Singing to an almost full house, Sandeep Narayan presented Hindolam, a pentatonic raga that permits any number of combinations.
He did not let go this opportunity and sang with gusto. Brigas were in free flow - all perfect.
B. Ananathakrishnan (violin) played the raga beautifully with his musical ideas. Sandeep’s niraval for Swati Tirunal’s ‘Padmanabha Paahi’ (Adi) lacked depth. He made up for it in the beginning of the swara segment. Sunil Kumar (ganjira) impressed with his soft beats.
Tyagaraja’s ‘Sarasa Sama’ (Kapinarayani) that Sandeep chose for a breather before the man item, was soothing. Surprisingly, Sandeep’s choice was Mohanam, yet another pentatonic raga. These five-note ragas permit myriad combinations that beyond a point, it becomes a mere exercise in permutation. Sandeep’s efforts were on these lines.
Ananthakrishnan infused his replies with apt phrases. ‘Kapali’ (Sivan) was given a mediocre treatment.
S.J. Arjun Ganesh (mridangam) has, over the years, matured into a rhythm player with fine musical sense. That evening, his contribution was noteworthy.
The thani saw both the players exchange some lively patterns.
Tyagaraja’s ‘Nannu Vidachi’ (Ritigowla) came as a big relief with Sandeep’s faithful approach.
