Trincas Timeline project spotlights Kolkata's enduring love for jazz

The Hindu

6 days ago

Kolkata and jazz — two words that bring back sepia-tinted memories of a musical tapestry that rang across the ages. The likes of Louis Banks, Usha Uthup, Pam Crain, and Carlton Kitto lent a certain vibrancy to the city, and immortalised its jazz soul. And, venues such as Trincas and Blue Fox on Park Street nourished that soul, along with a side of deviled crabs and prawn cocktails.
Blue Fox was renowned for its jazz and food, while Trincas offered a complete entertainment package, blending music, food and variety shows.
As jazz swept Calcutta of the 1960s and 1970s, it mirrored the city's cosmopolitan spirit — a meeting point of global influences and indigenous charm. The nightly crescendos of music were more than performances; they were collective experiences. Today, nostalgia flavours every such musical memory.
Imagine the warm glow of Trincas' lights reflecting off clinking glasses, the rhythmic hum of conversation amid soulful notes, and the unmistakable aroma of spiced delicacies whisked to eager patrons. Park Street's pulsating rhythm was almost the heartbeat of the city itself.
Trincas has, indeed, evolved over the decades, adapting to the changing rhythms of Kolkata's culture. Beginning as Flury & Trinca in 1927, this iconic venue on Park Street transitioned from a Swiss tea room to a music bar by 1969, becoming a cornerstone of Kolkata's jazz scene. It transformed into a vibrant hub of nightlife, hosting legendary jazz performances and floor shows. The velvet stage, low-slung furniture and air-conditioned interiors gave it the feel of a Chicago jazz club meeting a Parisian café.
Now, Trincas embraces a more relaxed and family-friendly vibe, with Sunday brunches that celebrate its culinary heritage. The bustling nightlife of the past has given way to a more diverse experience, blending nostalgia with modern tastes. The restaurant continues to honour its legacy with live music and a menu that pays homage to its storied past.
Anand Puri, the third generation owner of Trincas, says: 'It is not just the music but the vibe. So, we hosted everyone from musicians to magicians.' He has embraced its jazz heritage. The newly-launched weekend jazz lunches at Trincas, where the ambience is high on nostalgia. This reimagination has made jazz accessible and appealing to a new generation. The Trincas Timeline Project is a community-based memory project that collects stories, photos and anecdotes from patrons, musicians and historians, creating a cultural treasure trove of the iconic venue for current and future patrons.
Singer Usha Uthup, who hails from Kolkata, began her music journey at Trincas. Her first live performance on October 1, 1969, was held here. She lent a unique dimension to the restaurant's already lively music scene with her charisma, Kanjivaram sarees and flowers in her hair. 'I had the best audiences in this city. And, it has been a fantastic run,' says Usha.
While jazz's popularity has waned in other parts of India, Kolkata has managed to hold onto its jazz heritage. The city continues to celebrate jazz through events such as JazzFest, which has been conducted since 1978, and attracts jazz lovers from all over. In January this year, at Art Meets Jazz, Louis Banks and Usha Uthup showcased the enduring love for jazz in the City of Joy. Says Usha: 'People still want to listen to 'Sweet Caroline', 'Those Were The Days', 'Roberta Flack' and 'Killing Me Softly'.'