Vignesh Easwar @ MMA on 21 Dec 2017

[shriram.krishnan72]

Vignesh Easwar - Vocal
M. Vijay - Violin
Trivandrum Babu - Mridangam
Trivandrum Rajesh - Ghatam

01 Varnam - Anandabhairavi - Ata
02 Theradiyaga - Gowlipanthu - Adi (S)
03 Emanadichevo - Sahana - Rupakam (RNS)
04 Renuka Devi - Kannadabangala - Kanda Chapu ?
05 Sevikavendum - Andholika - Adi
06 Ninne Namminanu - Thodi - Mishra Chapu
07 Ragam Thanam Pallavi - Saaranga
(Chetha Shri Ramam Chinthaye Jimootha Shyamam)
Ragamalika in Dwijavanthi, Atana, Saama, ? (forgot the last one)
08 Thunga Theeravirajam - Salagabhairavi - Adi

Observations:

Had heard Rithvik in the morning and caught an early lunch at Parthasarathy Swami Sabha (tasty food but at exorbitant rates) and came relaxed to Vignesh (another TMK student). An overall impressive concert though it had its ups and downs also due to the accompanying artists. He has a loud voice which creates a good impact and carries the sound of the concert well.

Highlights:

Varnam, Kannadabangala, Thodi Neraval and Kalpanaswaram

Positives:

This was a well planned concert in then traditional style starting with a Varnam which was presented in a crisp manner. Anandabhairavi made for a good opening.

The Kannadabangala song was well presented and was a refreshing change. Didn't quite understand what happened during the Chittaswaram. Something like a Shruthi Bedam. Would have been nice to have an explanation as to what it was and whether it was the composers or an additional by the artist.

The Mridangist was full of energy and maintained a good rapport with Vignesh throughout the concert and added value.

There was great energy in Ninne Namminanu and the Neraval and Kalpanaswarams were the best aspect of his Thodi.

Saaranga was sweet. The Alapana was too short and merged into the Thanam quickly. Would have loved to hear a little more in depth exploration of this Ragam. The Ragamalika Kalpanaswarams section of the RTP was nice and drew applause.

Negatives:

Violin was good in places but missed the mark overall I felt. Not a big fan of his tone either. Ghatam was also along predictable lines.

The Sahana was quite draggy and there seemed to be a discomfort throughout. Not sure what caused it. Maybe it was the song or the line chosen for improvisation. It was the slowest composition in the concert.

At times it seemed like Vignesh was off pitch and was wavering and the violin did not help the situation. Something to look into and correct soon maybe.

Thoughts:

Vignesh is young and energetic. Undoubtedly there are many positive TMK influences in him which is good. Will be great to see him mature and use these to mould himself. He has worked on his music and has come a long way in the last couple of years. More power to him.

It was nice to see so many young musicians at his concert. Ramakrishnan Murthy, Sandeep Narayanan, Rithvik Raja and Bharat Sundar among others were all seen together supporting and wishing Vignesh after the concert by the parking lot. A very healthy sign of moral support from the next generation stars and colleagues towards another who is coming up the ranks. His guru TMK was also spotted!!!

It is nice to see such good healthy crowds for the 1.30 concerts. Rithvik and Vignesh seem to have drawn the best crowds so far and presented hit concerts. However it is sad to see such poor turnout for some evening concerts like Nisha Rajagopalan and Vidhya Kalyanaraman where there were maybe around 30-40 people. Very discouraging. It is surprising that even the members who have season passes don't turn up? Something to think about

- SK72

[Gadolinium]

Thanks for the song list and review, Shriram.

My thoughts: Beautiful Thodi and neraval at kamakshi kanchadalaya dakshi. Powerful, deep, crisp voice well chiseled for rakthi ragas. I thoroughly enjoyed the Sahana. RTP was in khanda nadai, total time was just over 20 minutes and felt rushed. Perhaps he could have cut #5, don't know why that song is as popular as it is. Top-notch support by the mridangist.

[Rasika_first]

What a powerful voice this young lad has. His thodi was top class. Ninne Nammi was the perfect choice and neraval brought some memories of TMK (early days). However the RTP didn't impress me much. I don't know if it was rushed or Saranga wasn't exploited fully.

Vignesh has started getting the TMK mannerisms in his music and hand movements too . But as long as the output is enjoyable I don't mind anything. Overall a nice concert and more power to Vignesh.

[shriram.krishnan72]

@Gadolinium and @Rasika_first - Agree wholeheartedly on all counts with you both except on one. His voice is his strength and his early TMK style singing suits well. And his Thodi was the pick which created good impact. The RTP did feel rushed and Saaranga was limited and unexplored. However I was not a big fan of the Sahana. I am only nitpicking but his pronunciation also needs to improve for I heard Kamatchi instead of Kamakshi far too many times