American ghazals jazz up the city

Jazz musician Paula Jeanine will put up a 'classical' performance in Mumbai today  

The term American ghazal might sound like a new concept, but it's really simple. Quite literally,

it's an American musician specialising in ghazals!

Jeanine, who discovered her passion towards ghazals five years ago, explains, "Ghazals primarily run on a single note and are more subtle to the ear, while jazz music stirs across various notes in one composition. While the 'sarangi' gives life to the ghazal, a jazz piece is incomplete without the saxophone."

Acknowledging the fact that this is a conscious effort to carve a niche for her music, Paula believes that both forms help her touch upon certain very emotional subjects. "Poignant songs are the specialty of ghazals and with subjects like loss of a loved one or even socially relevant issues. I am trying to incorporate my world view of essential problems that encounter wide sections of society today," she says.

In an attempt to develop a strong communication with her audience, Paula asserts that all music ultimately gives you a reason to improvise on the vocal. "I admire great ghazal singers like Ghulam Ali, Mehndi Hasan and Jagjit Singh, because the promise in their voice poses a challenge for a singer like me."

Paula's unique rendition with conga drumming will take place at Starters & More.