Attended a concert titled 'Nirvana 2017'. A concert featuring Zakir Hussain, Chris Potter (Saxophone), Sanjay Divecha (Guitar), Gino Banks (Drums), Louis Banks (Keyboard / Piano), Dave Holland (Bass) and Shankar Mahadevan (Vocal) at Dubai duty free Tennis stadium, Dubai, on 27th Jan 2017 with Aditi, Mihika, Jayant, Sucheeta, Amit and Sameer. The theme of concert was Crosscurrents, where Jazz meets Indian Classical music.
All the artists, except Shankar, started the concert. 1st presentation was a composition by Louis Banks called 'Dove'. Second presentation was also a composition by Louis Banks called 'Shadows'. Chris switched to Clarinet for this composition.
Shankar then arrived on stage with a round of applause by audience. There were Sawal Jawab between Shankar (who sung Aalap) and Dave on bass. This was slow, delicate and melodious. To be savoured.
Next item was 57th melakarta Raag Simhendramadhyamam from Carnatic music. He sung 'Rama Rama guna seema' originally composed by Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma. For this concert the Kriti was rearranged with harmony (which is not there in Indian classical music). Shankar used Sargam for the badhat.
Then he switched to Hindustani semi classical Bhajan 'Ab Radhe rani de daro bansi mori' in Raag Brindavani. Tara Devi, elder sister of Sitara Devi taught it to Shankar. There were Sawal Jawab with Chris on Clarinet.
The trio of Zhakir, Chris (back to Sax) and Dave presented a composition of Chris titled 'Hope'. It was a beautiful piece. Tabla blended with Jazz so well that it did not appear to be fusion.
Then all of them, except Shankar, presented a Ballad composed by Sanjay Divecha and titled 'Solace'. Shankar re-entered. He sung Sargam and all of them played their respective instruments.
'Finding the light' composed by Dave Holland was next. He played it himself with Zhakir. Solo Bass is a very different experience. Coupled with Tabla it's even better.
Final piece of the concert was a medley titled 'Encounter'. During this when Shankar started 'Breathless' audience went ecstatic. He actually sung faster than the original, but is wasn't exactly breathless. Then there was Zhakir solo with tukdas, paltas, tihais and chakradars. Audience clapped with him. Finally all of them performed together for grand finale. This was very very satisfying. The concert was to end here.
Organizers announced that San Francisco Jazz has awarded life time achievement award to Zhakirji and he is the first Indian recipient of this award. They also showed a short film on him, sent by his daughter.
Zhakirji humbly accepted the applause and announced that concert will end. with live music and invited Shankar to do the honors. As soon as Shankar announced that this is dedicated to all mothers, audience knew that it was going to be 'Meri maa'. The song is so good that it became an instant hit.
Each artist was as good as other. With seven artists, there is a possibility of one or more artists starving for time and space, but miraculously it did not happen today. Everyone got his due.
Zhakir and Shankar need no introduction.
Chris Potter was Tenor saxophonist of the year. Sanjay Divecha is Winner of Oscar for collaboration of best original score for movie '127 hours'. Gino Banks is Recognized by Rolling Stones as 'Upcoming drummer of the year'. Louis Banks is considered Godfather of Indian Jazz.
Vocal and Saxophone were the star if this concert. Every one performed well, Saxophone was the icing on the cake.
Chris and Dave, the only non Indians, were wearing Indian kurta for this concert and did not appear in any discomfort.
There was a problem in stage balance. Left side of stage was sparsely occupied and right was heavily occupied. Thus Louis Banks appeared to have been left alone to his devices. Moreover it was perplexing to notice that Louis' back was towards the audience. He should have been atleast perpendicular. Area of improvement.
Every artist had a break during one composition or another, except Zhakirji. He played throughout the concert that lasted more than 2.5 hours.
Every Zhakir Hussein concert I have attended, and that is atleast five, Mujib Dadarkar was in charge of sound. He was in charge of sound today as well.
Numerous LEDs on the black background were irritating. Three screens were installed in the stadium but the screens did not show stage, only the names and logos of sponsors. Waste of resource.
Entertainment rating 9.25/10.
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