'Tarangini (तरंगिणी)

Attended an instrumental fusion concert titled 'Tarangini (तरंगिणी)' by band 'Shanti fusion (शांती फ्यूजन)' anchored by Dr. Girish Oak (गिरिश ओक) and led by Pt. Yograj (पं. योगराज), disciple of Utd. Shahid Parvez. Pt. Yograj (Sitar), Sargei Gudinho (Base Guitar), Surjit Thali (Tabla), Vishnu Shirodkar (Keyboard) and Santan Carvalho (Octopad ) were the performers. This concert was organised by Maharashtra Mandal Abu Dhabi as part of the Annual General Gathering on 20th April 2018 at Hotel intercontinental, Abu Dhabi. I attended the concert with Thangaokar family, Oka family, Mane family, Patil family and Chitrao family.

Concert started with a small piece in Raag Yaman kalyan (यमन कल्याण). Dr. Girish Oak explained his role in the concert in an interesting way. He said he was the khboos that is needed to eat hummos. The Arabic connection.

The band presented a composition in Raag Jhinjhoti (झिंझोटी). 'Norwegian wood' by George Harrison of Beatles was based on same Raag. They then presented another composition in same Raag and ended with song 'Koi humdrum na raha (कोई हमदम ना रहा)'. Anchor then presented a famous poem of Mangesh Padgaokar 'Tumche Kay gele (तुमचं काय गेलं)'

They next presented a composition in Raag Ahir Bhirav (अहिर भैरव). It had some similarity with Arabic folk and keyboard was the predominant instrument. They continued to song 'Ye sham mastani (ये शाम मस्तानी)' from film Kati Patang. Anchor presented a  week known poem of Kusumagraj 'Prem kar bhilla sarkhe (प्रेम कर भिल्ला सारखं)'

Next composition was based on Raag Hamsadhwani (हंसध्वनी) and continued into song 'Ja tose nahi bolun sanwariya (जा तोसे नाही बोलूं सावरीया). Girishji then presented famous poem of Shankar Vaidya 'Chatri (छत्री)'. 

The band then presented Marathi song 'Konacya khandyawar (कोणाच्या खांद्यावर)' based on Raag Natbhairav (नट भैरव). Girishji then presented a Marathi gazal of Vinda Karandikar titled 'Sathi (साठी)'.

They then presented A.R. Rahman composition 'Tu hi re (तू ही रे)'. Pt. Yograj played this excellent composition, almost without accompaniment, equally well. Wow!  This was the best piece of the concert. Audience demanded 'Once more' but the wish was not granted. Girishji then presented a poem of Mangesh Padgaokar 'Mi tila wicharle (मी तिला विचारलं)'.

They presented another composition on Raag Alhaiya Bilawal (अलहैया बिलावल) and continued into song 'Hum the jinke sahare (हम थे जिनके सहारे)'. Girishji presented his own poem in muktachand 'Pananche prakar (पानांचे प्रकार)'. This was a very good poem and enumerated so many types of pan (leaf) in staccato burst that audience enjoyed it and applauded him. Infact his poem drew more applause than that of great poets. 

They then presented medley in Raag Pilu (पिलू), which is favoured by cinema music, of 'Suramayee akhiyon mein (सूरमयी अखियों में)' and 'Ae jindagi gale lagale (ऐ जिंदगी गले लगाले)'.

Concert ended with a famous composition  based on Raag Tilak kamod (तिलक कमोद) that i have heard before. 

I liked the format of the concert. A Raag based composition followed by a film song based on same Raag so that general audience can connect and identify with it. However, they did not announce the name of all Raags.

Dr. Girish Oak was sort of an odd man out in a instrumental fusion concert. However, he managed his role decently with the help of his wit, poems, presence of mind and his star value. 

Pt. Yograj and Vishnu were outstanding. I would like to listen Yograj play solo classical. Other musicians supported them ably. The coordination between them was noteworthy. 

Audience, however, was not attentive. Some were interested and listened carefully. Others were in festive mood and were chatting in the back rows.  Children were running around. Girishji subtly expressed his displeasure but no avail. If the audience had been keen, out would have turned out to be much more enjoyable. 

A good concert in a wrong setting.

Entertainment rating 8/10