A Jazzy Evening with Mohai's Trio

Mohai's Trio – a jazz group based in Dhaka – presented their music publicly for the first time at an event titled "Jazz in Charukola" on the evening of April 23 at Bokultola of the Faculty of Fine Arts (Charukola), University of Dhaka. The event was sponsored by Berger and Space Group. 

Mohai's Trio, formed just last month, is led by Mohaimin Karim on the bass, with Imran Ahmed on the guitars and Arjo Shrestho on the drum. Although they are not new to the music scene in general, this was their first performance as a jazz trio.

The show was scheduled to start at 7 p.m. but keeping with the traditions, it got delayed by a short while. Despite a slow beginning that confused the untrained ears, the group picked up momentum soon. Their hour-long set took the eager listeners on a musical journey with both funky and soothing tunes – some tracks picking up pace and slowing down in a matter of moments. The band performed two Chick Corea songs, Armando's Rhumba and Spain, while the rest of the set list consisted of their original compositions Ballad Unnamed, Ni-Fi, Tiles of Times, PTO to 35 and Ballad in 3.

Renowned Bangladeshi artist and media personality Mustafa Monwar graced the event with his presence. He said that he was impressed by the music of Mohai's Trio. He also mentioned that jazz music was quite similar to the classical instrumental music of our region, as it's often improvised with a theme in mind.

Speaking highly of Mohai's Trio, he said, "There's camaraderie among the trio. Their music is spontaneous but not chaotic." He thanked them for their endeavour of practicing this difficult genre in Bangladesh. He advised them to incorporate Bangladeshi folk tunes in their jazz music and wished them all the best for the future to which Imran said that such things are already in the making.

The frontman of the trio, Mohaimin Karim, commented, "To be honest, we were a bit disappointed with ourselves for not being able to take what we experienced together in the practice room to the stage. But we got to learn a lot about our sound and how we want it to be. This was an amazing experience for us. We didn't expect such a huge turnout." 

He also informed that Mohai's Trio may not be active throughout the year as the drummer, Arjo, studies abroad, and since this is a trio, everyone has a vital role to play. But Mohaimin promised that they'll keep coming back every now and then to satiate the crowds with their jazz. 

For those exposed to a jazz concert for the first time, it was a pleasant experience that encourages further exploration of this musical genre. From dreamy eyed, relaxing euphonies to groovy, upbeat tunes that make you want to dance – Mohai's Trio covered it all in their performance, leaving the audience asking for more by the end of the show. 

Arman R. Khan is an engineer, a caffeine addict, a dreamer and a culture enthusiast who takes life one day at a time. Follow him on Instagram @arman_rk or on fb.com/arman.r.khan