Life Is Music: When time stands still—Louiz Banks’ inspiration from nature that created ‘Timeless’

Pic Courtesy: Life Is Music

Mumba: It is important to immerse yourself in the beautiful renditions by some great artistes as music is the soul of life.  Life Is Music is a musical initiative that brings provides a platform for lovers of this beautiful art to listen to music that’s never heard before.

Jazz Pianist Louiz Banks, who is part of this initiative talks about his journey, inspiration and a new album called 'Timeless'. 

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There’s no time to waste, or perhaps time is simply relative. Timeless, a composition by Jazz Pianist Louiz Banks is a lesson in frugality. Measuring your words may be a deleting resource but Mr. Banks lets his music do the sweet talking.

To say that this piece is charming would be a frivolous waste. It made me think. It took me back to all the Hard Rock one was accustomed to looping on headphones as an adolescent. Not for its tempo, this one is mellow when it comes to its predecessors. Instead, it reminds me of all the forced solos that halted my rhythmically-challenged belting of angry lyrics so that the lead Guitarist, and sometimes the attention-starved Drummer could show off his mastery over his instrument. 

Is that the purpose of a solo? An individualistic 30 seconds of fame without the clutter of harmony? Perhaps those questionable musicians convinced themselves. But what about the poor Bassist, who few of us non-players seemed to notice?

Banks sheds light on the debate with this piece. He tells us that it was inspired by the sun, moon and a flowing river. One certainly can’t argue with a muse like that.

Timelessness is a novel concept. It isn’t about halting on a beautiful moment. It is convenient to think of happy moments that passed briefly. But does that wipe out the sad ones? One must disagree. Banks, instead, focuses on a forever without casting judgement. His music follows suit.

This piece of music will not blow your mind. But, it’ll certainly stand the test of time. 

I am reminded of a technique that gained considerable popularity through Baroque music that took birth in the 17th century. The Europeans called it ritornello. It consisted of a recurring theme that made a timely entry and exit through the composition, in part or whole, with different instruments doing their take on it.

It’s no easy task. But, if done right, it’s pure genius. 

Banks’ original composition is a Jazz Piano composition. What we get a taste of here is a full-blown fusion setting. Producer and Drummer Gino Banks and Mohini Dey, our favorite little Bassist, sit in on this performance along with the maestro trio, Taufiq Qureshi, Purbayan Chatterjee and Louiz Banks.

The less said about this piece, the better experienced. But I will tell you this. Taufiq Qureshi brings out the Bongos for this one and we are starting to believe that he can do no wrong. Mohini Dey is a joy to watch, as usual, with her face revealing every exalting note as she plays and slaps the Bass. Louiz Banks is the gatekeeper of the composition, going steady on the Piano. His prowess over the softer notes is mention-worthy. Gino Banks is flawless; we wish he came onto the show earlier.

When the piece ends, you may feel like resting a bit, it’s simply the mood of the song. But the maestros remind us that there is work to be done. Each master musician has his team put together. As their first task, the bands will perform with their respective gurus. The opportunity they get to learn is envious, to say the least. What they do with it, we can only wait and watch. 

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