the virtuoso

5/18/2018 The Virtuoso

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THE

VIRTUOSO

Drum your way to beat stress

INDIAJULY2015!100 | Vol 8 Issue 7


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THE VIRTUOSOINDIAJULY2015

The rise of

drum circles

!100 | Vol 8 Issue 7

EDITORIAL TEAM

EDITOR YASH [email protected]

DESIGN ANAND [email protected]

BAJM 3rd Year

SPECIAL THANKSINDIRA SCHOOL ofCOMMUNICATION

EDITORS BEAT

The world today has become very competitive. Thiscompetition takes place right from our schools to thetop positions in business and tech houses. All thiscompetition has led to stress. It has been said that bythe year 2020, stress will be the most deadliestdisease after AIDS. People from various walks of lifehave been doing various activities to battle stresssuch as yoga, meditation, etc.

Being a magazine for musicians and musiclovers, we at Virtuoso tried searching for

some stress-busting activity in music andwere lucky to find about drum circles. Wegot in touch with Punes ace percussionistand drum-circle facilitator, Varun Venkitwho with his team at Taal Inc have beenspreading the joy and benefits of drumcircles through their sessions all aroundIndia. We are thankful to Varun and histeam who enlightened us on the benefitsand the rising trend of drum circles in India.

We were also very lucky to have interviewed two renowned artists, Sitarist Pt. RaviChary from Goa, India and drummer Lucas van Merwijk from the Netherlands, whowere happy to share their journey into the world of music and their beliefs. We havealso talked about some of your favourite artists from around the world in this issue ofVirtuoso. We have also covered one of the giants of world music, Prem Joshua. Thesebio-datas of world musicians would interest one and all and learning about thejourney of such great musicians is inspiring for all of us music lovers.

Last but not the least we look into one of the biggest shows that happened in Puneover the month of June. Rock giants Indus Creed crooning out their soulful tunes atEuriska amazed one and all and were completely out of the world. We hope this

months edition will amaze and inspire all our readers in a great way.

YASH PATIL


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CONTENTS

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COVER DRUMMINGYOURSTRESS AWAY

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WHEN EAST MEETS WESTpg17

MUSIC RUNSIN THE VEINS

INTO THE WORLD OFCUBAN JAZZ

ROCKING THE SCENE

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DRUMMINGDrumming hasbeen found torelieve peoplewho arestressed and

with amazingresults

COVER

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YOURSTRESS

AWAY

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pg

tress has been a major disorder in today's world. It has

been said that in the next five years, stress would

become the world's biggest disease after AIDS. IT

professionals, engineers and people belonging to variousother professions have been attending various activities

that can relive them of stress like meditation and yoga.

One of the most upcoming stress busting therapies

today is music therapy, where the client is treated of a

mental disorder by the help of music, under the

guidance of a person who has been approved musical

therapy program.

An important role of healing people using music therapy

in India is played by Taal Inc., an organisation based in

Pune, India. "We aim to influence health and well being

through rhythm, music and the arts by facilitating drum

circles for various groups of people (of all ages) to

communicate to them a particular, pre decided objective.

We do so by teaching under the Taal Inc School of

Rhythm banner, spreading educative awareness of

rhythm and percussion through djembe and Drumkitclasses for students who wish to begin or continue their

journey of learning rhythm and by performing as the Taal

Inc Rhythm Ensemble whose soul purpose is to spread

joy. The rhythm ensemble plays traditional west African

folk music, junk percussion and rhythm based fusion

music.

So through these three main verticals we work

towards spreading awareness of the unending potential

of rhythm and the expressive arts in ones lives on a

recreational (participative and non- participative) andeducational forum." says Varun Venkit, founder of Taal

Inc.

Varun says that, a drum circle is a situation where a

group of people sit in a circle, are handed out drums and

are facilitated into a recreational musical making session.

Some drum circles are non-facilitated, some are

facilitated. A range of hand drums, stick drums and

percussion instruments are used for this purpose.

S

COVER

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He says, "Drumming helps to access ones alpha state,

which is a state when the body is in a more relaxed

state. This helps reduce any active, momentary

stressors that may be present when intended in that

particular direction. Drumming facilitates unobtrusive

expression which also positively affects in caseswhere expression is an issue."

