The 9th edition of Jazz India Circuit brought together leading Indian and international jazz artists this February, presenting multi-genre collaborations and contemporarysounds across Bengaluru, Mumbai and Gurugram, produced by Teamwork Arts, the festival curated an immersive live experience that pushed the boundaries of contemporary jazz through global artistic exchange and cross-cultural collaboration.Headlining Jazz India Circuit 2026 across all three cities was the internationally acclaimed Benny Greb Brass Band, fronted by world-renowned drummer Benny Greb, recognised by Batterie magazine as one of the Top 30 Greatest Drummers of the 21st Century. An ECHO Jazz Award recipient with his band Moving Parts, Greb has performed at major festivals and venues worldwide, bringing a powerful international presence to the Circuit.The tour opened in Bengaluru on 4 February at Fandom at Gilly’s redefined, featuring Derek & TheCats alongside the Benny Greb Brass Band, led by Derek Mathias, the Bengaluru-based ensemble delivered high-energy instrumental dance music blending jazz, funk and house. On 5 February, the Circuit moved to Mumbai at the Royal Opera House, where Jazzafools joined the Benny Greb Brass Band for an evening of groove-led, improvisation-driven jazz. Known for their dynamic blend of jazz,neo-soul, R&B and funk, Jazzafools created a vibrant dialogue between Indian and international jazz sensibilities.The Gurugram leg on 7 and 8 February at DLF Horizon Plaza focused on experimental and cross-cultural jazz. The programming featured Acquaphonica by the Federica Colangelo Trio with Carnatic percussionist B.C. Manjunath – a project blending contemporary jazz, Western classical traditions and South Indian rhythmic frameworks. Pianist-composer Federica Colangelo was joined by Igor Legari (double bass) and Giovanni Nardiello (drums), with the evening also featuring a high-energy performance by the Benny Greb Brass Band.
The Gurgaon edition featured Acquaphonica by the Federica Colangelo Trio with Carnatic percussionist B.C. Manjunath – a project blending contemporary jazz, Western classical traditions and South Indian rhythmic frameworks
The Circuit concluded in Gurugram with performances by The Blue Shirts, a Delhi-based jazz fusion and blues band, and The Interstellar Ensemble, featuring drummer Joost Lijbaart and guitarist Bram Stadhouder. The Ensemble’s sound fused deep tribal grooves, jazz, electronics and open improvisation, evoking a contemporary reinterpretation of the spirit of Bitches Brew.Commenting on the 2026 edition, Avik Roy, Festival Producer, Jazz India Circuit, said, “Jazz India Circuit has always been about expanding the idea of what jazz can be in today’s world. The 2026 edition brought together artists who were redefining the genre through fearless experimentation, deep groove and cross-cultural dialogue.”
