|
Even
on paper, this combination is breathtaking, for the mind can only begin to
imagine what subtle brilliance will be created by two of the most innovative
musicians around. The first, Talvin Singh, is known for his groundbreaking
style in creating original sounds using Indian traditions, and modern
European aesthetics, and the resonance presented by the rest of the world.
He is at heart, a Tabla player, producer, and composer, based in London, via
the universe. Next, is Niladri Kumar, a fifth generation Sitar player. His
fresh, experimental approach to his instrument is sure to evoke your every
emotion, and his exploratory nature will transport you to a unique, musical
experience.
Kumar will combine their deep rooted Indian classical training, and their
modern, contemporary surroundings to create an extraordinary sound. Every
performance will display each musician's formidable talents and spectacular
skills of musical expression and musicianship to unfold a novel soundscape
within the classical music context.
The Two Worlds of Talvin
Singh
This
is no typical case of East and West; this is the creation of something
spectacular. Two concepts, two parts of life, merged into one. For, when he
was just 15, Talvin Singh was living as both disciple of Tabla Maestro,
Ustad Lachman Singh Seen, and an active member of the new breakbeat/electronica
culture which was gradually developing in London at the time. This
intriguing mixture inspired an aspiration to combine the two musical worlds
and create a whole other palace of sound. So after his initial training in
India, he returned with drive; a drive to fulfil, stimulating his early
collaborations with artists such as Courtney Pine and Sun Ra.
During this period, a new Asian underground scene was also taking shape and
Singh then conceived 'Anokha', a brand to showcase raising talents of
musicians and artists, to celebrate a new renaissance in modern Indian
music. Anokha hosted a weekly night at the Blue Note club in east London and
in 1996, he released his widely influential compilation album 'Anokha –
Sounds of the Asian Underground' on his own Omni label.
Further along the road, using his undeniable passion for Tabla and newly
crafted Tablatronic technology [honouring the aesthetic and cultural aspects
of the Indian classical music tradition along with the sound and
sensibilities of electronica] Singh had created a new sound. It encompassed
connectivity between these diverse musical elements and so, using this
newfound energy, he released his debut album "OK" in 1998. The album was
recorded in Mumbai, Madras, Okinawa, New York and London, and featured
contributions from Bill Laswell, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Ustad Sultan Khan and the
Madras Philharmonic Orchestra. A year later, "OK" went on to win the Mercury
Music Prize to much critical acclaim. Following closely behind, was another
successful release with Universal Island, "Ha." As part of their 50th
anniversary in 2009, Island Records have chosen Singh's album "OK" as one of
their iconic past recordings and re-released the album to aid their
celebrations.
Since then, Talvin Singh has worked and collaborated, with and for a vast
variety of artists from all parts of the world. These include Madonna,
Siouxsie & the Banshees, Sun Ra, Björk, Massive Attack, Jay Z, and Blondie,
to Ustad Sultan Khan, Rakesh Chaurasia, Niladri Kumar, Jajouka, Ustad Amjad
Ali Khan, the late Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and many more.
Talvin Singh's new label Chilly Media kick started with the re-release of
his revolutionary album, "Calcutta Cyber Café – Drum and Space" in March
2009 and will be followed by his new studio album, 'SKIN'. Some people are
just made for it...
The Unconventionality of
Niladri Kumar
Maverick, they call him. He is a master of technical skill, a bearer of
soulful approach who breaks the stereotype with his brilliant, distinctive
style. He continuously displays an uncanny ability to strike an instant
rapport with audiences and transcend age barriers with his unique musical
repertoire; be it for his Indian Classical music recitals or his World Music
Concerts. He is an orthodox among the traditional and optimistically
fearless among the creative, rare and mesmerising to watch.
Niladri Kumar is a fifth generation musician from Kolkata. He was taught to
play the Sitar from the age of 4 by his father Pandit Kartick Kumar of the
Senia Gharana, and just two years later, he found himself performing before
a live audience in ashram, Pondicherry, immediately showing his dexterity as
a musician.
Kumar has grown into a graceful, lyrical and technically exceptional artist,
performing regularly in recitals for diverse audiences. He has also recorded
many a time for the Mumbai film industry, embarking courageously on a career
which promises to be illustrious and pioneering. He has a profound
understanding of various musical styles, aided by his many years of
exploring the world of music.
He
has been hailed as one of the most serious young exponents of Sitar
representing the fifth generation of Sitarists, and determinedly promotes
Indian Classical music to the younger generation, stirring much respect and
interest.
He
has won many awards for his contributions to music, including the
prestigious Sangeet Natak Academy's "Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar" for
Instrumental Hindustani Music. Also, he won the MTV IMMIE for the Best
Classical/Fusion Instrumental Album" for his album 'IF', displaying the
depth of his knowledge and love of world music. He has performed with many
contemporary artists such as Jonas Hellborg, John McLaughlin and Salvaganesh
to mention but a few.
Niladri Kumar's latest release, "Zitar" on Dreyfus Records sees him blur the
line between genres and create a whole new perspective of music. He combines
established genres such as rock, jazz and electronica, whilst paying homage
to tradition, once again portraying his capacity to be at equal ease whether
at home playing Classical or travelling, playing contemporary world music.
Watch this space.
|
