MUMBAI: Not many know the last time when Trilok Gurtu performed in India. But after yesterday’s concert at Blue Frog, I don’t think it will be hard to recall. On Tuesday night, the world percussionist performed for the second time at Mumbai’s popular live music joint before bidding good-bye
The concert started bang on time – no complains about that! As the ‘serial collaborator’ walked up the stage amidst echoing applauses, we knew magic was about to begin. Gurtu was accompanied by Dhruv Ghanekar (Guitar), Ravi Chari (Sitar), Amit (Keyboards), Sheldon (Bass), Nitin Shankar (Percussions) and Bhojpuri singer Kalpana (Vocals)
Seated behind his unique and elaborate percussion set-up, in less than two hours, Gurtu took the listeners through rhythms of Africa, India, Brazil, and Latin America – which almost makes the concert like a world tour of rhythms, if I may say so. One of the best songs of the night was Nawo-Nawo sung by Kalpana – a song based on extremely addictive African rhythms. Nawo Nawo left everybody in awe of music which we don’t really get to hear unless a musician like Trilok Gurtu puts them up. Equally interesting was Gurtu’s unique way of producing natural sounds, through his unique range of instruments. Gurtu created sounds of gushing winds, water, chirping birds, bells and countless other nature sound effects, that set a meditative mood. The last song, a dedication to his spiritual guru was a stress busting pill – Gurtu played a sublime – transcendent rhythm on Kahun as listeners joined him for chorus.
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Besides the entralling performance, it was Gurtu’s interactions which were quite a tickler – he teased the audience and his fellow musicians to no end. There was something that drove him nuts – the dysfunctional microphone, which didn’t budge until it was replaced, This won’t do, I am professional,… he joked. A major part of the audience were drumming students, while pro’s like Lucky Ali and Vivek Rajagopalan where also seen enjoying the act
I wonder what sets Trilok Gurtu apart from other musicians? It has to be his ability to instantly connect to his listeners – be it through music, or just the casual unpretentious ‘no air’ interactions which make you feel as if you are listening to him in your own comfort. Undoubtedly, Gurtu’s music stumps, engages, surprises and lingers on – just before it disappears to a world where it comes from It’s Massical – no doubt.
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