It was certain different!
Not a carnatic concert, but a special New Year's Eve Bhajan recital, presented with great intensity and passion, especially in the improvisation (Errr... does one call it 'neraval' in this setting?) and a sense that reminded me of the feeling of qwalli (sp?).
Accompaniment not only from Embar Kannon, who played exquisitely, and Manargudi Eswaran on mridangam, but also tabla and harmonium as well.
It was fun watching Easwaran encouraging audience participation! Last time I saw him he was playing for BMK songs, many of which were unknown; this time required little more than tekka, but he still brought his skill and spirit to the occasion. It is a pity they didn't manage to shoe-horn in a thani.
Me? I prefer an hour-long RTP, but, of course I enjoyed this performance. I think it was a good choice for three visiting American friends, two of whom have never heard any CM too; possibly an easier evening for them to feel involved and excited --- and emotionally moved --- by. I'm hoping they'll be game for something different later this week.