Eric's irresistible jazz notes

Eric Lohrer's jazz band performing at Alliance Francaise

Eric's quartet bore his name as he was its leader. With flashing eyes and a mop of dark hair, he spoke about himself and his band from Paris -- which had flown in the day they played. Asked how his group had come together, Eric said that there was Jean- Charles Richard on the soprano saxophone, Eric Surmenian on the electric bass guitar, and Patrick Goraguer on the drums. "We're friends and have been playing together for a while. We originally played in other bands, and then played as a group. I was earlier in another group with Jean-Charles Richard. Eric Surmenian and I played in jam sessions. The drummer too was my earlier partner, although there he played the piano."

Eric and his band mainly play their own compositions, along with one or two covers (compositions by others). He said that what he was searching for was a "collective sound" of players who listened to each other and then responded extempore." I aim at interaction and improvisation, with a resulting mellow, combination of smooth sounds. We play modern jazz. Our music has the impact of players like Miles Davies, Herby Hancock and the modern musicians of that genre. At the same time we don't close our minds to pop music. Jazz is a music where you can be comparatively free; you can relate to different influences, whether it be pop or classical music," said Eric.

Asked if the musicians' families had musical leanings, Eric said that he himself didn't, but that his parents and friends encouraged him to take up music. His wife who had accompanied him was a great source of strength -- as one could gather at the concert. Eric had studied philosophy and had picked up music as a hobby at the age of five -- which eventually led to his present profession. The bass and sax player, studied both jazz and classical music. The drummer came from a family of musicians.

Dwelling on the origin of the players, Eric said that all the members now live in Paris, and originate from there except the bass and sax players. Talking about whether they confine themselves to playing only, Eric said that they taught too, to supplement their income as performing musicians. "I like teaching but it's not easy, as I myself am self-taught. I think that what makes a successful musician is constant practice and dedication to music. One has to trust oneself. When we come together to practice for our shows, we play for hours at a stretch together, apart from playing on our own."

Eric's band has performed in Paris, Kolkata, Chittagong, Delhi, Pune, Ahmedabad and Pondicherry." I admire the way of the subcontinent people, as they are open and warm-hearted. I've listened to flute, sitar and tabla gurus, while in Paris, and find them remarkable."