India’s tryst with Jazz

‘Taj Mahal Foxtrot’, a book written by Naresh Fernandes tells the story of famous, talented and now forgotten jazz musicians. Before independence, several musicians from the USA came to Indian cities like Bombay (now Mumbai) and Calcutta (now Kolkata). They played in the ballrooms of five-star hotels and famous clubs.

The musicians, who were mostly blacks, were inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and came here to escape the racial discrimination prevalent in their country. Teddy Weatherford, an accomplished pianist played alongside Louis Armstrong back in the USA. 

He was fond of India as there was no discrimination on the basis of colour here. He died of cholera in Kolkata and his funeral was attended by around 40,000 people. Sadly, after his death, neither people nor historians remember him. Naresh’s book narrates the tales of such forgotten artistes. Some other famous jazz musicians of the time were Cricket Smith, Leon Abbey and Cas McFord.

Some Indian musicians who became popular during the era were Rudy Cotton, a Parsi, whose real name was Kawas Khatau and Chic Chocolate, a Goan whose real name was Antonio Xavier Vaz. Chic imitated Louis Armstrong and his meeting with Mahatma Gandhi inspired him to play in Indian style.

Jazz was used in Hindi films also. Some jazz musicians worked in the growing Hindi film industry. Chic Chocolate helped C. Ramachandran in composing music. Remember, ‘Shola Jo Bhadke’ from the film ‘Albela’ and ‘Eena Meena Deeka’ from the film ‘Aasha’. The trumpet in the background was played by Chic and was typically a fusion of Indian popular and jazz music.

There are several other interesting facts in the book.  He has written the stories of musicians who are never mentioned in books. It is a treasure for Jazz aficionados, musicians and historians.