A mesmerizing, rollicking concert.
By Priya Easwar
BETHESDA, MARYLAND: Who knew the very humble Shruti Box could get so much fame? Yes, it is the same instrument that you would see at your music teacher’s house. From a five-year-old who comes to learn their very first lines of Carnatic music to well-trained singer, they all start with the Shruti Box. But anyone who knows Shankar Tucker would argue that the instrument gained significance only after he named his YouTube channel ‘The Shruti Box”.
Tucker blends jazz and classical notes to provide an absolutely fresh perspective on fusion music. At a young age, he was exposed to Indian Classical music and found something special in it. A clarinetist and composer, Tucker’s music channel has reached scores of music lovers all over the world. The accolades he has received from the younger and older generations, only proves that Indian Classical music has not lost its stance.
At a recent performance here, Tucker and his team of musicians presented an enthralling performance. Mugdha Hasabnis’ opening song “Saawan aaya hai” is from a new album to be released early next year. One of the Shruti Box’s famous and much loved songs “Nee Nenaidal”, sung by the Iyer sisters – Vidya and Vandana, mesmerized the audience. Rohan Kymal’s scintillating performance included vocal rendition and some rock and roll, as he danced along with nearly half the audience that brought themselves up to the dais. It was interesting to note Tucker sing the chorus while he was not playing the clarinet.
Tucker’s perfect orchestration included percussionists Sebastian Noelle on the lead guitar, Michael Gam on the bass guitar and the multifaceted Jomy George, who played the Tabla and Drums at the same time.
‘Anokha’, University of Maryland’s South-Asian American Fusion A Capella team performed the opening act.
This concert was the last in the series of concerts performed by Tucker and his team in collaboration with Association for India’s Development (AID). His team performed also in the Bay Area, New York, Cincinnati and Charlotte, prior to heading over here.
Around 700 people attended the concert and the funds raised would support AID’s developmental projects in India.