Cultural Events | The Alien World

Dec 08

Jethro Tull & Anoushka Shankar Concert in Hyderabad – 3rd Dec

Posted in: Reviews

Well I have not heard Jethro Tull before, and this was the first time. I went there more because of Anouska Shankar.

The show started with performance of Anoushka and her group which also had Tanmay Bose on tabla. She performed for around 40 minutes based on two ragas one from south & another from north India. Her music was too enchanting and relaxing.

Second performance was by Jethro Tull classical rock band, which was mind blowing -Ian Anderson, the lead singer and flute player is truly a Piper. It was amazing to see his energy levels even at the age of 62. He is multi-instrumentalist and can play guitar, harmonica, & saxophone.

The third part was the fusion of both Anoushka & JT. This was the best part… I thoroughly enjoyed the show. Total paisa vasool!!!

I recorded few last minutes of jugalbandi, which is not of good quality… but below are few videos from their Banaglore concert which are of fairly decent quality.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTxXBNe70dw]

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llvKJGkPtCw]

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rm0FTzFu4U]

Dec 14

Taramati Sound & Dance festival

Posted in: Reviews

Qutb Shahi rulers of Golconda nearly 500 years ago constructed Taramati Baradari (twelve thresholds to Taramati) – where graceful Taramati and the tempting Premavathi, the singer-dancer duo who adorned the royal court of their times, performed. Taramati Baradari was restored with the help of AP tourism and ASI, and is converted into a destination for art and culture designed to recreate the artistic inheritance handed over to us by the illustrious. It is in their memory this festival is held every year. Taramati Sound & Dance festival is 3 days confluence of Indian classical & fusion music and dance.

This year, the festival ended with the Jagjit Singh night. Though he was not at is best because of cold and bad throat, but nevertheless he made that evening wonderful. It is truly amazing to hear Jagjit Singh live. Will be uploading the live music soon.

Feb 25

Ruhaniyat – Sufi and Mystic musical festival

Posted in: Random Thoughts, Reviews

Music is a way to reach God. India is truly an amazing country, with amazing culture. All these cultures have their own signature style of music.

Ruhaniyat is a Sufi and mystic music festival, which is been organized by Banyan Tree for last 6 years. Yesterday I got an opportunity to attend the festival. It was an experience of a lifetime listening to Qawwalis, sufi kalams, mystic songs. The experience was truly mesmerizing. Having that enchanting experience yesterday, left me wondering why the hell these music companies do not promote the rich heritage & culture. Why do we have to run after remixes?

Being from a specific part of the country sometimes we are unaware about the music from other reasons. This festival was a wonderful way of getting all the artists from across the country. The popularity of the festival is on the rise, with participants from around the world, like Danagita Stratil from Switzerland who performed the mystic chants with overtones.

One of the important aspects of this festival is that they bring artists from the rural India. Their voice is rustic and enchanting. One of the best performances was from Kachra Khan from Rajasthan. Another highlight was the finale, which was a Sufi Qawwali by Sabri Brothers.

I can only wish to have more such experiences.