Trilok Gurtu and Nils Petter Molvaer Live in France

In this concert at the Jazz en Baie Festival in France, Trilok Gurtu showcases the curiosity and flair that have made him one of global music’s foremost ‘beat scientists.’ The Indian maestro grew up playing percussion and developed an interest in drum-kit jazz as a young adult, learning Western styles on top of his absorbed traditions. He taught himself by ear and, unaware of overdubbing, attempted to play every part he could hear. This unusual approach prompted him to attempt live sequences most musicians wouldn’t dream of, and gave him a rare depth and versatility. 

Here, he is joined by special guest Nils Petter Molvaer, the Norweigan trumpeter and pioneer of so-called future jazz, a style that blends in electronic music. His tone is both impressive and daring throughout, supported brilliantly by Tulug Tirpan on piano and Jonathan Cunado on double bass. They play as a quartet until the midway point, when Gurtu takes over, delivering a set-piece that toes the line perfectly between avant-garde and accessible – he taps all manner of skins and employs shakers, percussive singing styles (Indian Konnakol) and even buckets of water. It’s a mysterious tour de force that pulls you in without ever quite revealing its magic.