Ramakrishnan Murthy is a young vocalist brought under the tutelage of Padmakutty in Los Angeles, USA.With a penchant for virtuosity his powerful and malleable voice established instant rapport with the listeners during his vocal recital, featured by Rajalakshmi Fine Arts, Coimbatore.
Warming up with ‘Janaki Ramana’ in Suddhaseemanthini in a voice lending cooperation in the lower and middle octaves, he achieved a vibrant kalapramana in ‘Enthara’ (Harikhambodi). His well-defined alapana of Kalyani for the kriti, ‘Biranavara’ followed by niraval and a cascade of swaras lent distinction to the raga.
The fluidity in rendering the swaras following the niraval was enchanting. ‘Kandrin Kuralaikettu’ in Mukhari was full of raga bhava.
The Thodi raga vinyasam with sampradaya pidis was a colourful mosaic with minute embellishments for the kriti, ‘Dasarathi.’ The RTP in Nattai – ‘Pottriduvom Pugazhndiduvom’ – with raga sancharas in Aarabhi, Varali, Sree and Jonpuri brimmed with bhava. Sampath (violin) with his dulcet notes was classic in quality and refined in taste. Bharadwaj (mridangam) and Chandrasekhara Sarma (ghatam) were a picture of bonhomie providing perfect rhythm at the right decibels. Kudos to the young quartet! They have a bright future and are bound to go places.