence with captivating entertainment. One vivid narrative that stands out takes us back to the year 1963, painting a lively picture of Park Street—Calcutta’s pulsating heart of gastronomic experiences. The tale begins with a young boy, fondly called Little Willie Walters, seated at Magnolia, eager to immerse himself in the delight of ice cream amidst the play of warm city air and the restaurant’s cool air conditioning. As the dessert begins to melt, a soulful three-piece jazz band commands the room with their mesmerizing melodies.
Suddenly, a breathtakingly glamorous woman glides into the scene, her fish-tailed dress trailing behind like an aura that spells Hollywood charm. Her presence is magnetic, enough to capture the attention of everyone around, including young Willie, who is riveted by both his dessert and the surrounding rhythm. This magical juncture is crystallized in Willie’s memory as a defining moment, intertwining the essence of jazz with the serene ambiance of Trincas.
This encounter sowed the seeds for Willie, who, over the years, matured into a distinguished figure in Calcutta’s jazz narrative. His journey as a talented bassist reflects an indelible passion for exploring fresh musical landscapes. Willie Walters, before his recent passing, orchestrated a revival of jazz at Trincas, breathing life into The Willie Walters Quartet in 2022, transforming Saturdays and Sundays into melodious retreats from 1 pm to 3 pm. “Willie had a remarkable knack for uniting a group of musicians who were new to jazz, crafting them into a harmonious ensemble,” remarks Anand Puri, a third-generation restaurateur now guiding Trincas, a legacy that began with his parents’ stewardship in 1959 when they infused live shows into the establishment’s offerings.
Anand underscores that while jazz is currently a conversation starter, its intricate nuances remain elusive to many. “We wanted to make it inviting,” Anand explains. “Focusing on jazz standards ensured a light-hearted atmosphere, fostering a connection for everyone and reigniting the jazz culture in Kolkata. The surge in attendance, nearly doubling our weekend capacity, is testament to jazz’s allure.” This observation is corroborated by the surprisingly robust turnout for these jazz afternoons, despite generally subdued lunchtime vigour on weekends.
Across India, jazz nights—a confluence of style and relaxation—are blossoming at a steady pace.
. Although not a staple at numerous venues, the genre is cultivated for its ability to create serene social atmospheres. In April, a visit to AMPM Kolkata illustrated this trend, noting the burgeoning number of music events despite the lack of a dedicated jazz night. Marketing expert Mahima Awasthy mentions Paddy [Pradyumna Manot], AMPM’s music director, for elevating the venue’s musical legitimacy. “Jazz nights extend a broader appeal, benefiting from the cozy environment bars offer,” Mahima comments.
The Piano Man Jazz Club, established by classically-trained pianist and entrepreneur Arjun Sagar Gupta in 2015, stands as a rare haven for pure jazz enthusiasts in India. Arjun advocates for awareness and accessibility, highlighting that the authentic jazz experience is often eclipsed by its incidental use as background in eateries and pubs. He opened a second venue in Gurugram in 2019 to nurture spaces conducive to true jazz appreciation while tackling systemic hurdles such as fair compensation and professional quality for artists.
Meanwhile, at The Leela Palace Bengaluru’s ZLB23 speakeasy, jazz adds a dynamic layer to their music lineup, blending genres from Bebop to Carnatic Jazz and featuring international groups like MaMoGi. Arjun mentions the need for jazz to mesh with new audiences through familiar, vocal-led pieces that are universally appealing, a strategy mirrored at Trincas.
Yet, the complex journey of sustaining a jazz club is fraught with economic challenges. As Arjun cites logistical constraints at the initial smaller venue in Delhi, transitioning to larger spaces was vital. The expansion underlines their commitment to balancing occupancy rates with financial viability while continuing to evolve their brand.
Veteran jazz singer Sonia Teresa Saigal, based in Pune, voices the disparity in talent and dedication encountered within the jazz scene. She notes a trend where many are drawn to jazz not out of a genuine connection to the music but due to its trendy connotation. Delhi-based Parvati M Krishnan echoes this sentiment, delineating between the superficial appeal and a deeply rooted appreciation for jazz. Parvati, an integral part of the multi-genre band Parvati La Cantante, highlights the necessity for venues to invest genuinely in the jazz culture, ensuring talented musicians are rightfully recognized.
Despite these challenges, the indomitable spirit of jazz continues to enchant, binding generations with its timeless rhythm and expanding its reach across India’s ever-evolving cultural landscape.
