Jazzy notes for longing souls

Matt Littlewood on saxophone, Alaap Raja on bass guitar and Suresh Bascara or the Matt Littlewood Trio, performed at the venue for a select crowd. The trio regaled the audience with a mix of original compositions like Fallen from Grace and covers like John Coltrane’s My Favourite Things.   

Some diners opted for the benches by the bar as opposed to tables. These were the seats closest to the musicians, and everybody knows music is never merely about the ears. Watching Matt gently coax the saxophone, or  Alaap’s fingers fly across the guitar or Suresh energetically pound the drums into submission, was as much visual treat as an auditory one.

While Matt set the pace and Suresh was impeccable, the night belonged to Alaap. Bass guitarists rarely get their due. They usually tend to stand hunched over their guitars, huddled in a corner. They are rarely the person with the spotlight on them. This evening though, the focus was clearly on Alaap. The bass and drums duets were the best part of a excellent musical night. The deep bass grooves he offered were at the heart of the evening’s success.

Matt playing his shiny, golden saxophone lived up to the hype and expectation surrounding him. His second CD titled Invitations featuring Mishko M’ba and Suresh Bascara is due for release soon. Suresh, who
offers a ready smile and looks utterly calm minus the drumsticks, is an explosion on drums.

The Mediterranean ambience, tiny sparkly lights and flickering candles
offered a setting that was almost perfect for a jazz evening. There was however a disappointing lack of enthusiasm from some diners.