Monday Blues at The Big Ben, Kenilworth Kolkata
Monday 26 July 2010. 8 PM – 10 PM
The Big Ben, Kenilworth – Kolkata, home of the celebrated and nationally acclaimed Friday Night Live shows that have changed the face of musical performances and defined live music trends in Kolkata over the last year, now ventures into the past to revive one of the cities most celebrated musical eras. Monday Blues, a weekly Monday evening show is conceptualized by the creative production company Littlei which is also responsible for the Friday Night Live performances. The concept, derived from the very successful Jazz and Blues performances at FNL, draws a parallel to the 70s when these genres defined the sound and vibe of the Calcutta lifestyle. Monday Blues is supported by Congo Square, the hosts of the renowned Congo Square Jazz Festival as well as the French cultural division of Alliance Française.
The transition from Swing to Bop happened in the late 30s (38 – 39) by a young guitar genius Charlie Christian who died at the age of 22. This however was taken up by a group of highly talented musicians like Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk – Max Roach and others and during the early experimental sessions at the Minton’s in Harlem came to be known as Be Bop Jazz. The most challenging form of music from all angles. Harmonically – technically – lyrically or from any other form. It soon revolutionized the world. Be Bop Jazz still remains authentic in form and this movement is the mainstay of our music which we have been trying to promote for many years mainly through myself and the devoted Nondon Bagchi. We have had many changes in the Carlton Kitto Ensemble and at one point the Carlton Kitto Big Band; we hope to go on keeping Be Bop alive in India and hope all you Jazz lovers will help us in this endeavor.
– Carlton Kitto
THE CARLTON KITTO ENSEMBLE
♫ Carlton Kitto on Guitars
Carlton Kitto is the uncrowned king of Jazz, not only in his city but throughout India since his legendary performances at venues on Park Street in the 70s.
♫ Nondon Bagchi on Drums
Nondon Bagchi started playing in December 1968, thus completing 42 years of playing professionally with some of India’s biggest rock, jazz and fusion bands.
He’s currently the centripetal force behind Kolkata’s favorite retro-rock outfit Hip Pocket as drummer and vocalist. Also known for being a well published food critic and accomplished cook, Nondon Bagchi is one of Kolkata’s most active and beloved music personalities.
♫ Debabrata ‘Bapai’ Mitra on Keys
Debabrata Mitra a self taught jazz pianist, is one of the most accomplished jazz musicians in the country. He has played with a wide variety of musicians, including outfits from abroad, over the last three decades. He is also a master composer, arranger and band leader specialising in jazz and jazz-oriented music.
♫ Mainak ‘Bumpy’ Nag Chowdhury on Bass
Mainak Nag Chowdhury, also known as ‘Bumpy’ in the national and international music scene, have worked extensively as a bass player and music producer in countries like China, Belgium, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Indonesia, United Kingdom, United States and United Arab Emirates apart from performing across the length and readth of India.
Of some of my performance venues are the internationally acclaimed venues of Palace De Bozar (Brussels), The Vortex (London), La Prato (Lille), Trubador (London), The British Museum(London), University of East Anglia(Norwich), Puskin Room (London), Lincoln Room (USIS kolkata), A trane (Berlin), The Big Ben (Kolkata), Someplace Else (Kolkata), The Blue Frog (Mumbai), Olive beach (Bangalore), Indian Habitat Centre (New Delhi), San Jose McEnery Convention Center (San Jose), B flat(Berlin), Indian Embassy (Berlin), The Pasaraya Convention Centre (Jakarta), Cafe Morrison (New Delhi), Hard Rock Cafe (Mumbai), ICIF2010 (Shenzhen), Opus (Pune), NCPA (Mumbai) among many others.
This is a walk in event. Infolines: 9830296942/9830046963.
Free Entry, No Cover Charge (Pub rules apply: no shorts or open toed footwear for gents)
