Norway Jazz band enthralls Manipuris

Despite the disturbance in Manipur, people dont lose zest and keep organizing events to enliven normal life. Recently, a Jazz band Solid, came all the way from Norway to preform here.The physical distance and cultural differences separating Norway and Manipur seemed to melt away when they performed in the state.

By Hempi D. HenpilenImphal, Dec 1 : Despite the disturbance in Manipur, people don't lose zest and keep organizing events to enliven normal life. Recently, a Jazz band "Solid", came all the way from Norway to preform here.The physical distance and cultural differences separating Norway and Manipur seemed to melt away when they performed in the state.

The Jazz band took the audience to new heights of ecstasy seen once in while in the state. "To show them some of the music, which they have never heard before, some kind of music of which they don't have an access to," said Bjorn Vidar Solli, a guitarist.

Hakon Mjaset Johansen, a drummer said, "I feel very much welcomed by the people. I am not sure whether they understand everything but we are doing and they can feel the energy and elements of music, which Indian music has uncommon with the Jazz, we play."For majority of the audience, it was their first encounter with jazz but the band struck the right 'chord' and in no time had them swaying to their music.

"It's an exposure to know, what Jazz is like. They might have heard about everything, about the western music, but Jazz would be a new stuff to them. So, I wanted to make them feel that Jazz is bit different from what we are listening," said W.Ibomcha Singh, an organizer.

Such type of opportunity comes to the Manipuris once in a while and people did not want to miss the opportunity."Jazz is a universal music. So, I think it's necessary for all the individuals, who love music and not only for the artists," said Hem Singh, a Manipuri Guitarist.Manipur is known for its rich cultural richness. It is no wonder that they welcomed the European band with open arms. What does not go unnoticed is the strong urge of Manipuri people to live a normal life which underground militants deny them.

ANI