Since its formation, Manjit Singh’s Indo-Jazz Fusion group Takadimi has appeared a number of times at the CJC (Creative Jazz Club). With each appearance there have been varying instrumental configurations and often, new musicians. Each version felt like a natural evolution, arising out what went before, and with each iteration, new possibilities were explored. Until recently, Takadimi has been an instrumental group.

Last year, bandleader Singh brought his wife Daljeet Kaur to the bandstand. The group was ‘Haines, Crayford, Singh’ and it was immediately obvious that she would become a regular fixture. She is classically trained in the Northern-Indian vocal traditions, but like her husband, has an open approach to music. Last time she accompanied herself on harmonium, but this time her focus was the vocals. With her contributions, the sound leaned closer to the Indian traditions, and challenges like that are always relished by good improvisers.  

Since arriving in New Zealand and studying Jazz, Manjit Singh has become a popular figure on the scene. He is highly regarded by visiting Indian Classical musicians and features often at cultural festivals. Jazz audiences will recall Shakti or the Trilok Gurtu bands and with McLoughlin and Gurtu numbers turning up on his setlist, that tradition is honoured. These fit nicely with his own compositions and it is good to see these seldom-performed fusion standards played. Because the tabla set up was so perfectly mic’d, we were able to hear the subtleties and the harmonics. It is such a lovely instrument and when played by a musician of this calibre, it sings. 

Apart from Singh on tablas, there has been one constant in the various lineups, keyboardist Alan Brown. When putting together such a band it would be impossible to overlook Brown. His abiding interest in the multiple forms of improvised music characterises his journey, and his adventurous explorations are always matched by superb musicianship and an intuitive understanding of mood. When he embarks on a project he brings commitment.  Bravely, he counted talas with Singh and in addition to his usual keyboards, he added piano this time. 

Unlike previous bands, there was no longer a kit drummer and the upright bass of previous lineups had been replaced by electric bass. Alto saxophonist Charlie Isdale was new and he doubled on electric fiddle. Isdale has an instinctive feel for this music and I suspect that he has studied traditional Indian forms at some level. Although he performed mostly on saxophone, the fiddle also worked well. I am reminded of the astonishing contributions that L. Shankar contributed to fusion bands. The McLoughlin number benefitted from the addition and I hope that this is developed further. Bass player Mostyn Cole was also a good inclusion. It was obvious that he was enjoying himself. He anchored the sound and along the way delivered some tasteful solos.

This was a great show and we were fortunate it occurred, as a lockdown was only a few days away. There was talk of Takadimi going on tour, but with current restrictions I suspect that is still undecided. If the band does tour, I recommend that you catch them. 

JazzLocal32.com was rated as one of the 50 best Jazz Blogs in the world by Feedspot. The author is a professional member of the Jazz Journalists Association. Many of these posts appear on Radio13.co.nz – check it out.