SAHAVAADHAN

Going by the number of western music concerts and album releases, happening around, it feels like 'June' is competing with 'December', to be accorded the status of a 'musical month'. This time around it is Sahavaadan from Music Today. A unique creation, which is the result of two legends of Indian Classical music coming together.  Mandolin U Shrinivas and Ustad Sultan Khan, both legends in their own right have been featured together for the second time, the first being in a live concert in Mumbai.  This 'Jugalbandhi' is a rare confluence of the western string instrument the Mandolin and the Sarangi - known as the instrument closest to the human voice.

Venkat Rolla of Music Today while speaking at the launch of the album said, "In this album, we have allowed the artists to perform in their own style and manner, while at the same time maintaining a bridge.  What was amazing for me personally was the kind of commitment that these two artists had and their sensitivity to the music they make.  They even refused to have the air-conditioning to be switched on during the recording, saying that it would affect their instruments and their mood.  And I could see them playing their instruments so absorbed in the soul stirring music that they were creating, not even giving a slight consideration to the fact that they were literally dripping wet with sweat.  In fact, I wish we had video graphed it, that would have spoken for the kind of commitment and dedication that both these artists have towards their music".

Ustad Sultan Khan who is a master in both vocals and Sarangi, is certainly a legend when it comes to playing the Sarangi while Mandolin U Shrinivas' genius is quite well known.  Ustad Sultan Khan, said that the album had come out successfully because it had the full blessings of God.  "Music he said cannot be under our control but it is we who are slaves to music.  I do not know to speak Tamil or English but that did not stop me from doing this album or working with western music legends like the Beatles, Duran Duran and Madonna.  People today want good music and they do not see it as 'jugalbandhi' or pure Carnatic, if it is good for them they like it.  For me when this opportunity to play with Shrinivas came up I grabbed it with both hands."

Shrinivas saluted Ustad Sultan Khan's experience and genius while speaking at the album release function.  He said,  "In music there needs to be respect.  This album is not about pitting our talents against each other but about respecting the other person's talent.". He recounted the first time they had both performed together was at a concert in Mumbai.  "We were on stage even without any rehearsal.  And when we were to start playing, I suggested that we play Keerava Raga and Ustad ji agreed and even as I played the pallavi, he just started playing along.  I was simply amazed."

The highlight of the album is that it was recorded at the first take itself.  When questioned about how long the album took to make, Ustad Sultan Khan said that it took as long as the album's duration was.

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