Of Godhra & Raag-turned-rock

Pahari funk, Azaan based on Raag Basant Mukhari and Godhra-inspired music wait to enchant you at a concert in town

"We're not into antics but music," warns founder and bassist Indroneel Hariharan at the outset, so that you don't expect juvenile jazz. Instead, it's quirky stuff like Pahari Funk, Raag Pahari and Procession -- based on the Godhra riots -- that fusion group Mrigya promises today.

And oh, there's also azaan based on the raag Basant Mukhari, in a rock avatar. "We won't be looking cool, but playing real music." We wonder where all that came from, and pat came the reply. "Actually, we never meant to make a band or anything. We were just a group of drummers jamming together. The whole thing was serendipity. We were just playing together. Our music was seamless and spontaneous, the vibes that we shared as humans took form as music. Most of it happened during the first four days we played together." That simple, that splendid.

Over the last decade, the band has touched thousands across the world -- USA, Germany, South Africa, Slovenia, Edinburgh, Russia, Scotland, Dubai, New Zealand, Singapore, and Thailand, and is finally launching its debut album - The Composition of World Harmony 2010 -- in the city this evening.

The compilation stems from their belief in Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam - one world one family. Mrigya was also the first Indian band to be awarded the 5 star rating at the Edinburgh fringe festival and won the 'Herald angel award' in 2002 and also received the 'Tap Water Award', given by 'Out of The Blue Trust', for music promoting communal harmony, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.



There fusion is about a rich blend of blues, funk, folk, Latino, Indian Classical, and jazz. The pace is set from the first composition, Ganga, based on Raag Jog. Inspired by this grandest of all Indian rivers, the piece tracks the course of the Ganga from the Himalayas to the ocean as she traverses the plains that bear her name, touching different people and cultures in her journey. And that's only the beginning. Grab the Virgin Records CD, priced at Rs 295, for the rest. Available at venue.

Mrigya live
Where: The Hub, DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunj
When: Today, 7 pm onwards
Entry free