The Evolution of Indo-Jazz Music

Indo-jazz has long been subject to misconceptions. Though it reached its zenith in the 1970s and is primarily associated with John Coltrane, the roots of Indo-Jazz stretch back to the mid-1950s when a small group of jazz musicians began to experiment with Indian pop music.

Ravi Shankar playing the sitar I Source: NPR

In the 1920s, jazz music gained popularity in the United States, particularly among African Americans. Since its inception, jazz has expanded not only in its appeal but also in its recognition. Jazz is often recognised as lounge music or the backdrop for commercials. It can evoke thoughts of the tunes played at the dentist's office or the background melodies in elevators.Jazz, originating in the black community, has reached diverse corners of the globe, from the small Louisiana city of New Orleans to Paris, Cape Town, India, and beyond. While rooted in the black community, jazz resonated with individuals of various racial backgrounds. Pioneered by musicians like Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, and Ella Fitzgerald, jazz found its way into non-black cultures through artists like Yusef Lateef, John Mayer, and Ashwin Batish.

The radio played a pivotal role in bringing jazz music to the lives of ordinary people. The captivating sounds of John Coltrane, Ravi Shankar, and Zakir Hussain captivated thousands of listeners who tuned in not only to connect with music but also with radio jockeys and fellow jazz enthusiasts. Jazz luminaries like Leon Abbey, Roy Butler, and Teddy Weatherford performed across India, introducing the rhythm and beats of jazz to the country's elite while delighting visiting dignitaries. A band introduced by Leon Abbey in Bombay in 1935 eventually became a local favourite. Jazz quickly found its place in ballrooms and nightclubs, offering Europeans an escape from the rising anti-colonial sentiments outside. Elites, aristocrats, and members of the Indian government embraced the jazz scene, particularly in Bombay's Taj Mahal Hotel ballroom.

At a crucial juncture in Indian history, more and more female artists broke away from traditional roles, and this shift was palpable in the music industry. Musicians like Jyotsna Srikanth and the Lalitha & Nandini combo created some of the era's finest Indo-Jazz music, paving the way for future female artists. By the 1970s, India saw a diverse array of Jazz genres emerge, driven by an increase in music enthusiasts and composers. Ravi Shankar's "Ravi Shankar Raga Parameshwari," a classic album, stood as an apex of Indo-Jazz music. The fusion of Jazz, a subgenre, gained traction thanks to Ashwin Batish's "Sitar Power 1 - Fusion of Rock and Indian Music." The album "Violin Concerto No. 1" by John Henry Basil Mayer exemplified Indo-Jazz fusion.

Musicians Louis Banks and Rudresh Mahanthappa I Source: Google

Much like jazz itself, the true trailblazers of music often don't receive the recognition they deserve. Louis Banks and Rudresh Mahanthappa were the real pioneers of jazz music, and their influence resonates to this day. Banks played a vital role in popularising Modern jazz, a distinct subgenre. "Miles from India" by Banks, a prominent modern jazz album, reshaped public perceptions of jazz music. He consistently collaborated with other jazz vocalists, composers, songwriters, and musicians to advance jazz and uplift the community. In contrast to Rudresh Mahanthappa, Banks harnessed traditional Indian instruments such as the ghatam and thavil to infuse traditional jazz melodies with a unique twist. Tracks like "The Windup," "Ring of Fire," and "Sadness," from Mahanthappa's album "Hero Trio" gradually ascended to the Boston Globe's list of top jazz albums in 2020. Just like the music they crafted, these jazz legends merit greater acclaim.