Prutha Goa

Music should be judged by the images, sensations and emotions it helps one conjure up rather than by purely technical standards. Jazz is one such genre of music that defies being straitjacketed by a particular definition. Seen as a universal unifier, jazz was conferred a privileged position by UNESCO by declaring April 30 as International Jazz Day in 2011. In December 2012, the United Nations General Assembly formalised the decision. The goal is to foster respect for human rights and freedom of expression, encourage intercommunity dialogue, promote peace and gender equality, and create a platform for the youth to be instrumental in the movement for social change. It draws the attention of various schools, artists, academicians, historians and communities to learn about the origins of jazz and appreciate the power it wields to impact the world. An entire month is devoted to the education of the public about jazz. April is Jazz Appreciation Month, which ends with International Jazz Day.

Nachom-ia Kumpasar is one of those films that surprises and delights the senses, especially if you are an aficionado of Goan jazz music and the powerful and scintillating tones of Lorna Cordeiro. Set in the 1960's, the film has the authentic air of Goa and Bombay of the bygone era. A Konkani film of this standard is rare and it is no wonder the movie bagged three of the 62nd National Film Awards: for the best feature film in Konkani, best production design, and a special mention. The film is meant to be director Bardroy Barretto’s tribute to the erstwhile musicians of Goa who have had their music integrated with Bollywood melodies and have received little or no acknowledgement of their talent. It was to be a biopic focussing on the lives of Lorna Cordeiro and Chris Perry, until Lorna withdrew her consent for that. With minor alterations, the story follows along the same lines as the biopic might have. The movie finds Lawrence, or Lawry, trying to gain a foothold in the music scene