Jaishree Aravind(Veena)at Trivandrum Navaratri Mandapam

[Sivaramakrishnan]

Veena : Jaishree Aravind
Mridangam: Dr G Babu
Ghatam: Udipi Sridhar

09.10.2013:
6-8.30 p.m.

More enthused by the fact that Veena concert is making a reappearance (after a gap of 4-5 years) at the haloed Nnavaratri mandapam, Trivandrum (where I was a regular for more than 20 years in a row from 1965)and also to thank Prince Aswati Tirunal Rama Varma on this account, I attended the concert of Smt. Jaishree Aravind on 9th October 2013.

(Listening to Veena music at the Saraswai mandapam is a divine experience and I had the fortune to listen to Sangita kalanidhi K S Narayanaswamy (with K K sivaraman / Trivandrum R Venkataraman), M K Kalyanakrishna bhagavatar and later Trivandrum Venkataraman(solo) during the past. As is known, only Swati Tirunal compositions are played). The concerts on all days are preceded by a half hour customary bhajana rendering by the Mullamoodu bhagavatars.

A worthy disciple of K S Narayanaswamy (during his tutelage at Shanmukhananda music school, Mumbai) Jaishree started her concert with Pancha-Ghanaraaga taana to be followed up with the famous Ata tala varnam in Kambodhi. Deva deva kalayaami(m m goula with niraval and swaraprastara at jaataroopanibhachela was tidy. Sree Kumaranagalaye in athaana that followed was rendered in all its grandeur. Kedaragoula (jalajanaabha) was the next kriti.

Sarasaaksha (pantuvarali) with aalaapana and swaraprastaara preceded the main item of the day- Janani Maamava in Bhairavi. Raga- Taana -kriti (misra chaapu)-niraval/kalpana swara @ anupamitakamalavaasey bore the KSN stamp. JA did not resort to kanakku prayogas etc. during swaraprastaras much suiting the ambience. The Vaadyam had an excellent naadam.

Dr. G. Babu was at his best in mridangam accompaniment and the tani was outstanding. He is a singer and reported to be a composer too. Ghatam(Sridhar)gave sruti-aligned support.

Post main consisted of Saaramaina(Bhehag javali), bhogeendrasaayinam(Kuntalavaraali), the celebrated Raagamaalika of the royal composer- Bhaavayaami raghuraamam and 3 padams(Dwijavanti,Aahiri and surati). Bhaavayaami impressed many.

A good Veena concert after a long gap at the Mandapam!

[MV]

It was great to read this veena review. I wonder if you have a contact for Jaishree. I believe she could be a colleague of mine and we may have even played together on occasions.

[Sivaramakrishnan]

Smt Jaishree (0-9487895587) is now heading a school of music and arts at the Isha Ashram (of Swami Jaggi Vasudev), Velliyangiri, Coimbatore.

[MV]

Thanks for that