FN wrote: >> Do you think Goa can become the Cuba and Eastern Europe of Asia (in Western music terms)? <<
Judging by the innovation, energy and quality of work reflected in the websites below, I would say, Yes. http://www.heritagejazz.com http://jazzgoa.tripod.com http://remofernandes.com Goa has some massive advantages: 1) Market: Tourist arriving on full-week plus packages, every week...many searching for something to do after dark. Westerner are looking for something familiar, Easterners looking for something different. All are looking for something 'hip'. All have money to spend. 2) Venues with Atmosphere: Indo-Portuguese food, drink, laid-back formal service...nature and or colonial architectural backdrop add up to the perfect setting for Latin or Jazz concerts. This atmosphere and pace is a welcome alternative to the club scene. 3) Talent: Learning, practising, preforming solo, and communal music is valued part of Goan life. Many Goans speak and can sing in English and likely could pick-up any song in a Romance Language easily. Goa also has both, musician who have grow up with a western band music tradition and those who fully understand and are versed in eastern music. And, unlike in other areas, these musician have opportunities to hang out together. 4) Fusion Tradition: From traditional Catholic hymns sung in Konkani to Musical Theatre, Pop/Rock/Indian, Indo-jazz ang Goa Trance, Goa has a tradition of musical fusion. Add to this, Goan musicians of the diaspora communities who are connected to regional music and influences, past and present. 5) New Technology and Evolving Business Models: Laptop based studios, selling over the web, accessing concert videos, personal and ongoing social connection with an audience etc...with a faster connections, decreasing cost of investment in technology and marketing the world is increasingly accessible from Goa. 6) Nature of the Job: Waking a noon, working for a few hours a day a few days a week, strangers offering drinks, having a reason to travel, and on top of this having a paid gig on arrival. Having a reason to leave hair long or at least thee-days of facial hair, hanging at the beach in the name of inspiration ... its the kind of career that suits the Goan temperment! -- Albert Peres afpe...@3129.ca 416.660.0847 cell