Music has the power to unite the world. Taking this thought forward will be seven renowned musicians who are set to enthrall audiences with a show that will bring to music lovers an amalgamation of diverse talents.
“Beats and Winds” is a concert that will see a collaboration between percussionist Trilok Gurtu, vocalist Roop Kumar Rathod, Grammy award winning musician Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, flautist Pandit Ronu Majumdar and jazz saxophonist George Brookes along with Vijay Chavan on the dholki and Atul Raninga on keyboards on November 17 in Mumbai. The endeavour aims at showcasing the rich heritage of the musical talent in India.
“I’m happy that I will get a chance to play with people with whom I’ve not played much before. I’m sure it will be a memorable concert that will witness a high level of improvisation,” Gurtu says.
Elaborating on the concert, the master percussionist says, “The concert aims at creating an atmosphere and awareness about Indian music. It is shocking that there is so little awareness about this. We need to stop running after American music, because even though it’s okay for a while, we should not forget the importance and richness of Indian music.”
Apart from creating knowledge about Indian music, the concert has other objectives as well. Bhatt says, “The objective of this concert is to spread love, harmony, happiness and to touch the listener’s heart. In a world where there is such a difference of language and culture, the seven musical notes of music is universal; it is the only thing that can unite the whole world. Even if we are from a different background, the power of music is enough to unite us and through this concert we will be making one music.”
The concert that will be held at the Shri Shanmukhananada Hall is expected to showcase a unique blend of classical music with a touch of Sufi music, with Roop Kumar Rathod singing along with the lyrical flute of Majumdar and the brilliance of Gurtu, Bhatt and George Brookes.
For the artistes, playing with so many other eminent musicians is one of the reasons to look forward to the concert. “I’m really honoured to share the stage with legendary artists like Trilok Gurtu, Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Ronu Majumdar,” Rathod says.
“I think it will be one of my most memorable concerts. We will meet on November 16, 2011 and that’s when we will decide how to jam and what to play,” he adds.
Echoing a similar stance, Bhatt says, “It’s very exciting because it’s a new thing. All these musicians will be performing together for the first time, so it’ll be great. It will be based on improvisations because each of us is a soloist in his own right, but when we combine, we have to keep in mind each other’s performance. It will be a great night.”
Rathod however admits that performing with other artists is not always easy. “You have to be in sync with all others when you are not performing solo. The music is the same, the only thing is that there are so many musicians that you have to complement each other on the stage. So there should be a rapport that doesn’t create confusion,” he says, but adds, “The good thing here is that all the artistes are so experienced and so used to jamming with others that I’m sure it will turn out to be amazing.”
According to Bhatt, “We will put in our entire effort, to come out with music that will soothe the people’s heart, touch their soul and bring a smile to their face.”