Splendour of the monsoons

Ragas to invoke the rain gods are an integral part of Indian classical music.
And, it���s wondrous when these ragas are interspersed with jazz music. That���s exactly what happened at a concert held recently at a leading mall in the city, which was a sheer treat for music lovers.
The show was held in a picturesque ambience, at the open-air amphitheatre of the mall with fountains as the backdrop.The concert was a vivid musical expression of the variations in the monsoon season vis-��-vis the shifting moods of living creatures. The two-hour performance comprised various compositions reflecting current global music trends, though more broadly based on Indian music patterns.
Louis Banks and Kaushal Inamdar composed the show, which was hosted by Shashi Vyas. Sanjeev Chimmalgi (vocals), Hamsika (vocals), Ravindra Chari (sitar), Rupak Kulkarni (flute), George Brooks (saxophone), Gino Banks (drums), Vinayak Netke (tabla) and Louis Banks (keyboard) presented a symphony that was a real delight. Various moods of the rains ��� from romance to raging storms and even ecstasy ��� were expressed through the music. One particular composition took us through the monsoons in various parts of India with folk songs.
Light drizzles during the show enhanced the mood and the ovation from the discerning audience was an apt reward for the artistes. The climax was held with a brilliant laser show that added to the beauty of the show. Marvellous, indeed!