Collaborations between foreign and Indian musicians are a regular format now. However, what sets apart a recent alliance between Cuban vocalist Doris Lavin and Indian musicians is that they played a spectacular combination of Afro-Cuban Indian fusion in a never-before-heard fashion.
Performing at Windmills Craftworks over the weekend, the specialist in Latin dance, salsa, timba and Cuban traditions teamed up with Sasmit Chintaman Rudra on piano, Umang Kapur on congas, Vijay Kumar Murthy on bass and Tanmay Deepak Velankar on drums, to render an awe-inspiring jazz theatre exclusive.
Sharing her thoughts before the gig, Doris says she’s more than happy to be in Bengaluru and it’s a beautiful place. “The climate, the people and the food are simply amazing. This is my second time here and the city never fails to amaze me. I love being here again.”
After establishing herself as a reputed vocalist in Cuba, Doris moved to Italy and continued to grow in fame and launched her first self-titled album in 2003 with four more albums in her kitty since then. She is currently in Pune, collaborating and performing with Indian artistes from a range of classical and contemporary backgrounds. A multi-talented composer and instrumentalist, Doris dons many hats in the band, instructing her fellow musicians on the go. Singing on the streets of Cuba since she was 16 years old, the artiste is an accomplished maestro at fusing genres that usually do not sit together.
Performing a range of eclectic songs from her repertoire, including five new songs put together as a fusion with an Indian band, Doris grooved the audience in a spectacular show. “The last time I was here, I played with Cuban musicians but this time I’ve incorporated Indian musicians in the band.”
Some rhythms of India are the same as Cuba, she points out when asked about Indian music. “I love the music of this country. Ever since I heard Zakir Hussain, I’ve always been fascinated by Indian music. Even now, in Pune I attend a lot of classical concerts.”
Best describing her musical journey as magical, Doris says she has grown a lot and understands people and music better with her heart now. “With every musician it’s a new experience. I learn something new every day now.”
Looking ahead, Doris plans to establish an Indian band with her kind of music. “Soon I will add Indian instrumentation to my set up and mix my music in an Afro-Cuban Indian fusion fashion.”
Doris also plans to collaborate with musicians all over the world and interact and play with them. “With my base in Pune now, I am looking forward to playing in many places and bring out a whole new experience in my collaborations.”
To upcoming musicians and singers, she has a simple message: “Feel music from your heart. Be spiritual in your approach and have the desire to never give up. Be strong and spiritually inclined to pursue music.”
