From Lyon, with Jazz

HYDERABAD: Hyderabad music lovers were treated to a unique musical experience on Tuesday night when the Le Chartier-Moqadem duet from Lyon took to stage at the Taj Banjara playing western classical and jazz compositions to a large and varied crowd of music lovers. The musicians who met at the Lyon National Conservatoire, have been playing together for the past six years and have formed a very interesting partnership. The not very usual trombone-piano combination was a good hour-long lilting and soulful musical journey.The duo Eric Le Chartier and Jamal Moqadem play the Trombone and piano respectively. Each of  them have had a tryst with music for the past 25 years. Besides the Trombone, Le Chartier knows to play the piano, a little bit of the guitar and sings too while Moqadem has played percussion for three years. Anybody from the audience would vouch for the French men’s dedication to their music as they paused and lingered on their notes with perfect timing and acumen.The concert was played in two segments: western classical followed by jazz. Playing for the first time in the city on their maiden trip to India, the duo are on a very hectic trip across the country. Having landed at Kolkata and then moving on to Bhopal before coming to the Pearl city, their music will next move on to Pune, followed by Bangalore, Pondicherry and finally Chennai, all in 10 days. “It’s very hectic because we land late at night or in the morning at one place, practice, sound check, perform and then pack up and get on to another flight to the next place. This is perhaps the most hectic cross-city schedule I have ever played to,” said the charming 30-year-old Moqadem. Hectic or not, his flitting fingers and unhurried notes set the soft smooth pace for the evening.Le Chartier’s Trombone provided the silky Jazz effect that kept the audience waiting for more. However, his prowess lay in the effortless transition from playing classical to jazz. His mastery over the instrument is testament to the affection he has for it. Interesting however is his preference of instrument --- something that doesn’t get picked up very commonly as a passion. “I have always enjoyed playing the trombone. That was passed down to me by my tutor. I was very fond of him and in absolute awe. So I wanted to be like him,” shared Le Chartier grinning. Moqadem also has a similar tale to narrate. “My elder sister used to play the piano. I followed suit as any younger sibling does. While she left it after a while, I continued. It’s been 25 years now!”The duo are musicians who have played to a variety of audience in their musical careers --- connoisseurs, music lovers, aficionados and plain old folks who just like listening to something that sounds good. So their take on the Hyderabad audience? “People seemed to like the jazz segment better than the classical. That’s mostly because jazz is more upbeat,” opined Moqadem, while Le Chartier said, “Jazz is played on a more treble scale. So the notes are happier. Unless one is a fan of classical particularly, jazz is always preferred.” All-in-all, the best quality to their credit is the delicate balance they maintain between themselves when it comes to showmanship and performing. Each understands the other perfectly well and gives plenty enough space to perform. Every song had moments for both the instruments and together they complemented the concert.Messieurs Le Chartier and Moqadem were brought to India by the Alliance Francaise and the concert here was conducted in association with the Hyderabad Western Music Foundation and Seagrams.