nAda

Where skill and emotion combine

2012-01-23T10:57:00.000-08:00

At times, we hear music that is technically brilliant. It is so beyond technical reach, that we are in awe. Fingers cannot move any faster on a guitar/violin, the pitch cannot get higher with a voice, the vocal range is absolutely mind boggling and seems impossible. It is not even human. But it does not touch us.

One person who can do all of this and yet stir emotions with his music is L.Shankar. Every time I listen to his music, it gives me a picture of life that is totally different than what I see/feel normally. Fortunately or unfortunately, I cannot explain it. Here is something for you, to find out yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT2WwrUrRJg

And if that wasn't enough, here is another one where L Shankar collaborated with Frank Zappa -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpPQB_QHd2w

Peace.

Western - Carnatic Scales

2011-08-01T22:26:00.001-07:00

In Carnatic Music, one learns several hundred ragams(scales) and thalams(rhythm). While I was preparing for my Berklee audition couple of years ago, I had an opportunity to browse through some western scales. Since then I have been quite intrigued by the similarities (and differences); how western scales translate to Carnatic music and vice versa. I finally managed to put together the following table which consists of a western scale and it's equivalent carnatic ragam, if any. It is interesting to see how the scales either translate to a Melakarta raga, janya raga, or a random vakra ragam. I really enjoyed doing this and found something very interesting - what is called the "Hindu scale" (Myxolodian b13) is actually raga "Charukeshi". Apart from this, there are other scales like "Japanese" which is "Kanakambari"," Jazz Melodic Minor" which is "GowriManohari". I am looking for the carnatic equivalent of "Hirajoshi", which seems like Shivaranjani with a flat "dha". It will be great to hear what you think of this and if you can find the missing links to any other scales here..

New Imogen Heap song. Brilliant! - could be called the first 3D song ever(?)

2011-07-29T12:30:00.000-07:00

Imogen Heap - Propeller Seeds from Imogen Heap on Vimeo.

Spring is here :)

2011-03-14T11:12:00.000-07:00

Melt into the beginning of spring, with this classic -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAjy61tAsjA

nAda: the har-peh-jee

2011-03-01T16:41:00.000-08:00

nAda: the har-peh-jee

the har-peh-jee

2011-03-01T16:30:00.000-08:00

As a vocalist, I tend to want an accompaniment. I have been using the piano, keyboards, guitar and whatever else that might ornament the melody. While I somehow have just managed with an instrument, I have always wanted to play an instrument well. A month ago, I read about the 'harpejji' and was pleased to see it being performed at the Oscars last weekend. (By A.R.Rahman for the song "If I rise").

The harpejji is a tapping instrument - which is where sound is created by tapping the string against a fret board, unlike strumming or plucking. It has a total of 24 bass and treble strings. It has a marking system that identifies all notes of a piano via a black and white code. This combination of colour coding and strings makes it accessible to pianists, keyboardists, guitarists and bass guitarists. The fact that it is isomorphic (which means that any given interval has the same shape/pattern wherever played) makes it easy for untrained pianists/keyboardists. Also, because of the way the notes are spaced, it makes it possible to play new chord intervals. I like how it supposedly does not force one to play known chord progressions but allows for exploring new chords/notes and tone. Each string has a pickup which reduces the possibility of sustain. The tuning is in place by a screw unlike traditional winding. I am not sure what to comment on this, until I try it myself. It has two separate pre-amps, one each for bass and melody. This would allow for separate effects.
The harpejji was invented by Marcodi Musical Products. I am quite intrigued by this instrument for all the above reasons mentioned. I hope to try it someday. Here is a peek at dream theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess playing the harpejji

(pic courtesy:examiner.com)

"Aadi Katre"

2010-10-07T08:06:00.000-07:00

Weeks, Months are flying past this year. Something that stays still in my mind is memories of my holidays in Kanyakumari - the southern tip of India. Green fields, strong winds, rocky divine mountains and of course the matchless ocean - it is actually the meeting point of three oceans at Kanyakumari - The Indian Ocean, Arabian sea and Bay of bengal. It is beauty like no other.

