Fast track into Fusion Music

Even though Bangalore is teeming with the new generation of bubble gum kids who swear by their Capuccino and cigarettes, the growing metropolis hasn't yet banished music and fine arts altogether.

One still catches glimpses of the old world charm peeping out of the mosaic of flashy cars, high rise homes and pulsating hard rock, in hip-hop Bangalore. Concerts occasionally score over I-catching 'Pods, and one still sees women in shimmering silks walk into majestic Halls to lend an ear to live and soothing music.

On Friday, my friend and I had passes to a concert in the famed Chowdiah Memorial Hall. We were treated to scintillating 'fusion' music by the Khan brothers, Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan. They are the illustrious sons of the noted Sarod Maestro, Ustaad Amjad Ali Khan. Years ago. Years ago, I had the unique honor of playing the background Taanpura for him, at a concert held in the Indian Institute of Science.

Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan with their father, Ustaad Amjad Ali Khan (File Photo from the web)

The young brothers turned out some soul-stirring music and did not fail to enthrall the audience. Their rendition of 'Reincarnation' set to Raag Behag (which included a Raagamalika) brought out the kaleidoscopic colors of emotions that can only relate to this mystical transition called reincarnation. Raag Bhagyasri was simply superb. Every piece managed to blend the different instruments with such finesse and the ending always came in a thundering crescendo, thrilling the audience. Man, woman and child thumped their feet to pulsating rhythmic beats while sounds of silence dutifully descended on every subtle note.

While the traditional Sarod was accompanied by the modern keyboard, lending fusion of the east and west, the young artists never lost the classical touch and there were glimpses of the conservative modules of alaap, jod and jhala. A remarkable blend, one can say. No noise, no off beat tones, just a naughty demo of pop culture tailored into Hindustani tradition.

The program was organized by HSBC Bank. Wish there were more such like-minded organizations which still root for rich Indian music and melody....

(Pic on top right hand corner is a Bangalorean mall taken from Google)