Jazz India Circuit 2026 Showcases Global Jazz Innovation Across Three Cities
The ninth edition of the prestigious Jazz India Circuit unfolded this February, bringing together a stellar lineup of leading Indian and international jazz artists. Produced by Teamwork Arts, the festival presented multi-genre collaborations and contemporary sounds across three major cities: Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Gurugram. The event curated an immersive live experience that actively pushed the boundaries of contemporary jazz through global artistic exchange and profound cross-cultural collaboration.
International Headliner: Benny Greb Brass Band
Headlining the Jazz India Circuit 2026 across all three cities was the internationally acclaimed Benny Greb Brass Band, fronted by the world-renowned drummer Benny Greb. Recognized by Batterie magazine as one of the Top 30 Greatest Drummers of the 21st Century, Greb is an ECHO Jazz Award recipient with his band Moving Parts. Having performed at major festivals and venues worldwide, Greb brought a powerful and commanding international presence to the entire Circuit, setting a high standard for artistic excellence.
Bengaluru Kickoff: High-Energy Fusion
The tour opened with great energy in Bengaluru on February 4th at Fandom at Gilly's Redefined. The evening featured Derek & The Cats alongside the headlining Benny Greb Brass Band. Led by Derek Mathias, the Bengaluru-based ensemble delivered exhilarating high-energy instrumental dance music that masterfully blended jazz, funk, and house elements, creating an electrifying start to the festival.
Mumbai's Groove-Driven Evening
On February 5th, the Circuit moved to the historic Royal Opera House in Mumbai. Here, Jazzafools joined the Benny Greb Brass Band for an evening dedicated to groove-led, improvisation-driven jazz. Known for their dynamic and seamless blend of jazz, neo-soul, R&B, and funk, Jazzafools created a vibrant and engaging musical dialogue between distinct Indian and international jazz sensibilities, captivating the Mumbai audience.
Gurugram's Experimental Focus
The Gurugram leg, held on February 7th and 8th at DLF Horizon Plaza, placed a strong emphasis on experimental and cross-cultural jazz explorations. The programming was notably diverse, featuring Acquaphonica by the Federica Colangelo Trio in collaboration with renowned Carnatic percussionist B.C. Manjunath. This innovative project beautifully blended contemporary jazz, Western classical traditions, and intricate South Indian rhythmic frameworks. Pianist-composer Federica Colangelo was joined by Igor Legari on double bass and Giovanni Nardiello on drums. The evening also included another high-energy performance by the Benny Greb Brass Band, showcasing their versatility.
Festival Conclusion with Fusion and Experimentation
The Circuit concluded its 2026 run in Gurugram with compelling performances by The Blue Shirts, a Delhi-based jazz fusion and blues band, and The Interstellar Ensemble. The latter featured drummer Joost Lijbaart and guitarist Bram Stadhouder, whose sound fused deep tribal grooves, jazz, electronic textures, and open improvisation. Their performance was described as a contemporary reinterpretation of the pioneering spirit of Miles Davis's Bitches Brew, providing a fittingly innovative end to the festival.
Vision for Expanding Jazz
Reflecting on the successful 2026 edition, Avik Roy, Festival Producer for Jazz India Circuit, shared his vision. "Jazz India Circuit has always been about expanding the idea of what jazz can be in today's world," said Roy. "The 2026 edition brought together artists who were fearlessly redefining the genre through bold experimentation, deep groove, and meaningful cross-cultural dialogue. It was a celebration of jazz's evolving global language." The festival continues to be a pivotal platform for showcasing the dynamic future of jazz music in India and beyond.