Here is a self composed tillana in carnatic-jazz. The song is about "Aadi Katre" (Wind in the month of "Aadi" - which is typically half of each - July and Aug) in the southern tip of India - how the wind kisses the mountains, how the wind plays with the flowers on the mountains and the sea..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxT-eR3CzpM

Feel

2010-04-17T08:08:00.000-07:00

What does your day consist of? Email, work, subway, car, coffee, logging into facebook/twitter, wishing it were a Friday, paycheck, “whats for lunch”, who do I impress today, what do I do to compete and survive...the list goes on. There is constant thinking and planning. We don’t realize it, but we are tired. I read recently that man is evolving towards being more logical and less emotional. This is a scary thought. We are probably heading in a direction that is unnatural for us. We are forgetting to feel. Just feel.

I struggle with emotions and thoughts and don’t know what to do with them. I want to just stop and not even think, I just want to feel. Feel everything around me, and indulge. This inspired me to write this song. If it is something that makes you “feel”, note that it is special. Don’t forget to enjoy it. When was the last time you could afford to drop everything and just be? I encourage you to comment on this post on what is it that makes you “feel”. What is it that let’s you feel..

Record labels: the necessary evil, not any more (?)

2009-12-26T11:07:00.000-08:00

The one thing that most musicians share (apart from the passion for music of course) is a bit of "fear" of the future. Where will my music go from here? Will people continue to listen to it? Will I be able to live on just a career in music?

For a budding unsigned musician , the goal is - How can I make my music heard? Especially in the 50's - 70's till now, the hunt for a record label was on. After a lot of begging and "trying to prove", if you get a label to even acknowledge you, it's a big deal. Okay, say the label agrees to sign you up. Here starts a long journey - of achievements and a term of "master/slave" relationship. What starts of and could be a symbiotic relationship can turn into something difficult depending on the contract. Following rules of a contract, giving away rights to one's own music, being told what kind of music to make and release can be rather demotivating and distracting for a creative musician. An example of this is greatly publicized feud between Prince and Warner Bros.

For becoming successful in the past, signing a label was compulsory. However, now the internet is changing the music industry where artists are able to freely distribute their music through file sharing. Recently, Nine inch Nails and Radiohead announced an end to their respective contracts with their record labels and have opted for "pay your own price". Now the question is, this will continue to work for already established bands. How about independent not so well artists with great potential but no exposure? Scott Perry, owner of New Music Tipsheet and Sperry Media, says. "The core roles of record labels will never change -- facilitating the marketing and distribution of an artist's work is essential," he said. "However, the rights and revenues split will be vastly different, and that will affect the role the label plays in distribution and marketing."

Research shows some nice companies like Weathervanemusic and Modlife who claim to be concerned about true musicians and undertake responsibility in promoting them on the basis of trust and goodwill. Hopefully this will change the future of the recording industry and put an end to the master/slave relationship making - record labels "helpful" for promoting artists and not a "necessary evil".

Rare ARR interview

2009-11-06T10:32:00.001-08:00

If you are an A R Rehman fan, this video should be of interest to you.

It was aired on the tv show "Surabhi", back in the early days on India's Doordarshan channel. It also has a rare interview of Sridhar the brilliant sound engineer who sadly passed away recently. Sridhar talks about ARR's high need for sound quality.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmIEyI5PbVk&feature=fvw

Enjoy!

1910: The year it began in the west.

