Before Snarky Puppy, the Texas-bred/New York-based music collective brings their brand of not quite jazz, not exactly fusion to Mumbai (Dec 2) and Delhi (Dec 3), a chat with Michael League, the bandleader about their musical mixtape, assembling a crew of 20 musicians, and returning to India after a decade, not just to gig but also to take music lessons and leave with a thavil in towTell us about assembling an act of 20 musiciansn There are lots of musicians who play their instruments well, but Snarky Puppy requires a specific skill set from each member that goes beyond virtuosic ability.Everyone has to be a great listener, a great soloist as well as groover, well-versed in the history of Black American Music, stylistically versatile, generous, comfortable playing very little or nothing at all, adventurous, curious, ego-free, and a good hang.Snarky Puppys music wears many labels jazz band, instrumental pop, music for the brain and booty.
How would you describe it?n At our core, we want to make music that is both visceral and adventurous.
It has to feel good and make you move, but it also needs to push limits.
The good news is weve never made two records that sound the same, so the status quo for us is change.How has Snarky Puppys sound evolved over the years?n It started as a mostly acoustic, sonically conservative group.
But as we melded with the Black Music scene in Dallas, our sound expanded aesthetically and things got a lot funkier and more direct..Youre returning to India after a decade.
What are you looking forward to besides the performances?n Im most excited about the food, but this time, Ill also be spending time writing music with friends in Mumbai and Bangalore and taking music lessons.
Ill see if theyll let me fly home with a thavil...