Trilok Gurtu happy for RahmanAnusha Vincent, TNN, 2 February 2010, 12:00am
IST
There are classical musicians who cater to the tastes of the purists,
contemporary artistes who draw a huge following among the ‘enlightened’
[image: Trilok
Gurtu]<javascript:openslideshownew('/slideshow/5524402.cms?imw=460','541','526')>
<javascript:openslideshownew('/slideshow/5524402.cms?imw=460','541','526')>
Trilok Gurtu
elite and forget fusion masters who cook up a masala-doused fare for
sell-out souls.
Then, there are the select few who adamantly refuse to be straitjacketed
into any such bracket and have the credentials backing their refusal. Trilok
Gurtu is certainly one of them. The master percussionist, serial
collaborator, writer and composer, instead feels that music is for the
masses. And it is only apt that his latest album goes by the name Massical.
Born in Bombay and renowned the world over, Gurtu belongs to the breed of
Indian musicians who are celebrated in foreign countries far more than in
their homeland. And there is a reason behind that —the man is unwilling to
compromise. It’s no wonder then that making Massical (featuring Jan Garbarek
and Sabine Kabongo by Times Music) was a challenge of considerable
magnitude. “Music is spiritual should not be compromised with — not even as
a means to sell. ‘Classical’ was a name given by the British to Carnatic
music and the masses were alienated from it. Music is for all, just like God
is for all. Sadly, music, that used to be food for the soul, has now become
food for the tummy,” he states.
Gurtu also says that fusion music of today leaves a bad taste in his mouth.
“There are many classical musicians who feel that with their knowledge, they
can make fusion music. But what they do is not fusion, it’s a sad
diffusion,” gushes Gurtu, “The genre is really very passé in Europe and
America.”
The artiste also attributes his style of music to his extensive travels. “I
live in Europe and have traveled extensively to countries in Africa. As a
percussionist I’m drawn to cultures that revolve around beat patterns,” he
says. The musician is also inspired by forms of music such as Natya Sangeet,
Carnatic, jazz, rock and pop.
Despite working and collaborating with legends like John Mc Laughlin, Robert
Miles and Don Cherry, Gurtu’s respect for Indian music is evident. “To do
honest music writing, you have to go to your roots, and my roots are Indian.
Indian music is rich in analysis. For example, Carnatic music is a champion
in analysing complex beats and rhythms. Even Mc Laughlin studies it,” he
smiles and adds that working and collaborating with Indian musicians like
Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan and Selvaganesh has enriched his music. “I
am very happy that AR Rahman got international acclaim,” he says
unexpectedly and continues, “But it really annoys me how Indians crave for
big international awards. All I have to say about them — money talks and
bullshit walks,” he shrugs.
Currently, the composer is busy with Big Band, an ensemble “that plays
everything from Nigerian to Celtic to Gujarati”. He is experimenting with
instruments such as the oboe, French horn, trumpet and clarinet. But very
soon, he’ll go back to doing what he does best — travelling to different
countries and imparting the Gurtu language of music. Shortly, he will be
kicking off a tour of Spain, London and Scotland with Big Band. --
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/music/Trilok-Gurtu-happy-for-Rahman/articleshow/5524398.cms
- Regards
~ ~ A.R.Rajib ~ ~
