It has been a long time that I have written in these columns, and, did I miss the good thing? Of course I did but here I am with an enthusiasm that will take me through the fledgling season with a new vigour.
Having come off from a wonderful show by Harikumar and Interplay on the 1 st of October, we have been encouraged to take this season to different heights and the opportunity to do so has come up during the Diwali week itself.
I am particularly thrilled because progressive fusion is one of the most exciting forms of music, and “Megha” the stunning Carnatic jazz fusion band is the best the country has to offer. When I was listening to their CD, I was amazed at the sounds that emanated from my car audio player and instinctively, I decided that this band had to be the Diwali gift to the music loving people of Goa .
Dr. Suma Sudhindra who leads Megha, is one of the most acclaimed veena exponents in the country. She is known for her melodic rendition on the veena, and one observes the brilliant blend of traditional purity and artistic novelty in her music. She will be accompanied by an array of brilliant musicians who will be performing on the amazing south Indian percussion instruments such as the kanjira, ghatam, mrigandam and the tabla. To add to the excitement, B. K. Chandramouli is the most widely acclaimed performer on the konekol, a traditional rendering of rhythmic expression and he will add spice to an already loaded performance.
What makes the band complete is the western section, which is lead by Gerard Machado, undoubtedly India’s best lead guitarist whose explosive playing leaves audiences spell bound. Being an integral part of Megha for all these years, he has developed a Suma-Gerard agglomeration into a group, which deserves international acclaim. The group is completed by Yogendra Hule on drums, K. N Prakash on bass and US based pianist Sharik Hassan on keyboards.
As a music lover, I could not have asked for more when the band decided to perform in Goa and all that I can say is that a band of this caliber is something that is not common place. So, light up your Diwali and enjoy the music fireworks especially designed for the festive season. You can call me on 9822487818 for any details that may be required. In the meantime, a very happy Diwali to all you wonderful music lovers without whom all this would just not have been possible.
