Aruṇ Lūthrā is one of New York’s premier saxophonists, an award-winning composer, and an exponent of konnakol–the Carnatic (South Indian classical) music art form of vocalizing rhythms. As the leader of his Konnakol Jazz Project, he is one of the small group of American musicians of South Asian heritage who have continued to explore the possibilities of fusing jazz with elements of Indian classical music, as well as drawing from the myriad cultures and traditions which he embodies, to create a vibrant new sound and style. Arun has performed with his Konnakol Jazz Project across the United States as well as in Japan, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and South America.
V. Selvaganesh is one of the leading kanjira players of his generation — a percussionist whose command of the South Indian frame drum has earned him a place alongside the most celebrated names in Indian classical and cross-tradition music. Born in Chennai to T.H. “Vikku” Vinayakram, a founding member of the original Shakti ensemble, Selvaganesh grew up immersed in Carnatic percussion tradition and began performing with established artists by age nine.
Fareed Haque is a modern guitar virtuoso. Steeped in classical and jazz traditions, his unique command of the guitar and different musical styles inspire his musical ventures with tradition and fearless innovation.
I had the pleasure and honor to spend a little time with Arun, Selva & family to the proGram Fareed ahead of the November 1st date at the North Street Cabaret where these 3 masters will join a Madison based rhythm section to present this powerful and important project. Not only will we hear Arun’s music but also some of Fareed’s compositions as well. We get into what and how these artist became the people and musicians they are. They shared a little about themselves, experiences leading to these moments, honoring each other and our mutual friend Maesto Zakir Hussain. We find out how each finds the space to do their own thing in a time where there will be three masters sharing the stage. It seems so easy and natural in words, but the way it goes down will be fun, adventurous and challenging. This is the type of music that can help guide you, the listener, the feeler into new directions and to experience it in a live setting, with these three leading the charge really feels like something special.
