Excerpt: … pianist Joel Almeida and bass player Jonas Elba injected an upbeat fusion element…
Source: The Evening Standard (London) July 17, 2002 HEADLINE: BLESSINGS FROM SHANKAR. By Sue Steward Text: In a surprise introduction to this celebration of South Indian (Karnatic) classical music, a frail looking Ravi Shankar blessed the leader of the percussion septet Sapthaakshara, about to play. Vinayakaram was visibly moved. His modesty matches that of his instrument - an earthenware pot (ghatam), which he transformed into a magical drum, coaxing unimaginable sounds by slapping, tickling, cupping, thudding, using fingers and thumbs, palms and forearms, and cutting up rhythms with the mathematical precision which characterises Karnatic music. Seated cross-legged in an arc, the musicians unfolded an ecstatic display beginning with Shiva's dance, accompanied by the singer's soft hand-claps and rhythm counting on his fingers, the ghatam drumming, and drones emerging from electronic harmonium and dulcimer-like vina. A typical Karnatic song, composed of fast-scatted syllables and racing rhythms, required audience participation, then a sublime raga showcased the virtuoso young singer with Bollywood looks, V. Ulma Mahesh. Vinayakaram's solo was a masterclass in technique and expression; Ravi Shankar accompanied it with delicate hand-dancing. After the interval, tabla player Anindo Chatterjee brought a fresh North Indian tone, and pianist Joel Almeida and bass player Jonas Elba injected an upbeat fusion element. To close, The Elephant's Dance returned us to the compelling Southern folk terrain. Then, instead of basking in deserved glory, Vinayakaram led the musicians to be blessed with the audience by the man who was a focus all night without playing a note: Ravi Shankar. WORLD MUSIC Vikku Vinayakaram and Sapthaakshara Queen Elizabeth Hall. 16 July 2002. Photograph and more of Joel Almeida at: http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/69/joelalmeida.html ========================================= Don't forget - you saw it pn GoaNet! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-W-E-B---S-I-T-E-=-=-= To Subscribe/Unsubscribe from GoaNet | http://www.goacom.com/goanet =================================================================== For (un)subscribing or for help, Contact: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dont want so many e=mails? Join GoaNet-Digest instead ! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Help support non-commercial projects in Goa by advertizing!! * * * * Your ad here !!
