While Goa's music scene is rich in a variety of traditional styles, jazz also holds a special place in the local entertainment landscape, making you reflect on its unique sounds.
So, have you ever paused and wondered what is it that powers the saxophone, the drums or the melodies of a musician?
Well, to find out the answer to that and more, let’s explore the world of Jazzmatazz, a jazz trio that has stolen the hearts of many through their music in English and Konkani.
INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL INFLUENCES
The trio’s sounds are deeply rooted in traditional jazz, which have strong influences from bebop and bossa nova. As a trio, their influences are diverse and reflect their individual musical journeys.
Clifton Atonacio Sequeira, who plays the electronic keyboard, flute, clarinet and piano, draws inspiration from jazz legends, such as Thelonious Monk, Dave Brubeck and Herbie Hancock, while also being influenced by classical composers like Claude Debussy and Bach.
Jazzmatazz was born organically — their first performance together was on International Jazz Day, April 30, 2022, where the response from the audience was overwhelmingly positive. That first concert sparked the inspiration and momentum for them to continue performing together as a trio.
Swizel Costa’s vocal style is shaped by icons such as Ella Fitzgerald, Norah Jones, Sonny Rollins, Cannonball Adderley and the innovative Jacob Collier.
On the other hand, Sreenath Srinivasan, the drummer, is influenced by groove masters, Horace Silver, Max Roach, Bill Stewart and Brian Blade. He also draws a lot from the emotional depth and melodic richness of vintage Bollywood music — artistes Hemant Kumar, Geeta Dutt and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
We believe deeply in studying the roots of jazz to stay true to its spirit and to play with authenticity. This grounding gives us the freedom to explore and express ourselves, while remaining connected to the rich heritage of the music.Swizel Costa, vocalist, Jazzmatazz
CELEBRATING THREE YEARS OF JAZZMATAZZ
Jazzmatazz was born organically — their first performance together was on International Jazz Day, April 30, 2022, where the response from the audience was overwhelmingly positive.
That first concert sparked the inspiration and momentum for them to continue performing together as a trio.
Since then, they’ve grown in sound and chemistry, and this year’s performance on April 30 marked their third anniversary, says Clifton, who also plays the flute and clarinet.
“We believe deeply in studying the roots of jazz to stay true to its spirit and to play with authenticity,” says Swizel, who also plays the violin and saxophone.
She adds, “This grounding gives us the freedom to explore and express ourselves, while remaining connected to the rich heritage of the music. Alongside jazz standards, we also enjoy rearranging classic Konkani tunes in the jazz idiom — bringing a local flavour into the language of jazz and bridging cultures through music.”
A JOURNEY TO CHERISH
The trio is close knit and believe it is the perfect format for them as it offers a beautiful balance of space, intimacy and interplay.
“Each member carries a significant role, there’s no room to hide, and that brings out the best in us. Clifton, for instance, takes on the dual responsibility of playing harmony and bass on the piano, a commendable feat that anchors our sound,” says Sreenath.
The trio setting allows them to listen deeply to each other, respond in the moment and stretch out as soloists and as accompanists.
“There’s a constant conversation happening, musically and emotionally, and that makes the experience deeply rewarding — not just for us, but for the listener as well,” says Sreenath.
Each member carries a significant role, there’s no room to hide, and that brings out the best in us. Clifton, for instance, takes on the dual responsibility of playing harmony and bass on the piano, a commendable feat that anchors our sound.Sreenath Srinivasan, drummer, Jazzmatazz
FUTURE OF JAZZ
Goa does have venues which cater to jazz music. “We're fortunate to have several venues that host jazz performances, helping to keep the jazz scene alive. Not only do we have a loyal local fan base, but we’ve also built connections with many tourists who continue to attend our gigs when they visit other cities,” says Swizel.
While in Goa, the band regularly performs at Mojigao, Artjuna, Izumi and The Second House.
Swizel is optimistic about the future of jazz in Goa, “It’s not just about performance, but also about education. As passionate educators, we strive to introduce our students to jazz and inspire the next generation of musicians," says she.
"With more education and exposure, the jazz scene in Goa will only continue to grow,” she concludes.