TN Krishnan @ SIFA, Bay Area, Apr 3, 2016

[iamsundar]

The Bay Area rasikas were treated to a musical delight by Sangeetha Kalanidhis TN Krishnan & Trichy Sankaran, with TNS in the audience.

We walked in to a melodious Naati, Maha Ganapathim, only to realize that "sound check" was in progress. Things only got better from then on... TNK started off with Ravi Chandrikaa, followed by quick pieces in Citta Ranjani, Kamas and a soulful rendition of Kaligiyunte (Keeravani).

The main piece of the concert was Kanada, followed by a short/brisk Thani. Sankaran sir was “Nandhi-personified” through concert - his outstanding gumki prayogums elevated rasikas' enjoyment a few notches higher !

SIFA had invited TNS to honor TNK… TNS gave a glowing tribute to this living legend and provided insights on TNK’s music/musical journey. SIFA honored TNK with the title “Sangeetha Bhushana”.

In all, it was an enjoyable evening; TNK proved that Melody is still the King (and it rules over “volume”, “velocity” and "complex kanakus/gimmicks" that we typically hear in other popular concerts).

Song List:
mAkElara vicAramu – Ravi Chandrikaa
nAda tanumanisham – Citta ranjani
Brocheva Revarura – Kamas
Kaligiyunte Kada – Keeravani
Paridaaanamichite – Bilahari
Alaipayuthey – Kanada + Thani
Theeradha Vilaiyatu Pillai - Ragamalika
Maanasa Sancharare –Saama
Notes
Sri Venkata Girishamam – Suruti

A few distractions: Sound system in Canada College was sub-par, which probably let to a shortened Thani by Trichy Sankaran & KVG. Also, the parents with little babies weren’t too keen on taking their crying/screaming babies out of the concert hall ;(( Well.....

[rajeshnat]

The Bay Area rasikas were treated to a musical delight by Sangeetha Kalanidhis TN Krishnan & Trichy Sankaran, with TNS in the audience.
...
SIFA had invited TNS to honor TNK… TNS gave a glowing tribute to this living legend and provided insights on TNK’s music/musical journey. SIFA honored TNK with the title “Sangeetha Bhushana”.

iamsundar
U forgot to mention that vidwan TNK was supported by Sriram and viji krishnan (would love to know about their accompaniment). Was there any upapakkavadhyam support to TS. SIFA is a prestigious organization and nice to see the review and honour for this concert. Personally for me I adore TNK and his keeravani - you all got that too.

[mahavishnu]

It was sukhi evvarO in kAnadA (not alaipayudhey).
And KV Gopalakrishnan was on the khanjira.

[thanjavooran]

Iamsundar and mahavishnu,
Thanks for the review. Normally he includes sindhu bhairavi in his concerts. Strange that is missing.
With wishes,
Thanjavooran
04 04 2016

[mahavishnu]

Thanjavooran, He played a short sketch of sindhubhairavi before Theeratha vilayattu pillai.

[iamsundar]

Mahavishnu - Yes, yes, sukhi evvarO. Thnx for the correction.

RajeshNat - Both Viji & Sriram provided ample support; Viji's Kamas alapana was quite good. Similarly, KVG kept up with Sankaran's brilliance, which is praiseworthy in itself. Somehow I felt there was not enough time/opportunity for the upa-pakkavadhams to showcase their talents.

Thanjavooran - You are right, as always ! TNK started off Theeradha Vilaiyatu Pillai with a short delineation of Sindhu Bhairavi.

[gardabha_gana]

After many years of bad acoustics in Cubberly Theater - SIFA found a nice home in CET where they hosted year after year, including SIFA 25. Wonder why they have changed TNK/TS are a regular at SIFA, and it is indeed remarkable he performs at this age!! Perhaps the oldest performing CM artist? Or is it the redoubtable Parasalla Ponnammal?