He also mentions that drumming is not a science. It is

a way of life. Drumming in a group makes us exhibit a

lot of qualities that we need to learn in today's day

and age.

Drumming helps accessones alpha state, whichhelps reduce any activestressors. It also facilitatesunobtrusive expression.

When asked about how did drum circlescame into existence in India, he says,

"Drum circles in India have existed since

time immemorial by way of various group

drumming activities in many states, but

as hypocritical as it might sound, since it

takes a westerner to put his stamp of

approval for things that would have

originated or existed in the east for it to

be validly accepted and applied is what

happened by who is known as the 'father

of the modern day drum circle' - Mr.

Arthur Hull. He pioneered its use and

application for a 21st century community

and enterprise run world."

Finally, Varun says that the vision of Taal inc. is a drum in every house.

This would help them realize their aim of

spreading awareness of theinclusive and universal nature of music. This will help them bring rhythm

music back into people's lives.

Mr. Arthur Hull, Father of

modern day drum circle

Mr. Arthur Hull, Father of

modern day drum circle

VARUN VENKIT

COVER

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RENDEZVOUS - 1

INTO THE

WORLD OF

CUBAN JAZZ

LUCAS VAN MERWIJK

Lucas van Merwijk is currently one of theworlds leading Cuban Jazz drummerswho has been performing around theworld with his band Van Merwijks Music

Machine showcasing the best of CubanJazz music.

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Van Merwijks Music Machine (L-R): Samuel Ruiz (Upright Bass), Ramon Valle

(Piano), Lucas van Merwijk (Drums), Bert Boeren (Trombone)

RENDEZVOUS - 1

Can you tell us something about yourself?

Lucas van Merwijk (LvM):I am a drummer, musician, bandleader,

percussionist, teacher, producer, composer, father, son, brother

and husband based in the Netherlands. I love playing the drums

and make music traveling all around the world!

How and when did your love for the drumkit begin?

LvM:As a young kid I was always fascinated by drums. From

an early age on I was following the drum parades in the

street. After that I started building my own drum sets from

my mothers pots and pans. The Beatles were my firstinfluence after that many more followed.

When you decided to make drumming as a career, what

were the difficulties that you faced as a beginner?

LvM:As a young kid I didnt realize music is something you

can do professionally for your whole life.

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RENDEZVOUS - 1

I became a professional musician at the age of 17 and thats

when I decided thats the most important thing for me in my

life.I had my first drum lessons by a local drum teacher at the

age of 12. Later on I had different teachers at the

conservatory of Amsterdam and Rotterdam. I also went to

Cuba to study drums with Oscar Valdez. I became a teacher

myself at the age of 25, teaching at the Amsterdam and

Rotterdam conservatory.

Out of all the genres of music, what was it about Jazz that

made you fall in love with it and why particularly Cuban

Jazz?

LvM:

I started out playing pop music. Later on I started to

play Jazz and Latin music. I love Cuban Jazz because groove

is strong and the same time there is lots of room for

improvisation and intelligent interaction. Latin music and Jazz

has always been connected.

I just like to play with great musicians no matter where they

come from. I have always found that the best musicians are

the ones would have are very open-minded. Being a drummer

of course I always choose people from countries with a very

strong rhythmical culture such as for example South America,

Africa, Asia, North America Middle East and the Balkan.

How has the reception for Jazz music in Cuba and

elsewhere in the World been?

LvM:

My experience is that people are intended to react

stronger to Latin Jazz then to for example straight ahead jazz

or bebop. The reason is again that the groove is stronger.

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How is Cuban Jazz different from traditional Cuban music?

Is it different in terms of the instruments used in the

respective genres as well?

LvM:

Traditional Cuban music has of course the Cuban

rhythm and improvisation. In Cuban Jazz the harmonies are a

bit more advanced. Both in Cuban music and in Cuban Jazz

the element of improvisation is strong. In the Cuban

traditional music it would be more focused to link to the

dancers. Most of the Cuban traditional music has vocals.

Cuban Jazz is mostly instrumental and the improvisation

would be more Jazz informed, meaning that in for example

the solos and chord progressions one should be able to hear

connections and links with North American jazz traditions.

You have been a part of two very famous Cuban Jazz

ensembles The Cubop City Big Band and Nueva Manteca

and you recently performed in India with the Van MerwijksMusic Machine band. Can you tell us something about the

band? About the Music Machines conception and its

members?

