This is the story of a Nepali boy from Darjeeling who became the godfather of Indian jazz.
Pushkar Bahadur Budapriti was not only the best trumpet player in Darjeeling of the ‘50s, but he was also an unsparing father every time his son Dambar played a wrong note. When Pushkar became George Banks to gel with the names of his English bandmates, he rechristened Dambar Bahadur Budapriti as Louiz Banks.
George was the best music teacher Louiz could ever hope for, and the most endearing lesson the young Louiz learnt was a three-step process to become a successful musician: imitation, integration and innovation.
The musical journey of Louiz Banks, the Indian counterpart to the modern-day Jazz legends like Herbie Hancock and Chick Correa, spans over five decades and is steeped in surprising twists and turns. Starting his career as a pianist with a band in Kolkata, he first went to Mumbai at the invitation of the musical genius R.D. Burman. Inspired by the opportunities the city presented, Louiz soon made Mumbai home and became the number one music director for advertisements.
Packed with anecdotes shared by the musician himself and those narrated by other musical stalwarts associated with him, the book gives a fascinating insight into life of a dynamic musician who has extended the boundaries of his craft. The book also goes back into the nation’s colonial past to search for the roots of Indian jazz and offers a fascinating glimpse into the socio-political and cultural scenario of the time.
This is a delightful biography of a brilliant musician.
About the Author - ASHIS GHATAK teaches English at a government-aided school in Kolkata. A film and music enthusiast, a photographer and an avid traveller, he has to his credit many academic books and as well as travelogues in various travel magazines.
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