Unique Fusion of Tradition and Modernity in Indian Percussion: The Story of Beat Route
On October 5th, Chowdiah Memorial Hall in Bengaluru will be the stage for a groundbreaking performance that seeks to blend the rich traditions of Indian percussion with a modern twist. This innovative audio-visual experience, titled “Beat Route,” is the brainchild of Roysten Abel, a celebrated director and playwright, and Ranjit Barot, a renowned drummer known for his work in film scores and jazz. Together, they have embarked on a journey to reimagine Indian folk percussion in a contemporary context, with ten master drummers from Rajasthan and Kerala at the core of this ambitious project.
The inception of Beat Route can be traced back to a conversation between Gayathri Krishna of Bhoomija Trust and Roysten Abel. The idea was not to create a typical percussion ensemble but rather to explore a new realm of possibilities. Inspired by a Warli painting depicting dancers with “tarpas” (a tribal trumpet from Maharashtra), Roysten envisioned a fusion of folk rhythms and modern sounds—a celebration of tradition in a fresh, innovative way.
At its heart, Beat Route showcases a unique ensemble of instruments seldom heard outside their cultural domains: the thunderous beats of the “chenda,” the melodic clinks of the “kartaal,” and the mesmerizing tones of the “morchang.” Rather than presenting these sounds in their traditional form, Roysten and Ranjit collaborated to blend folk drummers with electronic music, creating a harmonious marriage of the old and the new.
While Beat Route represents an experiment in musical fusion, it retains a deep reverence for its roots. Ranjit’s compositions are intricately woven around age-old patterns, allowing the folk musicians to shine on center stage. As Ranjit beautifully puts it, “I’m simply responding to the joyous music surrounding me, creating contemporary pieces that serve as a platform for these exceptional musicians to express themselves fully.”
What sets Beat Route apart is its unwavering respect for tradition. Roysten, no stranger to collaborating with folk artists as seen in his previous work like “The Manganiyar Seduction,” understands the importance of honoring heritage while pushing artistic boundaries. The fusion of electronic elements and visual storytelling enhances the traditional performances, providing a truly immersive experience for the audience.
The visual aspect of Beat Route is equally crucial, with award-winning filmmaker Kabir Singh Chowdhry crafting a vibrant stage environment that mirrors the rhythmic intensity of the music. By blending the earthy tones of Rajasthan with the lush greens of Kerala, the visual narrative adds an extra layer of depth to the performance, creating a sensory feast for the spectators.
For Ranjit, Beat Route is more than just a musical endeavor—it’s an opportunity to connect with fellow musicians on a deeper level. Reflecting on the creative process, he muses, “There is a hidden meeting point where all disciplines, languages, and traditions converge. Once a musician reaches a certain level of mastery, the path to this meeting point becomes clearer, sparking true artistic conversations.”
The ensemble of drummers featured in Beat Route includes stalwarts from Kerala such as Kalamandalam Ratheesh Bhas, Kalamandalam Ravikumar Babu, Kalanilayam Satheesh Kumar, Sadhanam Anoop, and Anadhapuram Sajeev. The Rajasthani contingent boasts talented artists like Deu Khan, Khete Khan, Kailash Damami, Lakat Khan, and Mahendar Khan, each bringing their unique expertise to the amalgamation of sounds.
Mark your calendars for the premiere of Beat Route on October 5th at Chowdiah Memorial Hall, with two showings scheduled at 5 pm and 8 pm. Tickets are available on BookMyShow, offering music enthusiasts a chance to witness this unprecedented fusion of tradition and innovation firsthand.
Don’t miss this extraordinary musical journey that bridges the gap between the past and the present, weaving a tapestry of cultural diversity through the universal language of music. Experience the magic of Beat Route—a performance like no other.
Published – October 03, 2024 10:11 am IST