Oh, the burden of expectations to find more references to me than JAJ in a thread on his concert!
My apologies for the delay. LIFE came in the way of writing earlier
Jinja has definitely written a comprehensive report and she had I had already discussed and agreed on much of the points she made. So much of my views are already represented. It was a treat to be in the concert!
In terms of adding new information, I think the main thing I can add the is structure of the pallavi. This is my understanding:
Talam: Adi (2 Kalai) Eduppu: 1/2 aksharam (2 notes from samam). Split of lyric is as follows:
Nilavin = 4
Azhaginil = 5
Mei maran = 5 (played in high speed as SNDMD;N;)
Dhen = 3 (and served as arudi karvai)
Kuzhal tharum = 5
Isayinil = 5
Manam Mayangi = 5
Other random thoughts:
- In Poorvikalyani alapana JAJ hit the high Sa at a point in a very natural flow. It did not sound like it was done for thrill or as a display of technical virtuosity. Made the whole upper octave experience very soulful.
- BUGP's following in both alapanas, especially Poorvikalyani was fantastic. He used the base to provide continuity as JAJ explored the upper reaches. Given a parallel discussion on violin accompaniment to flute, in my view this concert was a very good example of how the violinist adds effect. Someone on that thread commented that the good violinsts often stayed silent instead of following note for note. To that I respond with a comment someone made that "Music has 8 notes- the saptaswaras and silence. By not playing, the violinist is still making music and contributing to the muscialty of the concert.
- The Kalyani by JAJ in the midst of the hindustani ragas in the RTP was 100% Kalyani (like good filter coffee) and not at all Yaman. I thought this was quite commendable since it is easy to get into Yaman mode when in that frame of mind.
- My lack of knowledge in Layam limits my observations on the Vids. Bhupati and Karthick. But I will say this:
- If the percussion accompaniment is like an ice cream sundae, Bhupati sir's delectable continuity was the great vanilla ice cream underlying the yummy toppings provided by Dr. Karthick's sparkling interludes.
- They raised the musical experience in each composition and none more so than Baro Krishnayya. It's music (set by TKG sir) is a personal favorite and Bhupati and Karthick sirs really enhanced the rendition with their mixing of soft touches, mel kalam and (yes!) occasional pauses.
- On a technical note, IIRC they played khanda nadai in the tani avaratanam.
- For my friend Rajeshnat, I offer 2 special notes
(a) Your pallavi lyric is very timely as we got our first snow today. Thank you! The 3 South Bend Rasikas will try to set it to Suryakantam or some such to at least get the spirit of the sun in the song.
(b) I read how you called San Diego area a parched land. We have to ask your office to send out to South Bend to really know one. BUT, where there is a desert, there is an oasis. And in our land of Football (disatrous season, thankfully ended) and Father Dowling, that oasis is called the house of Meenakshi and her husband. They are amazing in their dedication for music and their warmth. The artistes love being with them for the care they show for art and the artiste. Recent transplants likes Jinja and I are fortunate beneficiaries of their efforts over a long period of time. This oasis makes us feel a sense of abundance. So you know, you and other rasikas should probably come here rather than 'parched' San Diego! Though small, the audience here is lovely. And adding more hard core rasikas will increase the chances of a Kamboji, Sahana, Mukhari etc. etc.
In summary, JAJ is a very exciting talent who I look forward to hearing a lot in years to come. He is fortunate that he is accompanied on the tour by 3 stalwarts who have been performing since he was probably a toddler. He will probably learn a lot over the course of this tour.
JAJ and I also connected because of grandfatherly Delhi connections. His grandfather (and Guru) Sri TS Sankaran spent almost 15 years in Delhi AIR's Vadya Vrinda, which was of course co-founded by my grandfather. It was nice to connect over such topics with someone a generation younger!
And the food Jinja alluded to shall remain unwritten about for the lack adjectives and for the need to save space on the server that connects all of us..
Best regards,
Vinay/Rasaali
as meenaakshi puts it!!).