2009-09-01T22:05:00.000-07:00

I always tend to look back in time and ask myself , "when did this begin?" "when was the first time it happened" "who was the first person to achieve this?". Do you do that too? Okay No, I dont live in the past all the time. But I think my fascination with history keeps a part of me alive. With that said, everytime I am at an indian classical or world music concert in new york city or san francisco, I am extremely curious about how indian classical music has gotten so popular in the west. Post 1950's western musicians were being open to the indian music concept of horizontal, melodic improvisation methods and the spiritual beliefs that music brought.
In the 1960's, the Beatles made history with their album "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Heart club band" which had Ravi Shankar influences, Grateful Head drummer Mickey Hart was studying rhythm techniques under tabla maestro Ustad Allah Rakha. In the 70's Mclaughin's Mahavishnu orchestra and Shakti stunned the west with fresh, cross cultural music. In the 90's - 2000's Talvin Singh, Cheb i Sabbah continue to use indian music for western audiences; but, when exactly did this all begin?
I decided to find out. Recently, during my research on this, I stumbled upon a book titled "The Dawn of Indian Music in the West" by Peter Lavezzoli. On a personal note, it is by far the most interesting and informative material on this topic. I tried to gather some information from the book to share with you.

The most popular notion is that the first recording of indian music is of sarod maestro Ali Akbar Khan back in 1955 for the album "Morning and Evening Ragas". However it was back in 1910 when Hazrat Inayat Khan, a sufi music veena player, performed at Columbia University. There is no record of what his performance consisted of, but apparently that was one of the first formal performances of indian classical music in the west. For some reason it did not make an impact until Ali Akbar Khan's "Bhairavi" recording in 1955. Hazrat Inayat Khan was a descendant of warrior Tippu Sultan's uncle. His family was traditionally muslim, but he also believed in the Vedanta philosophy of Hinduism. Apparently, he did not create the impact he was hoping for in the west and had artistic frustrations. But he practised sufism to a great extent and spread sufi music and eventually died in 1927. I wish I were a part of the 1910 audience to have witnessed the very first formal performance of indian music here in the west. Sigh. Alright, let me not live in the past.

The Veda Chakra - why the name?

2009-07-29T17:14:00.000-07:00

I have a strange trait, something that you probably share too - Always ask the question(s) "Why" and "Why not". It can be rather distracting,frustrating at times - if you know what I mean. So anyway, as I was brushing up some music theory regarding minor scales, I could not help up wonder why the three minor scales are from the same chakra called "Veda". Okay, one reason(and perhaps the only) is that it is the fourth chakra and there are four vedas. But my wicked mind cant help wondering - Perhaps the "vedas" were so important and this chakra was named so? I really don't know. By this, I don't mean the other melakarta ragams are not important. It's just the minor scales are so "HUGE", you know?

In any case, here are some facts.

The Veda chakra comprises of 19-24th melakartas in the carnatic school of music. Of the 6 melakartas in this chakra, three are most popular, even in the western school of music - what are called the "minor" scales.

Melakarta 20 - natabhairavi = natural minor
Melakarta 21 - keeravAni = harmonic minor
Melakarta 23 - gowrimanOhari = melodic minor

Note however that the melodic minor is gowri manohari while ascending and back to natabhairavi while descending.

In my future posts, I will probably write about "blue oyster cult" using natabhairavi as their favorite scale ;o)

Hamsanandi: brings tears

2009-07-19T17:46:00.000-07:00

If you know me on a personal level, you know that Hamsanandi is one of my most favourite ragams. I feel so closely attached to it. For years I have been so fascinated by how it stirs me. Hamsanandi or Sohni(as it's called in hindustani music) is usually synonymous with Adi Narayana Rao's brilliant "Kuhu Kuhu Bole koyaliya". It tops the list of my most favourite compositions. The devarnama "Kunidado Krishna" is also an amazing composition.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2be-QXe5moo

I was blown by this piece today. S.Balachander's rendering of hamsanandi has to be one of the most soulful I have ever listened to. It played with my feelings. I hope you enjoy it too!

the nightshift terror

2009-07-07T15:20:00.001-07:00

My blog 'nAda' is usually about music. But I had to write this today as I think we must do something about this.

