Updated on: 26 July, 2021 11:32 AM IST |
The Stars of Folk Fusion
Singer-composer-producer from Assam, Papon a.k.a. Angaraag Mahanta is one of the most celebrated folk music artists of the nation. Experimenting with ambient electronic, acoustic folk and new age Indian classical music, Paopn launched his debut album Junaki Raati in Assamese in the year 2004. His first folk music album was Rangphul a Bihu album that attained the man immense praise in the music circles. Having collaborated with a multitude of artists over the years, Papon is also the founding member of band Papon and The East India Company.
Famed for her power-packed performances, Susheela Ramans music finds its roots in the Sufi and Bhakti traditions of India and Pakistan. From co-writing songs for the album One and One is One by Joi, Susheelas discography includes albums like Salt Rain, Music for Crocodiles, Vel and Queen Between amongst others.
An American clarinetist and music composer, Shankar Tuckers claim to fame was his online music series "The ShrutiBox". The series features songs that are a mix of Indian classical music and jazz. Born and brought up in Massachusetts, Shankar was christened by the name as per a suggestion from his familys guru Mata Amritanandamayi. In the year 2010, he obtained training under the Hindustani flute player Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia.
Indias very own beloved folk fusion rock group, Indian Ocean was formed in 1990 in New Delhi. With rhythms that integrate shlokas, mythology, sufism and practically a revolution, the band has 5 major albums to pride in. With Kandisa being the highlight, Indian Oceans journey continues to inspire more and more folk fusion fans.
Mumbai based guitarist and composer, Sanjay Divecha has long been the master of the trade. After graduating from the Guitar Institute of Technology, LA, he became a frequent at the Los Angeles music scene. Recording with the likes of Carlos Santana and playing at several international jazz festivals he returned to India in 2003, to work on his solo album Full Circle released in 2008 to great acclaim.
A mix of jazz, blues, rock, funk and classical, Karnatriix comprises of John Anthony, Faiyaz Khan -sarangi Muthukumar -tabla/percussion Germans Carola Grey -drums, Oliver Fox -saxophone and Naveen Kumar -bass guitar. Their album Namaste, the foremost of Karnatriix, topped the charts in the New Age Music genre and created waves with their eccentric music.
Formed in 2006, Moon Arra is a fusion of Carnatic and Hindustani classical, the rhythmic and harmonic essence of jazz and as the band claims, a celebration of the human spirit. A world fusion band, Moon Arras debut album Indian Accent was released to great reviews. The band has also rendered singles like Blue Fuse, Dance of Kalyani, Indian Summer captivating fans each time.
Indias reigning contemporary folk bands coming straight out from Karnataka, The Raghu Dixit Project is all of folk rock that precisely signifies the alternative music landscape of India. Referred to as Indias biggest cultural export of recent times, the group headed by ace musician Raghu Dixit has rendered a classic album Antaragni and continues to spread the fire.
Trailblazer of the Asian Underground music, Karsh Kale holds an extensive spectrum of influences. Developing his own style leading to the initiation of electric tabla, he is one of the brightest faces of global music. A self-trained musician, his first E.P Classical Science Fiction from India was followed up with several solo albums that best define the folk fusion genre.
The man who has created ripples in the indie folk fusion genre, Vivek Rajagopalan is best known for his combinations of Hindustani, jazz, folk, electronic, Carnatic and drum-bass. At 17, Vivek shared stage with jazz biggies at the International Jazz Festival in Thailand and has rendered some inspiring music in the form of Dancing With Shiva and Moving images.
World music today is indeed a melting pot of varied cultures. And when we say so, the blend is incomplete without our very own folk fusion style of music that defines the true essence of each culture. Indian musicians have long experimented with the genre; and with the advent of the 21st century, the nation has witnessed some of the best indie folk fusion artistes of all times. Take a look...
