Sandeep Chowta and his Magicians cast a spell in Bangalore!

It's very rarely that we come across any real musical programs in India. Now do not be amazed by what I mean to say as real. Almost all music programs are "shows" other than classical music concerts. Many of them cater to the general mass with all the general masala ingredients like cinematic dances, long boring bhashans, and substandard mimicry. Very rarely do you see standard programs. Sandeep Chowta's "Bunny Brunel and the jazz all stars" was like having a three hour ayurvedic massage which left me fresh and wanting more unlike all the allopathic medicines which leave you with long lasting side effects. I reached St. Johns with my brother at 6.30 P.M hoping to see Sandeep before the program. His brother Ashok, welcomed us and invited us to be seated in the hall and see the sound check. The rehearsal itself left me spell bound and was an indication of what was to come. Sandeep was totally busy with the sound engineer. I managed to see him just before the program and he recognized me and shook his hands when I wished him the best. It was unlike any normal programs. No one came on to give any bhashan. The Jazz greats came on to the stage like energetic school boys, picked up their instruments and started playing! We both were seated in the third row and had the best sight of the artists. After that it was all three hours of ecstasy! I should say that I have never ever seen such a level of music being played live before in my whole life. Such was the mastery of each one on their respective instruments! I was mesmerized by Bunny's charm, Frank's speed, Virgil Donati's invisible hands and legs, and Michell Forman's flying fingers. They cast a deep spell on the audience which was clapping and enjoying every bit of what they played. Bunny was playing without any score! They all complimented each other so wonderfully. This is what we have to learn. In our jugalbandis we often see artists trying to gobble the other one! There was so much space for each one of them to show their mastery. They were real monsters! Even Sonu Kakkar who sang two songs quite well was over shadowed by their enormous spell. She seemed as if in their charm! When they suddenly ended the program and went off the stage, everyone was on their feet asking and begging them to come back. They obliged and finally Sandeep came in the end to say thanks to all. Sandeep, I bow before your sincerity, hard work and love for real unadulterated music of this kind and no words can convey my admiration to what I experienced there. It was the rare of rarest music programs that I have seen and heard in my life where music and music only was supreme. It requires hours and hours of dedication and hard work for translating such a dream to reality. Sandeep, you are the true musician! I thank you for inviting me to see your dream being fulfilled. The Bear hug you gave me in the end told it all!

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