LvM: I play Cuban music, salsa and Latin Jazz with my bigger

ensembles such as the Cubop city Big Band and Nueva

Manteca. In this (Music Machines) case I wanted to play in a

smaller an intimate setting which is why I invited Ramon Valleon the Piano.

I have been part of Nueva Manteca since 1985. I am not the

leader of this band though. The Cubop City Big Band is my

band and I am the leader.

It is a very big group and it takes a lot of energy and money

to get it to get it to work. The Music Machine is much smaller.

I like to change the lineup of this band do different projects

every two years. Depending on the theme I will ask different

musicians to play with me and join the band.

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KNOW YOUR ARTIST-1

WHEN EAST

MEETS WEST..

PREM JOSHUA

Prem Joshua is one of the rare artists whotravelled East in search of musical destinyand has enthralled people from aroundthe world with his music andunderstanding and fusion of both the

Indian and western forms of music

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Indian music is known to many people not only in India but

also to people from other countries, thanks to several

collaborations by international artists who have come to Indiaand learnt Indian music (like George Harrison of The

Beatles) or many Indian artists going abroad and

collaborating with artists, creating a completely new form of

art. Very few musicians come to India and become a part of

the whole scenario by learning the indigenous art forms.

Prem Joshua is one of the very few examples who has

succeeded in doing so.

Born in Germany, he was introduced to the world of music at

the tender age of 5. He played the flute and the saxophone

for various local bands. At the age of 18, he travelled to India

to learn about the indigenous folk music. While in India, he

learnt the Sitar from Ustad Usman Khan. He was deeply

influenced by Osho Bhagwaan Rajneesh during his stay in

India. Osho inspired him and his music. He states that, In the

presence of this man with a long white beard, eyes as deep

as the ocean and a strong sense of humor, he came in touch

with the art of the inner music Silence. This was really

coming home!

Prem Joshua has worked with many other producers in his

career and has experimented with various forms of music,

fusing Eastern and Western styles of music. He made songs

infusing Hindustani classical instruments with lounge and

trance beats. He launched his first project, Terra Incognita,

with Kora player Ravi Freeman and the British Sarod player

Chinmaya Dunster in 1991, with which he released two

albums. He also released four solo albums and formed the

band Hamsafar with whom he released an album.

KNOW YOUR ARTIST-1

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He formed a group of talented musicians from across theworld known as Prem Joshua & Band which consists of

Prem Joshua(Saxophone, sitar, flute and vocals), Raul

Sengupta(tabla, darbuka, cajon, congas, percussion, vocals),

Satgyan Fukuda(Bass guitar, percussion, vocals), Robin

Mattuck(keyboards, percussion, vocals), Runa Rizvi(Vocals).

The band has released 15 albums and has performed at

various venues across the world. Their music is a compilationof various genes such as Jazz, Funk, Electronica with an

Indian touch to it and it sends their audience on a journey

across a musical landscape that is deeply varied and intense

in roots and tradition.

Prem Joshua has truly done a remarkable job when it comes

to fusing together Indian & Western styles.

Prem Joshua with Raul Sengupta, Satgyan Fukuda andRuna Rizvi

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ROCKING THE

INDUSEuriska Lounge in Pune is known for its good food and music

performances. Having hosted artists such as Hari & Sukhmani,

Gino Banks and Monica Dogra in the last few years, this time

they brought in none other than rock legends, Indus Creed.

GIG UPDATE

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SCENE

CREED

Previously known as Rock

Machine, the band enthralled

the fans with their amazing

stage presence and powerful

lyrics. Fans were treated to

their current songs such as

Trapped, Bulletproof, Fireflies,

Thief as well as Rock n Roll

Renegade and Pretty Child,

which were from the Rock

Machine era.

Uday Benegal and the band started the show with their latest

single Thief and set the mood for the evening. After the

show, fans also got to meet and click pictures with the band

members such as drummer Jai Row Kavi, keyboardist ZubinBalaporia, guitarist Mahesh Tinaikar and bassist Krishna

Zaveri.

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RAVI CHARYRENDEZVOUS - 2

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MUSIC RUNS

IN THE VEINS

Classical music is something which has a

charm of its own. After having beenhoned by years and years of riyaaz, whichnever happens without a persondedicating their life to the Goddess ofMusic, Classical Music draws connoisseursfrom generations old and new.

