BEST CONCERT OF THIS LIFE

KCP4 and Renga Ensemble

Last night I attended the best concert I have possibly been to.  It was at Chowdiah Memorial Hall, which is shaped like a violin after T. Chowdiah (Indian to master 7 stringed violin...wish I could man age 4).   

The concert was a collaboration of London Philharmonic Orchestra's Renga Ensemble and KCP4 (Karnataka College of Percussion Quartet).  Renga, though I had never heard of them, was impressive and I admired them for branching out from the western classical world.  They are a small ensemble from the LSO who specialize in non-western music and even attempt to learn the indigenous or cultural music by rote, or by ear (how the music was intended to be learned).  As well, there is a heavy emphasis on improvisation.  I had never heard a french horn improv on jazz-indian-fusion music, but I'd definitely pay to hear it again!  

KCP4 is a superb group of four players including Ramamani, a female, Indian vocalist who is by far the most phenomenal singer I have ever heard.  She had even composed 90% of the songs that the two groups performed.  Unfortunately I cannot find any links to videos online that do her justice.  

The first thing that I noticed among KCP4 musicians was that they were all so free in their movements and sound together.  They were comfortable in their bodies and in the music that was unfolding moment by moment.  There was no stagnation nor hesitation.  It all seemed so natural.  As well, they were technically impressive, often using the art form or technique of Konnakol  which involves verbal percussive syllables at an often fast pace in rhythmically challenging cycles.  

Here is a video of the group performing Konnakol:  KCP4

It actually doesn't matter what I write about the concert.  There is no way to put into words the sheer energy and creativity and beautiful process that I witnessed.  It was quite inspiring... I even wanted to practice! <--- (that is a good indication by musicians that it was a good concert)

It had been a very, very long time since I saw an inspiring and musically fulfilling concert.  Even the conductor should be commended for attempting to jazz-Indian scat with these fine Indian musicians.  Such a sensational concert makes me want to play in Renga some day and find other collaborators for such projects!  Superb!