There’s nothing better than bringing Christmas in with some merry jingles and good music. During Christmas, Kolkata’s musicians liven up our celebrations, lifting spirits at holiday markets and serenading crowds at cosy gatherings. While the entire city enjoys their melodies, which songs and voices do they enjoy during these festive times?
Three Kolkata musicians told My Kolkata what is on their Christmas playlist.
Saul Samuel of The Mel Samuel Blues Band
Saul (first from left) in the The Mel Samuel Blues Band
As the Yuletide season envelops communities in a symphony of festivities, for local musician Saul Samuel from The Mel Samuel Blues Band, the Christmas transcends mere celebration — it echoes through the chords of heartfelt melodies and cherished traditions.
The First Noel stands as a beacon of Yuletide spirit for Samuel, often resonating within church halls on Christmas day. “It holds the essence of Christmas and the birth of hope,” he shared, reflecting on the song’s emotion-stirring crescendo.
Within Samuel’s musical circle, Christmas isn’t just a season but a time of unique traditions. A practice mixed with blues and rock & roll versions of carols and ending with band dinners after rehearsals, a legacy initiated by Samuel’s father, Mel. “It fosters an undying bond among us,” Samuel said, highlighting the essence of camaraderie.
Their stage has been graced with the magic of Christmas on multiple occasions, notably at the esteemed Kolkata Christmas Festival. “It’s a vibe playing for these events,” he shared, describing the beautifully decorated open-air venue, where families and friends gather with cheers, laughter, and an overwhelming sense of wholesomeness.
One particular performance that stands out is a rendition of BB King’s Christmas Comes But Once a Year. The sight of a father-son duo singing along resonated deeply with Samuel and took him back to his memories with his father. “Their (the crowd’s) smiles as they sang along reminded me of the connection my dad and I share,” he added.
Music becomes a bridge connecting people to the emotions of Christmas during performances. “It's tapping into a wonderful time and space and citing the association of Christmas with love, joy, and the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth,” he said.
Craig D’Souza
Craig D’Souza
For Craig D’Souza, Christmas is marked with cherished melodies and festive traditions, and music holds a special place in both.
The timeless resonance of Oh Holy Night is very special for the musician. “The entire meaning of Christmas is conveyed in this carol,” Craig said, emphasising how the verses represent the season perfectly.
Apart from performing as a solo artiste, Craig enjoys joining special Christmas choirs. “It’s something I look forward to every year,” Craig said, highlighting the shared joy of musical collaboration during the holiday season.
Over the past six years, Craig has graced numerous Christmas-themed events in Kolkata, from club gatherings to church celebrations and charity galas across the city. “Those experiences keep the Christmas spirit alive in me. These performances resonate with the season’s core values of sharing and caring.”
Reflecting on a memorable experience, Craig recalls a time at the beginning of his career when an entire audience joined in. “It felt like we were all together as one.” Collaborations with fellow musicians during the festive season has been a part of Craig’s musical journey.
Through performances, music becomes a conduit, connecting people with the essence and emotions of Christmas, feels Craig. “Music has the power to unite and create harmony” and regardless of background or beliefs, the spirit of Christmas — peace, love, joy, sharing, and caring — unites everyone.
DJ Austin Smith
Austin Smith
For some, the holiday season arrives not with a calendar date but with the melodies of Christmas carols echoing through their home. Such is the case for DJ Austin Smith, whose home has Christmas tunes playing right from the end of November, infusing the air with the spirit of the season.
While Smith doesn’t typically incorporate Christmas carols into his performances, there’s a special place in his heart for Fats Domino’s renditions. He also finds his musical roots in the sounds of the ’80s, drawn towards the iconic melodies of Pink Floyd and Dire Straits.
Performing across varied venues, Smith reminisces about memorable gigs at Tolly and Kathmandu, often sharing the stage with DJ Akash Rohira and other talented musicians. “I love performing with others because I learn from them,” he shared, highlighting the valuable experiences gained through collaborative performances. In the city, Smith is all praise for the vibrant music scene at Someplace Else. “It’s a place where you can witness diverse musical talents,” he said.
Amidst the musical symphony, Smith cherishes the tradition of celebrating Christmas with family, especially relishing the joy of indulging in a delicious cake. One year, he spent the festive days doing a gig in Kathmandu, which left him longing for the warmth and familiarity of home.
