After picking up musical elements of different cultures, from the Middle East to Israel's Roma gypsies, Texas-based musician Oliver Rajamani returns to his Indian roots. As forgotten folk music of various countries takes centre stage in Mumbai, Bhairavi Jhaveri lends an ear to the global soundscape
After picking up musical elements of different cultures, from the Middle East to Israel's Roma gypsies, Texas-based musician Oliver Rajamani returns to his Indian roots. As forgotten folk music of various countries takes centre stage in Mumbai, Bhairavi Jhaveri lends an ear to the global soundscape
You could call it good fortune that Oliver was an indecisive adolescent who couldn't zero in on his major in the final year while studying at the Friends World College in New York, in the late 90s. He took a chance with sociology, following which his professor lent him a book, The Gypsies by Jan Yoors. It was about the Roma gypsies of Israel whose ancestors trail back to India; for Oliver who was a great follower of Indian culture and its close connect with spirituality, he was thrilled with the read. His thesis made him travel to Jerusalem where a small Roma community is known to reside. "I learnt Arabic music. I lived in the desert, stayed with Bedouins, and met and played music with traditional musicians from Greece, Turkey..." reminisces Oliver. The staunch Tamil-Christian, who grew up in a traditional family that prayed twice a day, had been playing a musical instrument since he was 6. "My uncle was in a band; my grandmom was musically inclined. At the Kodaikanal International School I learnt to play jazz and rock 'n' roll. I trained to play the tabla and guitar," says Oliver.
But my music is not fusion
Oliver also plays the flamenco guitar (of Spanish origin), Sarod (classical Indian), Rubab (an Arabic string instrument), Oud or the Western lute (of Middle Eastern music) and Setar (from Persia), often all at once in a single performance. But, he doesn't care for the fusion sound. "I sometimes play the tabla for flamenco dancers, but not with the intention to create a fusion performance. It's played in its soulful form. If something comes of it, great." This convoluted mix of multi-cultural influences in his life share common thought with the music of the gypsies. "I sing in various languages Tamil, Spanish, Turkish gypsy songs, Marwari... I also mix languages. I'll sing two words in one language, a sentence in another. So you will be able to connect with the music even if you don't understand the language. The same goes for gypsy music it comes from where the country they belong, but its interpreted in their own way to create their own music."
He sang in Tamil for the Gipsy Kings
Flamenco music, Oliver points out, also has deep-seated Arabic and Indian roots the dance moves, the way they sing. So in Austin, Texas Rajamani decided to try something unique. He went backstage to meet the Gipsy Kings and performed Tamil folk songs on the flamenco guitar. "They invited to come and perform with them on stage after that."
Oliver Rajamani will perform with his ensemble: Joey Santori (bass/cello), Steve Marcum (Jembe drums), Suresh (tabla and cajon) and Richard Bowden (violin). Oliver will play the Sarod, Rubab, Oud or the Western lute, Setar (a Persian instrument), the flamenco guitar and a type of Arabic drum, and will provide a mix of Tamil, Spanish and Marwari vocals. Tonight, 9.30 pm onwards at Blue Frog, Mathuradas Mills, Lower Parel.
Entry: Rs 300 per head.
Call 40332300
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