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The Hindu : Jazz might have originated in America but is today a global cultural phenomenon.With the Jazz Utsavs in Mumbai and Delhi growing popular by the year and revealing an emergent Indian jazz sensibility — both in the musician and the enthusiast — it was time Bangalore experienced it too. Especially with the city not having witnessed a full-fledged festival of the kind last seen in the Jazz Yatras of the early ’90s.Thus the two-night “Indigo and Blues International Jazz and Blues” extravaganza at the Jayamahal Palace Hotel, featuring around 50 artists in almost a dozen acts, duly whetted the city enthusiast’s appetite for more. And what’s more, producers Radio Indigo promised to have this at least once a year.Guitarist Amit Heri and Carnatic vocalist Rama Mani’s interactions showcased exquisite ‘Indian jazz’ subtleties. Held together by the indomitable duo of Adrian D’Souza on drums and Karl Peters on bass, the Amit Heri group was as definitive as ever with sprightly funk grooves, gripping harmonies, and interactive solo improvisations.Adrian D’ Souza’s virtuosity on his kit shone through commendably in his many performances: Global Unity, Amit Heri Group and Kaya Quartet. His non self-indulgent but clear jazz drumming for the most part made him the ideal team-man. His support for jazz-guitarist Sanjay Divecha in the Global Unity trio was especially interactive with Divecha easily being nudged into his own virtuoso solos.The Barracuda Blues Band, quickly gaining reputation for their authentic treatment of the blues, dished out some heady classics “Mustang Sally” and “Stormy Monday”. Radha Thomas’s blues vocals provided the Gerard Machado Network with a soulful spin to their jazz-rock compositions. Bass players K. N. Prakash (Gerard Machado Network), Karl Peters (Global Unity and Amit Heri Group) and Keith Peters (Kaya Quartet) were all cool and complex in their approach typical of jazz bassists, with some serious exuberance both in their comping and soloing. Saxophonist Matt Littlewood, with his…More