Derek & The Cats Homage Bangalore's Cubbon Park, Andheri's Ratna Mahal & More On 'People to Meet, Places to See'

Bangalore-based jazz group Derek & The Cats just released their sophomore album, 'People to Meet, Places to See'.

Unlike most other artists in their genre, the Derek Mathias-led group doesn't succumb to overdone structures and instrumental jams that showcase technical bravado away from the compositions' overarching themes. The horn-led interludes and the guitar and organ solos prioritise the light-heartedness on 'Cubbon Park', never straying from capturing the feel of spending a lazy sunny day at Bangalore's defining landmark. It is completely different from the slide guitar hooks and progressive structures of 'Ratna Mahal', where the scene is liable to change at any minute.

Halfway through the 7-track release, when the pace and propensity for short horn hooks start feeling stale, the record begins to yearn for a break, and perhaps the slower emotionality of guitar-led closer 'Leticia' would have served as a more effective respite. However, the group somewhat helps it by starting to introduce textures of sitar and exotic melodies on 'Maya' and some synth-based foundations on 'Techno Police'.

'People to Meet, Places to See' takes a genre that is defined by its tradition at this point but allows itself such bold creative decisions to give it a fresh flair – and for that, it is especially welcome.

Listen to the album below and follow Derek & The Cats for more. The band also performs at this year's Jazz Weekender, for which you can get your tickets here.

Image by Joshua Quadros