Show:	Ragas Of The Desert
Artists:	Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt
	Manganiyars
	Subhen Chatterjee
	Pops Mohamed
When:	09 June 2013
Where:	Lyrics Theater – Johannesburg

The rainbows Of Rajasthan flooded the winter-star laden skies of Johannesburg at the lyric theatre on the evening of the 09th June 2013, a night to be mesmerised by the brilliance of the Mohan Veena and generations of folk music adorning the stage in splendour. Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, a student of the great Ravi Shankar, created the Mohan Veena, the Hawain Guitar with and added 14 strings to give the perfect assimilation of the Sitar, Sarod and Veena in one instrument. Having won the 1994 Grammy award for his album ‘ A Meeting By the River’, the anticipation was near its peak for me.

Not wanting to create any expectations, i stayed away from you-tubing this artist as i wanted to experience first hand what was coming my way. And truly i was in so much awe when i saw and heard Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt’s recitals. This man commands such a wonderful stage presence, allowing the audience interaction all the way through.

Not A Moment wasted, the first half began, we were introduced to Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt on the Mohan Veena and Subhen Chatterjee on the Tabla. Panditji mentioned the Raag that he will be playing: Raga Maru Bihag. Maru Bihag was a popular raga used in light classical music- thumris in particular. It’s a romantic raga with a bit of longing but also a “here and now” feel to it. Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt decrytped his playing to the audience: Alaap in ektaal, Jod in drut and Ghat in Teentaal. We were serenaded with the beauty of the Mohan Veena with Subhen Chatterjee joining in the the Jod and Ghat sections. What a stunning rendition of this Raga.

After the Raga recital, we were introduced to Pops Mohamed who brought to the stage many ancient African musical instruments Like the African Mouth Bow and Kora, just to name a few.  He presented us with his solo, which was quite enriching, using the African mouth bow and other instruments to bring the winds of the Kalahari desert alive.  The solo ended with a loud applause from the audience.

A meeting of two cultures, the magic began in the form of Indian-African fusion. Pops Mohamed started with the Kora ( A large western african harp), and then Panditji joined in with his Mohan Veena. I cannot explain the collaboration. It was simply put, beautiful music for the soul. 

Then Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt dedicated a small recital to Nelson Mandela, in Raga Kirwani, which was quite heartfelt. You could hear the echos and pathos of the Mohan Veena lamenting the thought of losing a loved one. 

The second collaboration then began between Pops Mohammed and Panditji. The Kalahari and Rajasthan deserts merged in this piece. It was delightful to say the least.

End of the first half, little did we realise that nearly 1.5hrs had passed. 

The second half began with the introduction of the Manganiyars, an exclusive community of folk musicians from the western India residing within the Rajasthani desert. They, like Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, have toured nearly 88 countries across the world, sharing their music, following in the footsteps of generations of Manganiyars.

The Manganiyars introduced their instruments:

Kamaicha:

The 17-string khamaycha is a bowed instrument. Made of mango wood, its rounded resonator is covered with goat skin. Three of its strings are goat intestine while the other 14 strings are steel.

Khadtal:

The khartaal is a kind of castanet made of teak. Its name is derived from “Khad”, meaning hand, and “Taal”, meaning rhythm.

Dholak:

The dholak is a classical North Indian, Pakistani and Nepalese hand drum similar in timbre to a bongo. A dholak may have traditional lacing or turnbuckle tuning. The dholak has a simple membrane and a handle on the right hand side. The left hand membrane has a special coating on the inner surface. This coating is a mixture of tar, clay and sand (dholak masala) which lowers the pitch.

and the vocals by Anwar Khan.

Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhat started with the First song, Kesariya Balma in Raga Mand. A superb Rajasthani folk song that has endured. 

A romantic folk song followed in Raaga Pahadi – Mharo Mendhi Ro Rang.

The energy these two songs created was unlike anything i have experienced, the masterful playing of the Instruments and the vocals by Anwar Khan just created sparks between the audience and the artistes.

Then came the highly energetic renditions of Dama Dum Mast Qalander and Chaap Tilak Sab Cheeni Re. I cant even think of adjectives to describe the audience. Everyone was in a state of hummable euphoria. 

Sensing this, Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt engaged the audience further, he played the piece that won him the grammy award, even asking the audience to sing lights hums of La-La-La. We were just too pleased, hearing the audience singing together in harmony was an absolute delight.

The second half ended on a high note in the form of Nimbooda. The legendary folk song of the Manganiyars that was remade in the movie Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. We relished the experience, an amazing feat of vocals from  Anwar Khan and team. The alaaps in this one song alone was superb! Afterwards, the audience still hungry for more cried out ‘MORE!’, ‘MORE!’ but unfoirtunately for us, the team of musicians were flying to China the same evening. So the show had to end there.

Once again, thanks to Nisaar, the show organiser, we were allowed a quick signing session with the musicians. I got my leaflet and my CD signed. YAYY!!!

 I know I have said this before, but I will mention it again. The Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City in Johannesburg is the most perfect venue to host these concerts. The acoustics are just brilliant! I left the show refreshed and full of energy.

Once again, Thanks To Darshna for the amazing company. One who understands this genre of music is essential company for such a show, we can always share the same ‘WAHs’, ‘OOHS’ and ‘AAHs’ while listening! Darshna, you are an amazing friend and fellow music lover. I dont think any concert will be fulfilled without you by my side! Much Appreciated!!