‘Dhaka Standard-Volume 1’: A harmonious fusion of Bengali and Jazz music

A pioneering jazz group hailing from Bangladesh, has made waves in the music industry with their highly anticipated album, "Dhaka Standard-Volume 1". The group's aim is to bridge the gap between two distinct genres, Bangla and jazz, by reconstructing iconic songs from renowned Bengali artists such as Rabindranath Thakur, Kazi Nazrul Islam, and Satyajit Ray.

On July 8, they delighted audiences with a captivating Jazz Night at Satori Meditations, offering a glimpse into the magic that awaited listeners on their album. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as the group demonstrated their prowess, leaving the audience eagerly awaiting the official album launch.

The grand unveiling of the album took place on July 14 and 15 at Alliance Française de Dhaka, where it was presented to music enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs. The album launch events were a testament to the group's dedication to sharing their unique sound with the world, as they performed the reconstructed melodies from the album live on stage. The performances showcased the impeccable synergy among the musicians and their ability to bring forth the essence of Bangla and jazz in a harmonious blend.

The group's dedication to reviving and reinventing traditional Bangla melodies through the lens of jazz has brought a fresh perspective to the music landscape in Bangladesh. "Dhaka Standard -Volume 1" is an invitation to embrace the fusion of cultures and the boundless possibilities that arise when diverse musical traditions intertwine.

The brainchild of talented musicians from diverse backgrounds, Dhaka Standard breathes new life into traditional folk tunes deeply rooted in Bengali culture. By applying the principles of American jazz, which involves transforming and reharmonizing popular melodies, the group has created a unique sound that captivates listeners and inspires a renewed appreciation for jazz music in Bangladesh.

In a recent interview, Tanveer Haque, a member of the group, shared the group's motivation behind this ambitious project. He explained that their intention is to encourage Bangladeshi people to embrace jazz music by presenting familiar melodies from their own musical heritage. Drawing a parallel with the tradition of American jazz musicians, who reimagined Broadway and movie tunes, Dhaka Standard seeks to preserve and reinterpret Bangla melodies to create something fresh and distinct.

One of the main challenges faced by the group was merging the distinct musical systems of Bangla and jazz. Giordi Frederick, a pianist with extensive experience, admitted to initial apprehension due to his Western music training. However, he approached the project with honor and dedication, aiming to blend the two genres in an organic and harmonious manner. The result is a seamless fusion that doesn't sound contrived but rather feels like a natural collaboration between Bangla and jazz.

The decision to reconstruct songs from revered Bengali artistes such as Rabindranath Thakur, Kazi Nazrul Islam, and Satyajit Ray was a deliberate one. Towfiq Arifin, the drummer and producer, expressed admiration for Satyajit Ray's cultural impact and the groundbreaking music featured in his films. The group carefully selected melodies, such as "Dheko Re Nayan Mele," "Timiro Moyo Nibiro Nisha," "Firiya Jodi Se Ashe," and "Anandadhara," and infused them with jazz elements. Through the meticulous process of reharmonization, Dhaka Standard has given these timeless classics a fresh perspective, allowing them to resonate with a new generation of music lovers.

Collaboration was key to the success of Dhaka Standard's album. Each member, including Rebecca An on flute, Matthew Banks on clarinet, David Spencer on trumpet, Keinjahrhae McCarthy on alto sax, Rahin Haider on tenor sax, Apurba Mustafa on trombone, Imran Ahmed on guitar, Tanveer Haque on bass, and Towfiq Arifin on drums, contributed their expertise and dedication to bring the project to life. Despite the logistical challenges of remote recording, the musicians overcame the physical distance and poured their hearts into the album.

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As Dhaka Standard's first volume, this album is only the beginning of their musical journey. With their talent, dedication, and unwavering passion for pushing the boundaries of art, the group promises to captivate audiences and leave an indelible mark on the Bangla and jazz music scenes.