MUMBAI: A harmonious blend of contemporary jazz, Indian classical vocals and diverse percussive elements fused together by the fusion supergroup ‘Aspada’, created a musically enthralling evening at Blue Frog, on 21 January. Consisting of internationally acclaimed musicians Aspada is a talent house with saxophone virtuso George Brooks, Indian percussion legend V Selvaganeshan, Kai Eckhardt (Bass), Osam Ezzeldin on (Piano/Keyboards) and versatile vocalist Kathik.
The evening began with Brooks and Ezzeldin belting out some soothing Jazz tunes later joined by rest of the musicians. The very popular Mumbai based bass guitarist Sheldon D’Silva replaced Kai Eckhardt who could not make to India. With such exemplary musicians together on one stage, the output was one of its kinds.
Watching Selvaganeshan with his complex percussion set and Konnakol is always a captivating experience and gets better with every performance. The audience was thoroughly entertained and participated with his signature hand movements shouting out ‘Dum’ and ‘Taka Dum’. Vocalist Kathik’s ability to sing in different styles is mesmerising and left all present awestruck with his Indian classical and contemporary offerings. Adding to the musical extravaganza were melodious bass solos by Sheldon D’Silva with his unique touch that made it perfect for fusion music. The track Ca Va Bien from Arka was also performed in the set.
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Created in April last year Aspada has already put up excerpts of two tracks, namely, ‘Spirit’ and ‘Sri Rollins’ on YouTube which have been composed by Brooks and recorded at Opus Studios, Berkeley, California. “I was touring the USA last year around April when the idea of Aspada was conceived. Aspada is a Sanskrit word for power which reflects in our performance. We are planning a USA tour this April,” said Selvaganeshan while explaining about the formation of the band. A full length album is expected to release in November next year, consisting of 7 to 8 tracks, with all the members contributing to the song writing. Currently Aspada is touring Indian this month, and will perform fusions of various genres of music.