I am sad, terrified and angry (about) - a recent disappearance of a young IT professional in India at 3 am after his night shift. A few months ago, in Bangalore, a 24 year old woman was attacked and killed by a cab driver during her night shift. The driver pretended to be the late night driver of her company transport. The innocent call center employee rode along not realizing that the driver was a killer. She was found dead a few days later. As usual, this story was in the news but buried as time went by. There was no action taken by the employer.

There are many several cases where Indian IT professionals who work "off shore time" are attacked/killed because they are out late at night and cannot reach out for help. When are we going to learn? Firstly what is the need to be a slave to a company, to sacrifice safe and normal living? Offshore jobs seem to be the pride of many locals so they might claim that they are working for an multinational or who are desperately seeking opportunities in bigger cities and for big bucks. Some may argue that working offshore shifts give fathers a chance to attend their child's school events or not spend money on day care. What about the young single individuals and their safety? There have been too many incidents the last few years that have proven that it is NOT entirely safe for a young 20 year old girl/boy to be out on the streets at 2 am in a city like Bangalore. Is the money worth it??

It has been proven that night workers get less sleep and get less restful sleep. Chronic lack of sleep harms a person's health and safety. But apart from all health reasons, it is just very unsafe. Companies *have* to take responsibility in peoples lives. They have to believe that their employees are not slaves. As employees, we have to make it clear that we are not here to be driven by them. We must not succumb to their rules if it is a matter of our safety and health. If we don't speak out, no one else will for us. One thing is changing the law, which seems to be an non-penetrable task for the common man. The least we could do is spread the word as it ultimately lies in our hands. We got to do something about this. If you are reading this and agree with me, I hope you will spread the word too and let people know that they do not have to live life dictated by their employer, and its not really something to be proud of. My heart goes out to those families that have been affected by this already.

Songwriting: why it never gets done.

2009-04-23T17:57:00.000-07:00

Considering myself a part musician and song writer I have always been fascinated by how a song never gets finished. Ideas flow in. Motivation sets in. Excitement begins. And when I sit with my piano/recording equipment and clear my voice and sing; I just dont like where its going. The melody doesnt fit. The recording is not clear. The words are that of an amateur. Everything that will enable me to create vanishes into thin air. Then I take a walk, go to the gym or stroll around a mall. Thats the end of the story. The guilt builds.

If you are still reading this post, it means you are a somewhat creative person who shares this frustration. Read on.

I cannot get myself to understand what it is that takes/took for successful song writers to be where they are today. (success is a subjective word, so I will leave it at that) How did they do it? One day, as part of my routine unsuccessful attempts to record/finish a song, I went to the library, I came across a book called "The craft and business of song writing" by John Braheny. I could not put the book down. I felt it was "me" in the book. The book begins by how the author instantly connects with the reader by saying "you are not alone". This may sound like one of the "self help" books. Well. Do I care? No. I could understand how songs are to be written. I have never and will never believe in rules for music. Hence, there are some aspects of the book that I will not fall for. But overall, its amazing what an art this is.

There is one excerpt in the book which is an interview of Paul McCartney for the LASS Musepaper in 1984. He says "So when my hand didnt know what to put on the paper, my head just said to my hand, "Write! Put it down." I got this method of just forcing my hand to write, no matter what it was............
...there are two aspects to a creative act. One was to create, just do it. The other was judicial, checking everything. the biggest mistake everyone makes is to try to do the two at once. And then suddenly - ding! - thats exactly what my problem is."

The external pressures that prevent creativity are: 1)Evaluation (concern with what someone else will think) 2)Surveillance (if someone is watching you, you cannot create) 3) Reward 4) Competition 5) Restricted choice (focus more on restrictions rather than freedom to achieve a goal)

Apart from these, there is so much analysis this book presents. Its quite a fascinating read. It will hopefully continue to inspire me and you too.

marghazhi ragam

2009-01-05T18:01:00.000-08:00

Over 10 years ago (possibly more), as part of my regular visits to Odakkattoor mutt kutcheri season in Bangalore, I happened to go to concert of a newcomer called TM Krishna. We had not heard of this singer, but decided to be open minded. In contrast to a regular veena gayatri or a TV Sankaranarayanan concert, where we barely get place to stand, I was sitting in the second row right under his nose. I heard TMK render an aalaapanai in raaga kalyani I will never forget for the rest of my life. He had a unique personality, RTP's with utmost devotion to the ragam, a warm smile in between his songs, and very piercing eye contact giving you a feeling that you are the only listener. He has since, captivated so many listeners, is very vocal with his opinions and taking so to speak - classical music to a region with no boundaries.

