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The Documentary: My Pakistani Jazz Orchestra

The Documentary: My Pakistani Jazz Orchestra: My Pakistani Jazz Orchestra

My Pakistani Jazz Orchestra

08/07/2015 GMT

BBC World Service - The Documentary, My Pakistani Jazz Orchestra, My Pakistani Jazz Orchestra

Izzat Majeed could have retired quietly, but instead he formed the Sachal Jazz Ensemble.

Izzat Majeed formed the Sachal Jazz Ensemble and built a music studio in Lahore. He's putting Pakistani music back on the map.

Izzat Majeed could have retired quietly, but instead he formed the Sachal Jazz Ensemble and built a music studio in Lahore. The London-based father of three was born and brought up in Lahore. He recalls a vibrant city full of music and culture. When he was a child, Pakistan's film industry - nicknamed 'Lollywood' - produced 100 movies a year. He recalls seeing the Dave Brubeck Trio playing in the city as part of America's Jazz Ambassadors Tour. This was the start of a lifelong affection for jazz. As the years passed, a less culturally tolerant society took shape in Pakistan. Izzat was extremely disheartened by this. Lollywood all but disappeared and the classical musicians at its heart disappeared with it. They had to make ends meet in any way they could, and music was no longer a way to do this. When Izzat retired, he decided to do something about it. The Sachal Jazz Ensemble was born.

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