Gig review/ Rajeev Raja Combine

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Rajeev Raja Combine/ Converging Streams

Genre: Indo-fusion

Details: Tata Theatre, Mumbai, October 13

Rating: ****

With the western concert flute blending with Indian melodies and world music flavours, the album Cosmic Chant by Rajeev Raja Combine attracted many fans after its late 2013 release. A decade later, flautist and composer Rajeev Raja decide to call all those associated with his group on stage.

Along with a few special guests, the Combine had a marvellous performance at the Tata Theatre on October 13. Part of the NCPA Converging Streams series, it was a wonderful example of Indo-jazz-global fusion with just the right blend of melody, technique and improvisation.

One, of course, wished more people attended. Only three of the auditorium's five wings were opened up, and yet one saw a number of empty seats, even on a Sunday evening. But those who came definitely had a gala time, as Rajeev's compositions took listeners on a journey from different parts of India to Spain, West Africa and Cuba.

A self-taught flautist raised in Bengaluru, Mumbai-settled Rajeev has been an adman who ventured into sonic branding. Musically, he's followed styles from different regions, and one has see him do fantastic interpretations of Chick Corea's 'Spain', Jethro Tull's 'Bouree' and other classics.

The Sunday set was, however, reserved for originals. Besides flute, the stage had a variety of instruments, including two guitars, piano, keyboards, violin, bass and assorted percussion. Only the first two tracks were from the Cosmic Chant album, with the brilliant Chandana Bala singing on the flamenco-meets-raga title tune and the melodious 'Nightingale's Song'.

Many latecomers missed these gems as they came marching in army parade style while Chandana took a break. Guitarist Sanjay Divecha, one of the guest musicians, came in on the next track 'Funk Those Blues', which also featured a Joe Sample-styled keyboard run by Rahul Wadhwani and a brilliant harmonica portion by Rajeev.

Guitarist Hitesh Dhutia sparkled on 'Sundowner', whereas violinist Finix Ramdas had melodic portions on 'Roadrunner' and 'Farka's Charka', a tune inspired by West African rhythms featuring drummers Adrian D'Souza and Vaibhav Wavikar, and percussionist Umesh Warbhuvan, besides Rajeev's chant.

Chandana returned after the interval on 'Sanjeevani', a touching tribute to Ratan Tata. As Rajeev explained, the tune title was taken from a herb that healed people, and that Tata's efforts had healed many from our world. Tabla player Vinayak Netke, who didn't get much of a role in the first half, came up with a brilliant solo here, as did violinist Finix.

The tracks 'Almost 7' and 'Gospel Truth' saw virtuosity from those on stage. Bassist John Jaideep Thirumalai had a fab solo on 'Deogarh' and Rajeev showed his flute charm on 'Seville', inspired by a family visit to Spain. All the musicians got together on the encore 'Cuba Libre'.

Throughout, the melody instruments flowed seamlessly. The guitars played diverse roles, and Finix's violin had a good mix of Carnatic, western and world music influences. Though Rahul couldn't be seen behind the Grand Piano, he was consistently amazing on both piano and keys. Rajeev's flute was a treat as usual.

One must point out that listening to this type of music in a full-fledged auditorium is a much more satisfying experience than hearing it in a club. A committed listener can get deeper into the nuances, and even the musicians can focus better. While club gigs have their own audience and ambience, hope the larger auditoriums host such shows more often.