There are a lot of bands that pride themselves for sticking together. And then there are bands like MoonArra, whose members take special interest in working with other musicians to help build their own unique repertoire of sounds. The internationally-acclaimed city-based band that dabbles in Indian classical, jazz and world fusion is making global waves with their collaborative efforts.
The four-member ensemble comprises composer and founder Jagadeesh M R on guitars and oud, singer-songwriter and co-founder Madhuri Jagadeesh, Prakash Sontakke on slide guitar and Hindustani vocals and Karthik Mani on Indian percussions, drums and konnakol. Meaning three streams, MoonArra is the coming together of a variety of influences by its members.
The spirit of collaboration is nothing new to MoonArra. The band itself formed as a result of a collaborative effort with the MoonArra duo Jagadeesh and Madhuri teaming up with Prakash and Karthik. “We continue to collaborate with one another as well as with musicians overseas, both individually and collectively. Because of these collaborations our sound has become more global, appealing to audiences all over. The fact that global music has the power and the ability to bring about a positive change in society continues to inspire all of us,” points out Jagadeesh.
He goes on to say that this year particularly has been all about collaborations. “We went on a four-concert tour to Vienna and Dublin, Ireland last year where we met jazz musician and saxophone player Peter Natterer based in Vienna. He was very keen to take our music forward together. We went back to Vienna this year to record six songs live. We composed them with him impromptu and it will be put together into an album soon.”
Meanwhile, this year started on a high note for MoonArra who teamed up with Phil Scarff, a virtuoso saxophone player from USA and Berkley Faculty, to play with each other’s compositions. “We went on to do a concert in bFlat where Phil also performed a Hindustani classical segment, having studied it for nearly 30 years. He’s coming again next year. Post the Bangalore School of Music’s East West Music and Dance Festival, we also played with the AiON Quartet from Zurich, Switzerland, and the Hefi Quartet from Poland.”
Soon, the MoonArra duo found itself heading abroad to the Zurich University to play as part of the ‘Music for Change’ concert. “This was followed by a concert in A38, rated as the best jazz club in Budapest, Hungary, where we performed with acclaimed pianist Norbert Kael of the Jazzical Trio and talented percussionist Tamas Siska; culminating at the upcoming jazz club Strefa, Krakow, Poland with famed flautist Leszek Wisniowski from the Hefi Quartet.”
The experience was surreal, recalls Jagadeesh. “The A38 is a multi-cultural venue that was a memorable experience that even money can’t buy. Our performance with Tamas and Norbert was beautiful. We improvised on the spot. We also got to see the place culturally which we wouldn’t have normally seen if we were tourists.”
Jagadeesh adds that when they finally came back and performed at the Indiranagar Sabha recently, the performance was spectacular since MoonArra brought a totally new freshness to the songs. “We end up doing something different each time we perform and that experience is something beautiful to cherish.” He adds that while they were touring Europe, the other two in the band were also busy. “Karthik was touring and performing in Germany and other parts of Europe with acclaimed bassist Kai Eckhardt. Prakash has also been working with musicians in Mauritius and Florence.”
And that is how the members of MoonArra are working, Jagadeesh affirms. “We are constantly working with other musicians. These collaborative initiatives have shaped the sound that we engage in when we come back together.”
Has the sound of MoonArra changed as well? Jagadeesh agrees. “We notice we are bringing a different flavour each time to the same song. The new compositions we are working on are also acquiring a global feel that appeals to audiences world over. The band itself is very fluid. Individually, we seek out different frontiers and come back as a fresh MoonArra. We are not a typical band. Music can get stagnant if we are stuck as a band, especially improvisational music. It’s important we bring freshness each time we perform with a new kind of sound.”
Visit www.moonarra.com for details.
