If you take a stroll down memory lane through the ‘Music@Trincas’ section on Kolkata’s well-loved establishment’s official website, you are bound to uncover a treasure trove of stories soaked in the aromas of food and melodies deeply interwoven with the city’s history. Amongst these anecdotes, an intriguing episode from 1963 vividly transports you to Park Street, the throbbing heart of Calcutta’s culinary and entertainment world. Here, a young boy, Little Willie Walters, finds himself perched upon a stool at Magnolia, eagerly devouring his ice cream. The battle between the sultry city air and the air conditioning ensures that his sweet delight begins to melt. As this scene unfolds, a three-piece jazz band gifts the ambiance with soulful tunes, elevating the room’s temperature even more.
Suddenly, a vision—a glamorous woman swathed in a stunning fish-tailed dress—glides effortlessly on the floor, exuding an air of Hollywood charisma that spellbinds all. Her eyes fall upon young Willie, who sits engrossed in the music and his melting ice cream. With a playful wink, she captures a fleeting moment where time itself seems to pause, leaving Willie so astounded that he drops his ice cream. This enchanting encounter plants the seeds of love for jazz within Willie, etching this moment deeply into his soul, linking jazz and Trincas inextricably in his memories—a bond unbeknownst to him at that instant.
Years later, motivated by that unforgettable interaction, Willie Walters would rise to prominence in Calcutta’s illustrious jazz scene. A revered bassist, Willie was always on the lookout, seeking new musical landscapes. Before his recent passing, he played a pivotal role in rekindling jazz at Trincas by introducing The Willie Walters Quartet in 2022, creating spellbinding weekend afternoons filled with jazz melodies between 1 pm and 3 pm. Anand Puri, a third-generation restaurateur and current leader of Trincas since 2019, shares, “It was born out of Willie’s extraordinary knack for orchestrating a group of musicians—those who never played jazz before—into something seamlessly beautiful.” Anand’s ancestral roots run deep with Trincas, with his parents transforming it from a tearoom and bakery into a lively restaurant with floor shows in 1959.
/ An equally compelling narrative unfolds at the bustling Piano Man Jazz Club, a venue that has become synonymous with jazz since its inception in 2015. Spearheaded by classically-trained pianist and entrepreneur Arjun Sagar Gupta, this establishment in India wholly dedicates itself to celebrating jazz.
. Arjun conveys his belief that a music venue’s primary task is to cultivate awareness and provide accessible music experiences. He meticulously defines the evolution of The Piano Man over time: from a cozy jazz club to a series of grander venues spread across different locations, each holding its unique essence of jazz.
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Back in Kolkata, Anand notes the fascination enveloping jazz today, although understanding remains fledgling. Their method to bring jazz nearer to the masses focuses on engaging with jazz standards and cultivating an easy-going atmosphere, ensuring resonance with everyone. This intuitive revival at Kolkata turned Sunday afternoons into cherished experiences, showcasing that jazz could indeed sway the city’s cultural rhythm—doubling weekend occupancy rates at Trincas, a genuine testament to jazz’s irresistible allure.
Meanwhile, jazz-infused nights are increasingly flavoring the ambience across Indian locales—bars and restaurants sprinkled with notes of this ageless genre are sprouting, albeit not always centered around dedicated jazz nights. During a nostalgic visit to my hometown in April, I visited AMPM Kolkata, a cocktail haven that has quickly established itself in less than two years. Though acoustical refinement remains a work in progress, the sheer burgeoning of musical events therein is admirable. My friend and Kolkata resident Mahima Awasthy, also a marketing consultant, lauded Paddy [Pradyumna Manot], the venue’s music director, for instilling credibility and charm into the venue’s music calendar. “Each jazz night draws an extensive audience, thanks to its universal appeal,” Mahima quips, highlighting the cozy cocktail bar’s ideal synergy with jazz’s intimacy.
In Pune, the enduring jazz vocalist Sonia Teresa Saigal reflects on the vibrant pool of new talent swirling around, offering insights on the authenticity—or lack thereof—in jazz performances among novices. “True comprehension of jazz is imperative. Otherwise, it feels less authentic,” she remarks, advocating for an alignment in musical intent. Meanwhile, New Delhi’s Parvati M Krishnan, at the helm of the band Parvati La Cantante, illuminates two parallel worlds of jazz: one drawn in by its social clout, the other for pure passion and appreciation.
Thus unfolds a tale of jazz’s resurgent renaissance across India—a musical saga reaffirming its timeless grip on both seasoned devotees and burgeoning enthusiasts—though challenges persist in reinforcing a supportive ecosystem for this culturally rich art form to flourish unimpededly. As jazz continues to leave imprints on diverse urban hearts, its enchanting notes herald a promising era where music weaves closer bonds, stitching transformative experiences across generations.
