Jugalbandi of classical music-jazz at Tagore Theatre

SD Sharma

Chandigarh, June 25

The Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi (CSNA), in association with the PAREXEL International, organised a jazz-style raga fusion concert at Tagore Theatre today. The Chandigarh Jazz Ensemble gave performance on the occasion.

The well-attended and adequately rehearsed musical bonanza, featuring well accomplished artistes of the region, led by eminent sitar maestro Pandit Dr Harvinder Sharma and city-based saxophonist Manish Kumar, exercised an impulsive impact on minds of the audience with their unique pioneering effort.

As many as nine accomplished musicians attempted to blend rhythms of the contemporary jazz with the richness of the Hindustani classical music as they presented a jazz-style fusion of ragas based on compositions of eminent music directors Shanker–Jaikshan.

The programme commenced with an exposition of a pentatonic raga Kalawati in a simple but melodious bandish by Manish Kumar on saxophone, who was too repetitive with musical phrases and brilliantly decorated by the lead sitarist through brief a alaap, jod and jhalla besides refreshingly executed assertive taans and precisely timed tihais with Jaidev on tabla to win the applause.

The artistes presented yet another absorbing composition based on raga tilak kamod. Manish captured the essence of the raga, displaying mastery in lower and medium octaves with a matching support from musicians, especially grand master Pandit Harbinder.

Both lead artistes were at their best while delineating the melodic character of complex raga todi. It was indeed gratifying to relish the well-timed tihais frequently executed on drums and all instrumentalists giving their best when engaged in recurrent jugalbandis to make the recital lively and memorable. It was a delightful experience for the audience.

The artistes, applauded for their scintillating performance, included Harvinder Sharma (sitar) Manish Kumar(alto saxophone), Arun Mankotia (drums), Davender Rahi (synthesiser), Arun Kant (piano), Manish Sachdeva (base guitar) and Goldy (lead guitar). Punita Bawa anchored the programme.

Earlier, Akademi chairperson Kamal Arora welcomed chief guest Sarvjit Singh IAS, who lighted a traditional lamp and honoured the artistes.