To be honest, I dont know what to think of "Marghazhi Ragam". It is supposed to be a new movie - in the form of a carnatic classical concert. The comments I read call it "mindblowing", " innovative" etc. I cant seem to form an opinion with the hardly 3 minute trailer on the website.
But what I can say is - I am excited to watch it and hope it is as fresh as people say it to be. It should be thrilling considering H Sridhar and PC Sreeram have also been involved in its creation.

Someday if it is released in San francisco theaters, I will have a larger blogpost refecting my opinions about it.

For now, find out for yourself here - http://www.margazhiraagam.com/

neat cover - coldplay

2008-12-14T06:50:00.000-08:00

Joe satriani has sued coldplay for Viva la Vida. But if there is any reason this song was created, it was because this violinist wonder kid could play the cover of the song. Check out this video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsUAxG6c3Ws. No - there are no triplets as one funny comment would point out. I believe there are three takes in this video- one for each layer of the song. He seems to have created a backing track for each track and listens to it while playing over it. He seems to have it - perfect intonation, right speed, warm sound, all play and no fuss. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Enya- And Winter came...

2008-11-11T14:53:00.000-08:00

Yes. Enya has a new album. The album has 13 tracks maintaining her style and ethereal voice in every track. Each song is pretty in its own way. "While is in the Winter night" is my fav track so far. It is very similar to "wild child" in her day without rain album. The music is the same - "in layers" with her intangible voice filling in the seconds of silence. Track (1) is a video of Enya speaking about the album. "One toy soldier" is a children's song about a little toy soldier who has a broken drum. Overall, the album is very similar to her old albums. I am little disappointed on the whole and was expecting more out of the album.

Vidya - the carnatic jazz link

2008-11-09T14:53:00.000-08:00

Over the last couple of years I have been intrigued and curious about the similaries between jazz and carnatic music. Earlier this year, I had the honour of meeting with saxaphonist Kadri Gopalnath and violinist kanyakumari on their dakshina tour with jazz saxaphonist Rudresh Mahanthappa in Asia Society, NY. The tour on the whole was to bring together the similarities between the two genres of music. However I found that the stage itself was set up into two compartments, one jazz - sax (jazz), bass and drums; and the other carnatic - with the mridangam, violin and the saxaphone(carnatic style). They focussed on the carnatic group playing one krithi, or one scale and the jazz group in the jazz style; the overall effect though great to listen; i would say was almost as if they were playing the styles separately.

Another experimentalist is Susheela Raman, who I say has excelled in changing the traditional tyagaraja kritis to a more blues/jazz stlye. It is fascinating to see how she changes the 300 year old kritis, yet maintaining the original composition. I wont be surprised to see traditional musicians apalled by her music, though personally I would say I give her kudos to her band for their innovative style.

I recently heard this group "Vidya" who plays carnatiz jazz; led by saxaphonist Prasanth Radhakrishnan who is a student of kadri. I had met the band drummer Sameer Gupta at a jazz festival at the Knitting Factory Club in NYC last year when he played with Marc Cary. I was both, surprised and pleased to see him part of, this time a carnatic-jazz ensemble. Many of their tracks are mostly based on one scale which is the carnatic style along with the rhythms influenced by jazz. Amongst all their tracks, Kaveri sounds extremely interesting. It has the sruti bedham concept of carnatic, along with the jazz style in both scale and rhythm. I recommend listening to this group!

