Location = Palo Alto, California
Artists -
Vocal - Vidushi Sudha Raghunathan
Amit Heri - Acoustic Guitar
B. V. Raghavendra Rao - Violin
Tiruvarur Vaidyanathan - Mridangam
Keith Peters - Bass Guitar
N. Guru Prasad - Ghatam
Arun Kumar - Western Drums
Song list -
Gajananam shlokam in Nattai followed by Maha ganapathim - Nattai, MD
Maathe malayadhawaja - Kamas - HMB
Abhogi - some musical notes composed by Amit Heri followed by snatches of Evaribodhana varnam
Thaaye yashodha - Thodi - OVK
(i had to leave at this point, hopefully, someone can complete this song list)
Review -
This was a carnatic fusion concert, definitely not a traditional one. We had to leave 45 mins into the concert, but I am so glad I got to experience at least some portion of this concert. All the artists were absolutely brilliant. Their virtuousity, enthusiasm and above all, the sheer love they had for the art was breathtaking. While the individual performances were incredible, I have mixed feelings about the end product - the overall listening experience. The carnatic performers were in such incredible form, I just felt like I wanted to listen to the full un-interrupted traditional versions of the krithis. This is not a negative verdict on the concert though - I have to admit I am a bit old fashioned when it comes to listening (i dont even like english words in tamil/hindi movie songs). It took me some time to open my mind and we had to leave soon afterwards
The jazz artists were very good, no doubt. IMHO, concerts like this are a great way to introduce carnatic music to audiences unfamiliar with the genre. I have to mention Smt. Sudha's performance. I have been a big fan of her during her early years but felt a little disappointed listening to more recent concerts and recordings. However, after the concert yesterday, I have become a big fan of her again! There are no words to describe her voice. Her adherence to Shruthi was a perfect 10, even during complex gamakams and brigas, she hit each note perfectly. There was so much joy in her Kamas and I was in tears when she sang the pallavi for Thaaye yashodha. All the artists looked like they were having a great time. BVR played a solo piece (i think during the Abhogi number). It was not something you would hear in a typical carnatic concert, it was absolutely scintillating and could easily hold its own when compared to any western composition.
Bottom line - Am I now converted? Maybe not yet, but the next time someone mentions fusion music, I promise to listen with an open mind and not roll my eyes and hide behind my MSS and SSI cds! And thank you Sudha for reminding me of a wonderful afternoon many years ago when as a 12 year old, i sat near the green room in MA (i think) and went into raptures listening to your wonderful voice!