UK-based Brian Molley Quartet Jazz band, which is on its first India tour in collaboration with Rajasthan's renowned folk musicians recently presented a 'East meets West' mesmerising fusion performance here.
Terming the collaboration with performers of recently held Jodhpur's Rajasthan International Folk Festival as working of "open minded musicians", Scottish composer Brian Molley says there could be nothing great than exploring other forms of music.
"There are obvious differences between the two forms of music. But while working together, we have been able to find a lot of similarities too. We tried creating music together and wish that music work," says Molley.
The quartet, comprising Molley on soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone, Mario Caribe on double bass and, Stuart Brown on drums and a pianist gave a performance at Taj Mahal Hotel here.
About playing a fusion of traditional tunes and contemporary textures, the saxophonist Molley says "the idea is to promote both forms of music among the masses".
"Started in America, Jazz too is essentially a folk music. By blending it with Rajasthani folk music, what we are doing here is promoting both. There is some real possibility of giving some great music doing this," he says.
The musician admitted that over the years jazz had gone through a lot of changes.
"Jazz has influences from across the world. But sadly there is an elitist attitude attached to it. Everyone should lend a hand and make sure that it reaches the masses. Events like these are steps is the same direction," he says.
On his first ever trip to India, Molley says he is very excited to experience so many cultures co-existing in one place.
"Food and culture are two big things for me. And coming here has been a life changing experience. I wish this is my first of many trips in India," says the musician.
The quartet on its debut tour has performances in Jodhpur, Delhi, Kolkata and Bengaluru.
