raj:reload part 3
After a short break it was time for an unforgettable audio experience. Watching and posting their “BBC Introducing” vids blogging about these guys over the past few months, Oh how I have waited for this!!
Engine Earz Experiment: Myspace|Facebook
Featuring Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, Shahid Abbas Khan, Jenna G and Lena Cullen – it was the fantabulous Engine Earz Experiment.
This 30 minute set drove the crowd insane, with their fusing of indigenous musics from around the world all covered in dark dubstep and unforgiving basslines that really shakes your core. Playing favourites like Lucky By Design, OHM, Reach You featuring Lena Cullen. Not forgetting the infamous putting them on the map track – Kaliyuga: for the first time two studios versions were merged into one explosive performance with English vocals provided by Jenna G and Indian vocals by Abi Sampanthan.
The crowd went fanatical when Introspector was performed with Nathan “Flutebox” Lee. Right now I’m having trouble describing what it was like as you just had to experience in the moment.
Not only was this set about the music, but the stunning visuals that were displayed went hand in hand with every track, each millisecond felt like it went through a well thought out process giving each and every track and visual a deeper meaning that we think. Hats off to you Prash and the crew!
PHEW! … by this time you’d think that was it but wait there’s more, Nathan “Flutebox” Lee and the Clinic an astounding array of talented musicians were up. They provided an acoustic display of explosive blend of musical elements like Hip Hop, Drum ‘n’ bass with Western, Indian classical and Funk melodies, definitely one spellbinding act. A guest appearance was made by Mayur Narvekar aka Bandish Projekt. He joined Flutebox for a wiked jamming session, a teaser to what I was to witness the next day!!! PHOWAAR!!
My night finished here. I had to catch the last train back to North London. I was gutted, I didn’t get to see the jam with Chandrasonic and Marty Savale from Asian Dub Foundation and Nerms closing set.
I had a truly magnificent night, it was intense, immense and incredible. For those who missed out, it was an experience worth going through to discover new and diverse music.
Thank you Ash Chandola (Director of Swaraj Music) and Southbank! Hope to see more of these events in the future!
* pics taken by David Reffell
raj:reload part 1
Putting into words to describe a show that transcends all expectations leaving me speechless is what difficult.
RAJ:RELOAD held on 10/04/10, a part of Southbank’s Alchemy, a festival celebrating talent from India, UK and South Asia. Featuring were some of the most dynamic, innovative and humble artists. Saturday was a showcase of pure concentrated talent and immense energy bursting performances from every act.
MI21
The night was kicked off with a legendary film restyled. Mother India 21st Century
Remix, a three hour film compressed into a 45mins silent movie. I sat and watched the 1957 classic be reinterpreted through the through the World DMC champion turntablist, DJ Tigerstyle produced by Kala Phool. Ill be honest with you, until Saturday I’d never heard of him, probably why I had no expectations and boy was that a good call.
This is was a live dramatic contemporary rendition using electronic sounds, turntables, drum kit, cello and a beatpad as a tabla (which was PHENOMENAL!) A score that conveyed passion and multitude of emotions expressed on screen.
The film was split into 6 or 7 segments. The second part was filled with so much drama and intense music that as it faded out, I remember thinking, blimey that was moving. The third segment was even better, a pure roller coaster of high octane potent sounds that left me with a lump in my throat and almost a tear in my eye …
A true journey of emotions through a combination of music and visuals and in no way adulterating the original film but making it accessible to a wider audience.
EXCLUSIVE ALCHEMY: bandish projekt|arun ghosh|last mango in paris|nathan flutebox lee
Before I’ve even written the review I have some Exclusive footage for you guys.
Taken by a good mate of mine Raghav Bhatt, exclusively from the intimate event of ‘Alchemy’ at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank on 11/04/2010. Bandish Projekt architect, Mayur Narvekar, teamed up with British-Asian clarinettist, composer and musical performer, Arun Ghosh, Last Mango in Paris and Nathan ‘Flutebox’ Lee to form musical masterpieces. These short, musical sound bites, were created over just a few days, specifically for the festival.
Bandish Projekt & Arun Ghosh
Bandish Projekt and Last Mango in Paris
Bandish Projekt and Nathan Flutebox Lee