Pune's Jazz Renaissance: How the City's Underground Scene Is Attracting a New Generation
Long before Pune's indie gigs and electronic nights became staples of the social calendar, the city quietly cultivated a vibrant jazz ecosystem. In cozy cafes tucked away in Koregaon Park and on intimate stages scattered across Pune, musicians gathered not merely to perform but to immerse themselves in the soulful rhythms of jazz. Today, two decades later, that enduring rhythm persists, transforming what was once considered a niche genre into a growing and dynamic component of the city's nightlife, captivating the younger generation along the way.
The Heartbeat of Pune's Jazz Culture
At the core of Pune's jazz revival stands Shisha Jazz Café, now situated in The Mills. Originally launched with a modest terrace setup at ABC Farms in 2003, this venue has evolved into one of the city's most iconic live music destinations. Mehdi Niroomand, founder of Shisha Jazz Cafe, which has been a hotspot for jazz events for over 23 years, observes, "Younger people are coming in, discovering new sounds, and keeping the energy of jazz alive." This sentiment echoes across Pune, with establishments like Cobbler & Crew, Asilo, and Elephant & Co tuning into the genre through regular jazz nights.
For many young Punekars, these gigs serve as their inaugural encounter with the live energy of jazz, a music form they might have previously encountered only in films or television shows. Ashutosh Joshi, founder of the Pune Jazz Project, notes, "People in their 30s or 40s are familiar with jazz music, but we have also seen a shift towards younger audiences who turn up at our shows regularly." This shift underscores a broader trend of rediscovery and appreciation among the youth.
Events, Collectives, and the Live Circuit
Pune's jazz resurgence is not merely sentimental; it is structurally robust. From regular jazz nights at local cafes to jazz groups from the city performing nationwide, the genre is buzzing with activity. Krishnan Bharadwaj, a saxophonist and vocalist, explains, "About 70 per cent of what we play is reworked classic jazz, but the rest is where we experiment. We like to keep things tight, groovy, and engaging for audiences who may not have grown up with jazz." This approach ensures that performances remain accessible and exciting for newcomers.
For individuals like designer Janhavi Rajesh, jazz has become a comforting refuge on overwhelming days. She shares, "I have a playlist called Muse for Blue Days. It helps me slow down when I'm feeling very overwhelmed. That's how it feels in a jazz café too." This personal connection highlights the genre's emotional resonance and its role in fostering community and solace.
Records, Revival, and the Analog Turn
In an era dominated by streaming services and digital subscriptions, Pune's jazz enthusiasts are increasingly embracing analog formats, particularly vinyl records. At New Rhythm House on JM Road, one of the city's oldest record stores, owner Rakesh Solanki reports, "Pop, jazz and blues are always in demand. Whenever we get new jazz records, they sell out fast. Dean Martin is one of our most popular artists, and we have a lot of college-going people coming in for these records."
Collectors attribute this trend to the warmth of analog sound and the ritualistic experience of playing a record—dropping the needle, flipping the side, and reading liner notes. Solanki adds, "People want a more personal way to listen." This analog revival not only preserves the authenticity of jazz but also connects younger listeners to its rich history.
Voices from the Jazz Community
Janhavi Rajesh, designer and jazz enthusiast, expresses, "The trumpet, the piano and the scatting, it's the best live music experience ever and I think every jazz lover will agree to this." Similarly, animator and jazz lover Shreya Sudhindra shares, "I grew up listening to Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. I love Ella's voice - it's so dynamic and soulful. Jazz has so much soul that it's hard to stay still while listening." These testimonials reflect the deep, personal connections that jazz fosters among its devotees.
Pune's jazz scene, with its blend of historic venues, innovative performances, and analog revivals, continues to thrive, drawing in a new generation of music lovers. As the city's nightlife evolves, jazz remains a testament to the enduring power of live, soulful music, ensuring its rhythm resonates for years to come.