We speak to the Sitar maestro, PanditRavi Chary about his music.

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Can you tell us something about yourself?

I hail from Goa, which has a great art culture. The land has

given the world some great artists in almost all the fields, buttheres never been a Sitarist from Goa. My dad, Tabla maestro

Pandit Prabhakar Chary, came across a sitar and bought it.

This was when I was seven years old, and by then, I already

knew how to play the Tabla and harmonium. However, my

father taught me how to play the sitar and I knew that Id

found my calling.

Ive had the opportunity to perform with great artists like

Ustad Allah Rakha, Kishori Amonkar, Louiz Banks, Sivamani,

Ranjit Barot, Taufiq Qureshi and also performed for the world

renowned musician Miles Daviss Grammy nominated album

Miles from India.

How did your journey into music begin?

RC: In my days of schooling, I was being trained in the virtue

of Harmonium and Tabla by my father and Guru, Pt.

Prabhakar Chary. I was exposed to the music of Ustad Vilayat

Khan Saheb, Pandit Ravi Shankar and other greats. The first

time I heard the Sitar, the beautiful strains of melody and the

rich expressiveness of the instrument were something that I

felt could not be captured on the harmonium and I was

drawn towards it.

I gave my first performance as a Sitarist at the Master

Dinanath Mangeshkar Smruti Sangeet Sammelan at Calvolem,

Phonda, Goa when I was still a school going child. Back in

those days in Goa, I had learnt from my first Guru of music

my father, Late Pt. Prabhakar Chari and later from Prof. Abdul

Karim Khan, Shri S.Karandikar, late Smt Nirmala Pai Kakode

and the legendary Pt. Tulsidas Borkar.

RENDEZVOUS - 2

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When I approached Pt. V.R. Athavale, then director of Kala

Academy for a scholarship, I was refused saying that you can

achieve your ambition in Goa itself. But against all odds, I

ventured out of Goa and came to Mumbai to learn from all

the stalwarts of music who were residing there in those days.

I was later taken in by Shri B.B. Sabnis who provided me with

accommodation in lieu of teaching his son which I accepted

gleefully. Later, I was fortunate to have been given support by

the legendary Gaantapaswini Mogubai Kurdikar, who

provided me with accommodation at her residence in

Mumbai where I have taught Mogubais grandson and even

Kishori Amonkars grandson. Both Mogubai, whom we call

Mai and Kishoritai and her sister Lalitaa helped me immensely

both musically and otherwise for which I will be forever

indebted to them and never forget that for the rest of my life.

Gradually, I started performing at Marriages and cultural

functions followed by performances at regional baithaks and

then Suburban musical circles which later culminated into

National and then international and global music festivals.

I want toexpand my

horizons and soI listen to a lotof classical,fusion andwestern music.It is a matter ofchallenging

yourself beyondyour comfortzone.

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The sitar being a strictly acoustic instrument, where do you

think it is headed in the face of rampant digitization of

music?Sitar has broken the inhibitions of being a strictly acoustic

instrument in the recent past. Although the digitization of the

instrument can add a flavor to the sound, I believe the real

expression and emotion of the Sitar can be conveyed only

with the acoustic version. Hence, even though digitization of

music is inevitable, the organic tone of the acoustic Sitar will

continue to be cherished and appreciated by listeners.

Your debut album Ravi Chary Crossing earned a lot of

success and was nominated for the GIMA. Are there any

more fusion albums that you are working on currently?

I will be performing and working for a host of albums to be

announced soon. The work for streamlining the music

teaching syllabus in association with the Directorate of Art &

Culture, Government of Goa has begun. I am also working

towards providing a prudent platform for emerging artistes

under the aegis of Pt. Prabhakar Chary Pratisthan and Swar

Sanskruti Music Academy which I am a director of.

Is there any word of advice that you would like to pass on to

the young and upcoming musicians in India?

I am still a humble student of the art and cannot address a

message to the youth but my advice to them would be to

keep striving for learning and keep the hunger alive. Observe

and learn from everyone and everything that is good around

you. Also remember that a good Guru is a fortune and we

have to do Sadhana or disciplined practice of the respective

art form to attain that. Do not quit your musical pursuit after

you have a got a job.

x

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