D# Fusion: From strings to soul...

Attended a concert titled "D# Fusion: From strings to soul...". Today's performing artists were Troily Dutta (Sarod), A. Rajesh (Ghatam), Jay (Keyboard and Vocal) and Soumen Hazra (Tabla). Aryaman and Aritrika were the child singers who made a brief adherence. The program was organized by  D# Fusion in Embassy of India auditorium on 9th Dec 2017. I attended the concert with Jayant.

As the title suggests, it was a fusion concert. However, it was not the fusion of east and west but the fusion of Indian classical music, contemporary music, Indian folk music and Bollywood classics. It was fusion with a difference. 

Concert started with 'Divinity' a composition in Raag Yaman (यमन). They presented song 'Aadi pujit pad pankaj' followed by a bandish 'Zid na dharo', where Ghatam joined in.  Singers sung good Sargam during this Bandish. 

Second composition was in Raag Maru Bihag (मारू बिहाग) (Attributed to Ustad Alldiya Khan, founder of Jaipur-Atrauli gharana). They presented song 'Pia tora kaisa abhiman' from film Raincoat. Then they played fusion with drums, however, it was a pre recorded track for drums. 

Next they presented a Symphony in Raag Tilak Kamod (तिलक कमोद). The combination of Ghatam, Tabla and Sarod sounded very good. It was a char taal ki sawari with Vilambit in 11 beat cycle and Drut in 16 beat cycle. This included very enjoyable Sawal-Jawab between Ghatam and Tabla.

Here there was a break of 5 minutes that lasted 15 minutes. It broke the flow. I thought it would have been better to skip the break. 

First composition after break was titled 'Serenity'. It was an improvisation of Raag Hemant (हेमंत). Raag Hemant was created by Ustad Allauddin Khan. They presented famous song 'Ye hausla kaise jhuke' from film Dor. Soumen played electronic drums for this song. 

Medley of folk numbers from Rajasthan, Assam, Maharashtra and Bengal was next on agenda. This included Raag Mand (मंद), Dhun probably in Mishra Khamaj (मिश्र खमाज) and Bhairavi (भैरवी).

Concert concluded with a composition 'The eternal joy' based on Raag Hamsadhwani (हंसध्वनी).  They presented 'Bavra man dekhne chala ek sapana' from film 'Hazaron khwahishe aisi' followed by famous Carnatic composition 'Vatapi Ganapati'. There was Sawal-Jawab between Sarod, Percussionists and Vocal during this. 

At this point Sarod chords snapped. It was a difficult moment. But rest of the performers showed presence of mind to continue with Vatapi Ganapati until she restored the chords. This one was real impromptu. Then they took up where they had left and reached crescendo to conclude inn a high note. 

Why the name D# Fusion? Sounds different! Well, D# for D Sharp note and D'Fusion of music. Creative and Innovative!

Concert started almost one hour late. Previously declared Ghatam player, Kadir, could not participate due to unforeseen reasons, so Rajesh was flown in from India for this concert. He is a professional artist and obviously played well. 

Soumen used two Tablas. However, rather than changing, he arranged both in front of him and played the one he required. He also played drums and demonstrated his versatility. 

Jay, the vocalist, used keyboard for chords. If he had played keyboard it would have become more profound.

Triolee plays Sarod very well. She had to under play to stay with the group. She has potential more than what was on display. I would like to see her play pure classical solo Sarod. 

Audio system was very good. A guy was taking photos of artists throughout the program, disturbing them. Attendance was about 75.

Local artists have shown that they can create content at par with others. Encouragement is due. Well done!