Performances by Grammy-nominated musicians and bands

The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) is bringing the International Jazz Festival this year, with Grammy-nominated musicians performing to create some of the finest and highest standard Jazz, Mumbai has ever heard. The festival will begin on November 25th with The Mingus Big Band, followed by Monty Alexander on November 26th and Thilo Wolf Jazz Quartett featuring Johanna Iser on November 27th.

The Mingus Dynasty performed at NCPA in 2019, and the repertory group The Mingus Big Band will perform on the first day of the festival, The band is a 14-piece ensemble comprised of some of the most technically skilled and creatively expressive musicians, varying from veterans to rising stars. The band has 11 recordings to its name, 6 of which were nominated for Grammys and won in 2011. The Mingus Big Band will be celebrating music by composer Charles Mingus, who died in 1979.

Monty Alexander, a Jamaican music legend, will present a musical depiction of his journey from the sounds and rhythms of his native Jamaica to the classic tradition of America's Jazz on the second day. A fateful encounter with Frank Sinatra, the most sought-after performer of the 1960s, will be the subject of this musical story.

The Jazz festival will be concluded with the Thilo Wolf Jazz Quartett with Johanna Iser, Johanna Iser is a rising star in the jazz world. Along with pianist Thilo Wolf, the International Jazz Festival will feature Norbert Nagel (reeds), Christian Diener (bass), and Jean-Paul Höchstädter (drums). The Thilo Wolf Quartett provides authentic, intelligent, finely structured swing that is rousingly played and harmoniously built on one another. The ensemble has also worked with some of Germany's most prestigious symphonic orchestras.

Khushroo Suntook, Chairman, NCPA, said, "The artists performing this year are The Mingus Big Band, Monty Alexander – Jamaica to Jazz, and The Thilo Wolf Jazz Quartett, have set a high standard of excellence in jazz music being played today. It is an honor for us to have the wonderful Grammy-nominated musicians perform their pieces at NCPA and we look forward."

Mumbai-born Multi-talented Artiste Brian Tellis, who has a distinguished background in radio, theater, and music, will be hosting The International Jazz Festival.