The hybrid of western saxophone and raga is a bit of an unusual finding in Indian music (considering that western classical itself hasn't quite embraced the instrument itself widely), so it might be said that Kadiri Gopalnath finds himself at times lumped in with novelty elements at some homeland festivals. Jason Sigal passed a killer 2003 CD along to me called Carnatic Classical Instrumental and it was immediately reminiscent of the first time I heard Ethio titan Getatchew Mekuria's sax music. Not stylistically as much as for the fact that there was a thread being tied between disparate musics with expressive, soul-projective playing that can be tied to things half way around the world (that were also pioneered by people neither of these fellows likely have never heard). It all shares an inherent spirit in sound. It also made total sense when Jason told me that Gopalnath was an inspiration to recent guest on his show, Arrington DeDionyso. DeDionyso is the frontman of Old Time Relijun, and has continually slip-slided around the genre map via multiphonic throat singing, scratchy no-wave, free jazz blat, and forays into assorted ethno-traditions around the globe. His sax ventures definitely wade into the deep end ala Gopalnath (check Jason's archive linked above), hope you dig these MP3s as much as I do!
Kadiri Gopalnath - Sevikka Vendumaiyya (MP3)
Kadiri Gopalnath - Dhinamani Vamsa (MP3)
Especially interesting to me, and first heard on Rob W's show though he talked over it, is his collaboration with Rudresh Mahanthappa on the Kinsmen CD, in particular the Convergence (Kinsmen) cut, an excerpt of which can be seen here in a live version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GF8fQGCHqW0
I saw Rudresh play in a trio at the Turning Point two days after Rob played that cut and it was great. Knowing that it is a "convergence" of jazz and Carnatic music makes each genre that much more interesting, at least to me. I like the convergence cut the best on that album. It's almost enough to make me like jazz... and I've always been a sucker for ecstatic music.
Posted by: John L | April 03, 2009 at 07:55 AM
YES!!! Kadri Gopalnath is the best! Though I'm pretty sure it's Kadri and not Kadiri. Love his goofy smile when he plays, too--http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKDOB319ZxY
Posted by: ted | April 03, 2009 at 05:39 PM