Dikshitar - Dhrupad ...the connection

2008-05-04T12:39:00.001-07:00

Muthuswami Dikshitar was the youngest of the Trinity. (1776 - 1835). He was born in Thanjavur. He was one of three brothers and one sister and hailed from a family of musicians, often compared to the bach family of Germany. Dikshitar moved to Manali from thanjavur, a place near chennai. He came in contact with western music played by the bands of the East india Company. It could have been here that his brother Baluswami Dikshitar first learnt the violin and adapted it to carnatic music. Dikshitar was an avid traveller. During his lifetime, he was spiritually inspired by Chidambara Yogi. Dikshitar went to Varanasi with him. This phase of life which brought him in touch with Dhrupad, whos influence shows in his later compositions.The slow dhrupad style of North Indian music captivated him. This is why his songs are normally slow in tempo and majestic. They bring out the depth and beauty of the raga using ornamentation (gamakas). He also used what is known as Madhyamakala (medium tempo). The hindustani influence is amply reflected in his works like: Cheta Sri (dwijavanti), Balagopala (Bhairavi), Sri Rajagopala (Saveri), Minakshi Me Mudam (Poorvikalyani) and Sri Subramanyaya Namasthe (khambhoji).His kritis are normally in Sanskrit and a chowka kala pramanam. Here are the different speeds in carnatic music to give you an idea of the pace of his compositions - Vilamba laya = chowka laya (slow) Madhyama laya (medium) Druta laya (fast)The Chowka Kala Pramanam is comparable to the Dhrupad style in Hindustani Music. This style is striking in his compositions in ragas like Dwijavathi, Ramkali, Yamakalyani, Hamirkalyani and Brindavan sarang. Dikshitar introduced the Raga "Hamsadhwani" in Carnatic music, the most famous compostion being, "Vatapi". People say he created this ragam, but one can arguably state that he "introduced" it to the carnatic genre based on his knowledge of Hindustani music.

Musicophilia - Oliver Sacks

2008-04-13T15:52:00.000-07:00

Our exquisite sensitivity to music can sometimes go wrong. Oliver Sacks describes this concept in his book "Musicophilia". Some of the chapters in this book that are really fascinating. In his years of experience as a neuroscientist, he narrates different case studies; some people who have had more than ordinary responses to music after an accident or just by birth. These include people who develop an obsession to music after a seizure; people who are inflicted with "amusica", a condition in which the person hears music as pots and pans crashing; people who are gifted with "perfect pitch" in which a son can tell if his father sneezes in "D". These are just some of the fascinating stories that are part of this book. Listening to music is not just auditory and emotional; it is motoric as well. Music therapy is also something sacks says that has tremondous potential. This is just because of our sensitivity to sound. People who are autistic, retarded, with subcortical syndromes suc has parkinsonism or other movement disorders respond to music therapy. I highly recommend reading this book, if you are in any way interested in music and the brain.

ShEnkar + electronica

2008-03-31T05:16:00.001-07:00

Few days ago, I was sent a piece called "open the door". I was told that I am great fan of the artist and I had to guess his/her name. I took a couple of days but still couldn't identify him/her. There was a tinge of tamilian accent along with american. I could pin point on the genre, being "techno/electronica".
After much effort, I finally was told that it was the violin maestro L Shankar's new album. You can check out his "new" but no so new music here on my space -
I was truly amazed and got a kick out of listening to his "Misery" track.

Cleveland - tyagaraja Festival ' 08

2008-03-29T08:29:00.000-07:00

mar 26' 08

Cleveland Tyagaraja festival, is serious for carnatic musicians. I got to see why this March of '08.Besides singing the pancharatna kritis, also known as the five gems of the composer tyagaraja, i gotto see and interact with great musicians such as sri. r.k srikantan, chitraveena ravikiran and sri. guruvayoor dorai. There were lecture demonstrations, kutcheri's and intense music competitions....read more...

