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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 PATILy.patil68@gmail.com
DESIGN ANAND BONGIRabongir@gmail.com
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
pg5
COVER DRUMMINGYOURSTRESS AWAY
pg11
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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pg
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)
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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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RENDEZVOUS - 1
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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