The concerts held in the capital city as part of the ‘Jalsa’ event were thoroughly entertaining. It featured Carnatic, Hindustani and folk music by young musicians and veteran artistes from around the country.
The opening concert was by Vayali Folklore Group, a team of young musicians who make music with percussion instruments made of bamboo. The natural and organic aural effect created by the bamboo instruments, sans any electronic or synthesised tones to hamper it, was a thoroughly refreshing experience. ‘Vande Mataram’ that was played on the flute in high and low ranges was set to a steady rhythm. The group’s theme music painted with hues of folk melody evoked a tranquil mood. A pacy number in Hamsadwani raga and the composition ‘Walk into the village’ were embellished by synchronised rhythm patterns from various instruments.
The natural tone of the xylophone that supported the flute was also catchy. The synergy of the musicians played a key role in making the concert lively.
The second concert was by Carnatic vocalist S. J. Jananiy. The accompanying artistes Manjula Rajesh on the violin, Nanjil Arul on the mridangam and Kottayam Unnikrishnan on the ghatam provided good support to the singer.
The main attraction of the event was the instrumental duet by the veteran saxophone artiste Kadri Gopalnath and the flautist-par-excellence Praveen Godkhindi. The combination of sax and flute was an interesting experiment that was sublime on the ears. The duo opened with Hamsanandi raga, delineated exquisitely. The crescendos played by Kadri while exploring the raga was a class apart. Praveen held the audience spellbound, especially during the long complicated phrases that culminated in blissful finishes. The recital of the kriti ‘Pavana guru’ consisted of swara improvisations that showcased the captivating feel of Hamsanandi. The ragam-thanam-pallavi in Abheri and its Hindustani counterpart Bhimplas was fabulous. Although their individual styles were distinct, the blend of the melody from sax and flute was stunningly aesthetic. Taniavarthanam by V. Praveen on the mridangam, Rajendra Nakod on the tabla and Rajasekhar on the morsing was another aural treat. The concert was contemporary, at the same time traditional.
The event was organised by the Art And Artistes.
