Another fun-filled weekend is nothing more than a memory and I’m happily fielding positive reviews for Saturday’s interview with Indian kathak dancer Pandit Chitresh Das and American tap dancerJason Samuels Smith. They are currently touring Hawaii with their India Jazz Suites and although in Honolulu for a short time, made time to visit HPR. Big thanks to Joe Patti and Darlene Dhillon for setting up the opportunity.
Initially I fretted over this interview. I’ve never questioned a Pandit face to face before and I’d be talking to tap phenom Jason Samuels Scott as well! As masters of their craft, what they do is so visual… wasn’t sure how this could be conveyed over the radio. My fears were unfounded because as soon as these gents were settled in behind the mic, the conversation just flowed. It was fun hearing their stories and I learned a lot in the half hour spent in their company. Although Pandit Das and Jason come from such different backgrounds, one classical Indian (thousands of years old) and the other American contemporary (only a few hundred), their bodies and spirit engage in rhythmic dialogue, which is truly impressive to witness…
Persevered through the pouring rain and although running late, made it in time to see the jazz band’s first set of India Jazz Suites at Leeward Theatre. This is another performance that I’m filing in the stellar category. To listen back to the interview, click on episode 7 of the podcast. The Indian Jazz Suites continue touring through Hawaii, first on Maui: Thursday, March 19, at MACC’s Castle Theatre (7:30 pm), and then on the Big Island: Saturday, March 21, at the Kahilu Theatre (8 pm).
Before I sign off, here’s a project that has been sitting in digital limbo since February. The Six Degrees label has released another exciting world music project and I figured if you knew of it’s existence it might get loaded to the vault sooner.
Lal Meri is comprised of Nancy Kaye, Ireesh Lal and Carmen Rizzo. They chose to name their groundbreaking collaboration after the ancient Sufi folk song. I’m a fan of Carmen Rizzo from his work with Niyaz and his solo work as an electronic wizard and producer so it was a no-brainer that this new project would be perfect to add to the playlist… captivating vocals meld seamlessly with instruments such as the trumpet, oud, bouzouki, saz and jumbush, over a solid foundation of trip-hop beats.
Planet of Sound 
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