"music connecting people"
HAVE you ever heard of bhajans in Jazz? If you have not, then make sure that you are present at Lalita Kala Thoranam on May 28 evening to witness the fusion of bhajans and Jazz.
Australian Art Orchestra which is in the city as part of its four city music concert with Shrutilaya Kendra of Mridangam maestro Kaaraikudi Mani in association with Chaitanya Art Theatres, will present Oceanic Dream an extension of 'Into the Fire', a fusion concert with the theme, music connecting people.
Oceanic Dream tries to unveil a new form by combining the best features of Carnatic music and Jazz and thus paving for creating what is called as global music cutting across regional barriers.
Australian Art Orchestra consisting of Sandy Evans-Saxophone, Adrian Sherrif-Trombone, Scott Tinkler-Trumpet, Philip Rex-Doublebass, Niko Schauble-Drums, Alister Spence-Keyboards and Lachlan- Clarionet and from Shrutilaya Kendra Guru Kaaraikudi Mani, BV Balasai-Flute, UP Raju-Mandolin and V Suresh-Ghatam and dance presentation by Rajeswari Sainath.
Interestingly according to the Orchestra many Australian musicians and audience are developing a liking for Carnatic music for its rhythm and melody. Ten years back it was unheard of in Melbourne now it is growing. Thanks to the efforts of Mridangam maestro Karaikudi Mani who has been instrumental in creating awareness.
The members of Australian Art Orchestra came to India for the first time in 1997 coinciding with the 50 years of Indian independence. They spoke to Expresso as to how Carnatic music has influenced their lives and their tour to India. They will be in India till June 9 and will perform at Chennai, Bangalore and Mysore.
Niko Schauble-drums, MELBOURNE: We met Shruti Layakendra for the first time in 1997 in New Delhi. Our association started since then. Music influences everything you do, it is universal. Likewise Carnatic music is like an international language.
It's not playing either Jazz or Carnatic music what is exciting is Shruti Laya and Australian Orchestra performing together. This is my third trip to India. We got good response in Hyderabad last year and looking forward to the May 28 programme.
Philip rex -double bass, MELBOURNE: Before 1997, the knowledge of Carnatic music in Melbourne was almost nill but thanks to Karaikudi Mani and his Shrutilaya now more Australian musicians and audience are showing interest in Carnatic music. It's a very strong expression. It takes you to another planet. Though sounds bit like African music, it's complex.
One of my friends in Melbourne is from Hyderabad I have to try if I can locate his house.
Adrian Sheriff: It all started 18 years ago. Though initially I was inclined to tabla later I got into mridangam. For me it is a kind of refined music system in the world.
It has got fantastic balance, structure, spontaneity, vigorous, very unusual and unique in the world. We have made Carnatic music compulsory subject in a degree course in music in our college. learnt the music from Mani sir disciple Ravichandra. I know Pancharatna Kruthis and Himavathi is my favourite raga.
Sandy Evans-saxophone, SYDNEY: I visited India when was just 18-year-old. Now it has become become more modern and cleaner. People here are very friendly. Carnatic music is deep, complex and beautiful. There is a lot to pick from. Australian music is all about harmony. Like how you have here different kinds of music we have different kinds of Jazz.
We are looking at the combining the best of the two to create a new form, which is contemporary and equally beautiful. We organised workshops in understanding rhythm in Adelaide in 2000.
I have got a teacher in Sydney and started pursuing Carnatic music seriously for the last oneand- a-half years. I am hoping to come here next year to study flute with Balasai. Carnatic music has completely changed my life. Alister Spence-Keyboard, Sydney: Sandy and I were here for an album sometime back in 1992. Unlike in Australia here music can be seen in everyone's culture.
Indian music is inspiring. The key lies in understanding its rhythm and melody. I score music for local films and documentaries. Indian music is special with respect to its rhythm. Last time it was great with lots of enthusiastic crowds. It's an opportunity for us to work together.
Lachlan-Clarionet MELBOURNE: This is the first time I am coming to India. We love to play bhajans. We don't mind from which religion the music comes from. We are tolerant. If Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji feels happy with our bhajans we will also be happy. While trumpeteer Scott Tinkler, who has got several distinctions in Australia is eagerly looking forward to the programme.
Rajeswari Sainath, a danseuse will render a fusion dance ballet during the concert. "We have planned to record the album of Oceanic Dream. Because it's less expensive doing it here," informs Kaaraikudi Mani leaving for rehearsals.
- Newsindiapress.com Express Features Jun 24, 2008
