PUNE: At expo that's spread across three long days, spending just over four hours is probably unfair. But the experience Baajaa Gaajaa offers, for whatever limited time spent, is unique nevertheless. Not only is this a first music expo of its kind, but also a stage for all those talented musicians who we often miss out on.
The main highlight of Baajaa Gaajaa 2010, were the two stages that showcased music that I had never heard before- from bhavgeet, to Rajasthani/ Gujrati folk music or indigenous forms of music from Maharashtra and other parts of India. One of the few performances I throughly enjoyed was on Kannada religious and folk songs - though I did not understand a word of it. While I shuttled between these two stages, I was exposed to a new way of musical expression every time.
For instance, folk musicians from Rajasthan were mesmerizing, Bobby Singh and Ben Walsh's Tabla and drums Percussion duet - thumping Both the stages were full with audiences that were keen to explore. Not to forget, the energy these musicians exchanged with the listeners was marvelous. Sometimes, even the so called 'entertainers' fail to establish such a connection with the listeners, I thought.
Popular sarangi player Ram Narayan's grandson Harsh also enamored the listeners with Raag Saraswati and his on spot improvisations. One of the most groovy acts of the day was by the band D'fusion which is made up of virtuoso musicians like Tony Dias (Keyboards), BeBertie D'Silva (Bass) and Milind Date (Flute). However, considering the gigantic size of the venue, and its amenities, perhaps a few more hundred could have comfortably experienced this entire showcase.
Baajaa Gaajaa 2010 completed its second round this year with an heavy dose of unadulterated folk music. Compared to last year, Baajaa Gaajaa 2010 appeared more diverse with its back to back unique and handpicked acts in addition to the regular dose of fusion and rock music. What more can a music lover ask for?
In case you did not attend, these are some of the unique acts you missed...
Indian Bamboo flute by Hiros Nakagawa (Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia's disciple)
Santoor by TakahiroArai (Pt. Shivkumar Sharma's disciple)
Performance by Rajasthani Child Artistes
S. Shankarnarayanan (mridangam) and friends TaalVadya (percussion ensemble Kutcheri)
Darpana Academy: Folk music of Gujarat
Bajrang Vasudeo (Vocal) Folk music of Maharashtra
Dasarapadagalu - Kannada religious and folk songs
Snehasish Mozumdar (mandolin)
Performance by Dnyani Bhajan Mandal
Mahadeobuwa Shahabadkar (Koli) ensemble
Mandolin Lovers Club's Mandolin ensemble (Film music)
David Trasoff (Sarod) Hindustani Classical
Dr. Chandvankar archival music listening session on Natya Sangeet