INDIA: Chennai home to Madhav Chari, India's most celebrated jazz musician

Music with integrity inspires me: Madhav Chari

There's a misconception that Chennai is known only for its classical traditions in music. But the city is home to Madhav Chari, India's most celebrated jazz musician.

Taking off from the spirit of authentic New Orleans jazz and Parisian street musicians, who captivate a live audience, the musician has been playing an important role in popularizing jazz in Chennai. He opens up on the jazz scene here and in India.

PERPETUALLY BUSY
Practice. That is more important in many ways than the performances or workshops. But in the meantime, I was able to get jazz music to a wider audience via an outreach program that targeted a general public as well as college students.

OF MUSIC SCENES
I really do not think any city in India really knows jazz music as compared to a metropolis like Paris or NYC. Even if Mumbai seems to be ahead in audience participation, I feel the gap in terms of audience can be easily closed. There is no real jazz scene in India: it has to be built up. A serious scene can start only if three things come together synergistically; an audience that wants high quality jazz, musicians who can deliver it and avenues for performance - by clubs or concert promoters.

RHYTHM DIVINE
Any music that speaks to me with integrity, inspires me. Bob Marley's reggae, the blues of Clapton or BB King, tango of Astor Piazzolla, classical music of Chopin played well, older Carnatic of Madurai Mani Iyer and Palghat Mani Iyer, the gospel group Take 6, folkloric Afro-Cuban music, in fact most music across the planet.
TIMES OF INDIA