Musical Evening

What do u get when u have U. Shrinivas - on the mandolin, Shankar Mahadevan - vocals, Loy Mendonca - on the keyboard, Sivamani - on the Drums? Magic, thats a very simple world, its way beyond that.

On the 8th of August 2003, Bangaloreans were treated to the magical music created by the awesome four musicians, all maestros in their own right. They not only had the attention of 1000+ human beings, but also some bats which were highly attracted by the sound of music. The right blend of classical, contemporary fusion and jazz, a proper musical treatment to the body, mind and soul.

The concert was built around carnatic ragas blended with jazz touches and contemporary beats. As always the blessings of Almighty were invoked with a good invocation. What followed later was 90 minutes of musical splendor. Each trying to better the other, in a war of music within themselves. what followed was essentially was a three-way jugalbandi of sorts, between Shrinivas, Shankar and Sivamani.

Shrinivasan with the wonderful control over the instrument, not just the classical tunes, but with the jazz and blues, he was a delight. Shankar to match with his vocals, Loy who played the jazzy blues had the audience wanting for more. Sivamani, with his innovative ways of creating music, be it the ghungroo, the school bell, or spoons.

The show ended with Michael Jackson's "Heal The World", the theme song of the Shakti Foundation. Shakti Foundation was formed by Velan, Velan, a victim of muscular dystrophy founded Shakti Foundation in order to integrate the disabled into the social mainstream. The foundation's dream is carried forward by Vasant, Velan's mother. The show was inaugurated by Anil Kumble, who is a part of the Foundation.

End of the day, it was a delight to have been there to see watch the "live" performance, make new friends, who have been living and working for a cause. And a major surprise was, when Vasant called me to say thanks for attending the show and informed me more about her Foundation and its activity. That was a real surprise...:)

This comes a tad bit late, but they say "Better late than never" ;)