Raga Kalyani

2008-02-20T21:12:00.000-08:00

The nature of the raga kalyani is something unique. It has a mood which brings in happiness when I sing. Also, the nature of the raga is such that it creates a mood
for singing other ragas. It is the 65th melakarta. It was called "santha kalyani" in the old scheme and "mechakalyani". in the new scheme. The alapanai typically starts in "pa" or "ga". Janta swaras and Daatu swaras are commonly used in the raga kalyani.
Kalyani is orginally a Middle Eastern scale and became popular in
Carnatic Music in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Shakespeare, Newton and Beethoven

2007-10-28T18:09:00.000-07:00

"He who has Art and Science also has religion
But those who do not have them better have religion" said Goethe.

In April 1975 the legendary astrophysicist, Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, delivered a lecture entitled Shakespeare, Newton and Beethoven, or Patterns of Creativity at the University of Chicago. In his lecture, he ranged over Shri Shakespeare, Shri Beethoven and Shri Newton - each representing the ne plus ultra of human accomplishment in their respective domains.

Eyewitness in Gandhiji's death

2007-10-24T19:16:00.000-07:00

This is an interesting video about an interview of an eyewitness of gandhiji's death -

http://youtube.com/watch?v=34jm36ZloOA

2007-05-10T18:32:00.000-07:00

I saw Lisa Gerrard in concert at the Concert Hall, 62 West, NY.
She was "Brilliant" - accompanied by the piano and the synth. The ambience itself was rather freaky. Her unique voice along with her grace was an unbeatable combination. She did sing a few Dead can Dance tracks. Though the Dead Can Dance concert (who i saw in 2005 oct at Radio City Music Hall, NY) was one of the best I have ever been to, lisa gerrard solo is an experience that is umnatchable.

2007-05-07T19:43:00.000-07:00

I bought myself an organics grape shampoo from italian grapes extract and conditioner from whole foods, union sq.

2007-04-24T18:04:00.000-07:00

She, who has eyes like the water lilies (“jalajakshi”),
is exceedingly (“chala”) distressed (“marulu konnadi”)
because of her separation from you (“ninnu edabasi”)

You are her soul mate ("cheluvudaina").
Why are you not coming (“ravademira”) to claim your beloved (“chelia nela”)?

2007-04-15T18:49:00.000-07:00

oru dharam shiva chidaram yendru sonnal podhume.
paragathy pera veru punyam panna venduma?

2007-04-06T18:41:00.000-07:00

Identity, Immigration, Tradition.

A lot transculture is happening around the world. Is it really hard for people to lose themselves and their belonging? Many express their origins with different methods - art, technology(?) and of course family.
The role of art in social change is becoming more and more popular as artists are using
so many ways to express their sense of confusion.

I came across Siona Benjamin who has an interesting form of expression; whos paintings portray the current self mixed with various cultures and striving to survive in them.

2007-04-05T04:58:00.000-07:00

Rasa

Adbhuta (Marvelous)
Hasya (Comic)
Srngara (Erotic)
Bibhatsa (Odious)
Vira (Heroic)
Karuna (Pathetic)
Bhayanaka (Terrible)
Raudra (Furious)

2007-04-01T06:57:00.001-07:00

"everything has to do with loving and not loving.
this night will pass,
then we have work to do."
[rumi]

2007-03-22T19:05:00.000-07:00

The sudden sense of "moral ambiguity" has been cast upon me. It's a struggle.

Yes, I'm thinking of this, yes I am
to hold the thought so close,
yet in the need to get rid of

Yes, I'm thinking of that, Yes I am
in the event of letting out the steam,
to forget..

2007-03-18T18:09:00.001-07:00

Where can I go from today?

2007-03-13T05:17:00.000-07:00

I have been listening to Lyudmila Zykina. I liker her style. Its rather nice. She’s one of the most authentic and best performers of traditional music.

http://www.russiandvd.com/store/product.asp?sku=41120&genreid=

its interesting how the violin doesnt play a major role in the orchestra. Ive also been listening to Russian fairy tales - these require a separate blog..

