Hills swing to the Banks beat

DARJEELING, Nov. 13. - When Louis Banks and his band took the bandstand at the Chowrasta last night, it was the end of a 30-year-long wait for music lovers of his hometown.

For 90 minutes, the mammoth crowd that had assembled to hear the musical offerings of the ongoing Darjeeling Carnival was absolutely enthralled with what Banks had to offer. The jazz king of the country was raised in Darjeeling until his first job as a schoolteacher here. He left the town in 1968 to pursue a career in music, never to return until now. For Banks, it was time for nostalgia. He began his concert by playing the anthem of St Joseph's School (North Point), Darjeeling, where he was a student. Surprised North Pointers, (both past and present pupils) in the audience got to their feet and cheered lustily, hearts swelling with pride.Before the performance, little girls went up to Banks and his wife and welcomed them with khadas (silk scarves) and marigold flowers. There were loud cheers, as the scene was displayed on large LCD screens around the venue.`I am happy to be here,` announced the jazz doyen to the crowd, which seemed a bit of an understatement. A whole lot of old family friends, teachers and acquaintances had gathered to hear Banks perform. It also included Mr Austin Plant, who used to play drums for Banks in his first band in Darjeeling.

A visibly elated Mr Plant, who now works as an architect, has been busy taking Banks around the town since he arrived here Monday. Banks was also taken to his old school and college by a friend, now a teacher at the college, Miss Noreen Dunne. `It was a lovely experience,` he told the crowd.

Banks and his band, which included his son Gino Banks on the drums and Sonia Saigal on vocals, played an assortment of jazz, blues, R&B and other popular numbers. The crowd was particularly mesmerised by Gino's performance.

A piece composed by Banks described their team's `hair-rising` journey from Bagdogra to Darjeeling via the Pankhabari route. The steep and narrow road has been badly damaged by landslides at places. `I bet if our Nepali drivers were given a Ferrari, they would give Schumacher a run for his money. They are the best in the world!` remarked Banks senior.

At the end of the show, Banks Junior promised to return to his father's hometown.

Courtesy
The Statesman

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