An evening high on jazz funk in Delhi

The Australian High Commission lawn came alive with instrumental jazz-funk soundscapes recently as the Melbourne-based band Surprise Chef, performed for a gathering of diplomats and jazz lovers.

"Yumalundi to all - hello and welcome - in the indigenous language of people settled in Canberra. I use the term today to show our respects to the indigenous population back home, in India and around the world," said, Philip Green, High Commissioner of Australia as he addressed the audience and welcomed the band. Adding, "I am jazz guy! The band plays a chilled-out, rich version of jazz and it is perfect for a evening like this."

From playings OG tracks like All News is Good News and Daylight Savings to Washing Days, their take to instrumental soul and funk music - marked by punchy drum beats, guitar sounds and keys - had the audience swaying and dancing too.

Surprise Chef's day out in Delhi
Before their performance at the High Commission, the boys were treated to Indian food and they spent some time picking up vinyls at a record store in Delhi.

Lachlan Stuckey, the lead guitarist, said, "The band loves vinyl music, especially Bollywood soundtracks and film scores from the '70s. We love Asha Bhosle and RD Burman's music. Going into that shop and being able to experience that music, that is hard to find in a record studio in Australia, was great. I love how Bollywood scores used to have one or two songs influenced by American funk or disco, and the way artistes approached it, made the music inherently different. This is something our band relates to, as we sit in Australia and make our jazz music."


Hudson Whitlock, the percussionist, said, "Our experience in India has been exceptional so far. We love Indian food, and tried the Bihari cuisine at a Delhi cafe on our first day here. I particularly loved the masala lemonade, something I tried for the first time."

To honour the diplomatic effort, the band concluded their set with an original track, titled Friendship. "It was a super evening!" remarked Australian High Commissioner Philip Green as he clinked his glass to appreciate the jazz band. Adding, "Apart from jazz, I love Indian classical music. I attended a music festival on the ghats of Varanasi and that got me really interested in Indian traditional music. It's very immersive."

The band recently concluded the day 2 of Jazz Weekender.

Pics: Lokesh Kashyap