2007-03-12T20:12:00.000-07:00

Ever close your eyes

ever stop and listen

ever feel alive

and you've nothing missing

you don't need a reason

let the day go on and on

Only take the time

from the helter skelter

every day you find

everything's in kilter

you don't need a reason

let the day go on and on

2007-03-11T09:08:00.000-07:00

In the lazy water meadow I lay me down. All around me golden sun flakes settle on the ground. Basking in the sunshine of a bygone afternoon Bringing sounds of yesterday into this city room.

2007-03-02T19:55:00.000-08:00

Today was just another day. of course tgif.
ive been listening to Sigur Rós and some stevie ray vaughan.

i was thinking, why dont I have a language just for music; Create one perhaps. But what will the structure be? I wonder. its something i def want to think of doing...
"tarachi" - one of my original compositions way back in the 90's. which was more like gibberish then - I guess I did start of somewhere in the music-language area. I should think of this further..

2007-03-01T04:54:00.000-08:00

Growing up "sucks"

lookingggg

2007-02-27T19:14:00.000-08:00

i am looking for an rtp in amruthavarshini.
an interesting combo for my next concert should be amruthavarshini, hamsanadam, hamsanandi and patuvarali perhaps. im excited..

2007-02-26T04:53:00.000-08:00

there are too many things on my mind. I dreamt of chavanprash medicine last nite..

I need to..

2007-02-22T16:33:00.000-08:00

i need to watch a live concert of either t v sankarnarayanan or eddie vedder or flute shashank or umayalpuram sivaraman or karaikudi mani. this is an absolute need in my otherwise contemplative introspective life at the moment.

Music Therapy

2007-02-11T13:15:00.000-08:00

..there is an inborn musicality residing in every human..

I wonder why I did'nt think of Music therapy as a serious career earlier. I attribute it to my lack of exposure to it as a profession in India. As my days working as a Clinical Project Analyst in New York increase, I realize its something I definitely dont want to be trapped doing. There is something in me that tells me to pursue a career that has a direct impact on people, on humans, to better our lives.

Psychology, special education, and anatomy with specific core courses and field experiences are part of a course in music therapy. Science has proven that MT is something that can definitely assist many with mental disorders, depression and autism; through the use of improvisational music in which the individual's innate creativity is used to overcome emotional, physical, and cognitive difficulties. There is an inborn musicality residing in every human being that can be activated in the service of personal growth and development.

Listen, listen, what do you hear? (sound played on tape)
I hear an ambulance.

(I hear a baby cry.)
(I hear my mother calling...)

Janis Joplin

2006-06-30T08:15:00.000-07:00

I'm totally kicked about my most recent buy- which is an olive green Tee I bought online from the Janis Joplin official website. It is just too comfy for words and I got random compliments!
I was walking on Walnut street, Philadelphia, this random person on the street stops me, makes me take my ear phones off and gives me a thumbs up saying -"NEAT Tee shirt!. I love Janis too"! Man. It made my day,week and I am still not over it. Thats Janis for you baby! All you Janis Fans out there, Get your hands on it today!

The Heart Stabilizer

2006-06-30T06:43:00.000-07:00

One of my most recent interesting experiences has been, working with doctors and residents at the Hahnemann Hospital. During the course of my interaction, I was exposed to so many new medical devices, one of which being the Heart Stabilizer; a perfect example of a simple yet effective device. It is used in Coronary Bypass surgery, and is a substitute for the heart lung machine that is normally used. Hence the name, *Off Pump* surgery. Medtronic seems to have made an excellent choice of name; they call it the Octopus®. The tissue stabilizer has hands and suction pods like an octopus. I think its a great name!
The suction pods hold the surface tissue of the heart stable while the surgeon attaches a transplanted vessel around blockages in the coronary arteries.
It is used in conjunction with the Medtronic Starfish® or Urchin Heart Positioner. Go! Medtronic!