Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt has carved a niche for himself in the history of Indian classical music as the creator of the Mohan veena. The instrument, named after him, is a Hawaiian guitar that has been modified into a slide guitar with 20 strings to play Indian classical music. The Indian maestro is also well known in the realm of world music for his collaborations with international artistes such as Taj Mahal, Bela Fleck, Jerry Douglas and oudh player Simon Shaheen.
His album “A Meeting by the River”, created in collaboration with Ry Cooder, won him a Grammy award in 1994, making him the second Indian to win a Grammy after his guru — legendary sitar player Pandit Ravi Shankar.
Bhatt is in Dubai to perform at Sangam — A World Music Confluence to be held on Friday at Madinat Jumeirah. The concert, organised by Tambourine Live, will bring together well known musicians from across the globe. These include leading Indian drummer Gino Banks; Samvel Gasparyan from Armenia on the piano; Lebanese musician Elie Afif on the bass guitar; Indian percussionist Himanshu Mahant on the tabla; and Joaquin Sosa from Cuba on the saxophone and clarinet.
Music lovers can look forward to a classical music performance on the Mohan veena by Bhatt, followed by a collaborative presentation by all the artistes.
Weekend Review spoke to Bhatt about his music and his plans for the concert. Excerpts:
What motivated you to develop the Mohan veena?
I was 14 years old when I saw a western guitar for the first time. It belonged to a German lady who had come to learn Indian music from my father. I was fascinated by it and bought it from her when she was leaving. I then Indianised the western instrument by removing the original six strings and incorporating new strings to suit the needs of Indian classical music. I was motivated by a desire to have a unique sound of my own and to create an instrument that could have the special sound and technique of various traditional Indian instruments such as the sitar, sarod and veena. I have been playing this instrument for 47 years and have performed in 81 countries. The response has been great, and I feel fortunate and blessed that my music is globally accepted and appreciated.
Do you ever worry that combining a classical and world music performance might negatively impact your standing as a classical musician?
A world music concert such as “Sangam” will give the audience a taste of different genres of music, ranging from traditional Indian ragas to jazz, western classical and fusion of various styles. I feel it is a good way of creating new audiences for Indian classical music as well. I do not think there is any fear of a negative impact because world music is distinct from classical music. I believe that collaboration enhances the imagination of the artiste and the acceptance is far reaching as you have larger audiences.
Is it true that you had not met Ry Cooder or rehearsed with him before composing the music for your Grammy award winning album “A Meeting by the River”?
That is true. I met Ry Crooder for the first time just before the recording, and “A Meeting by the River” was recorded in one night-long session. I love to experiment, and I do not write the music on a paper. I always prefer my recordings to be spontaneous and interactive — like in a live concert.
So, how do you feel about performing for the first time with Sosa, Gasparyan and Afif?
I readily agreed when Vinod Raghavan of Tambourine Live, with whom I have worked for many years, presented the concept to me; and I am excited about sharing the stage for the first time with these talented performers. I never rehearse or compose anything in advance; the performance at this concert will be spontaneous with live interactive sessions, which has its own beauty. It is a pleasure to play here in Dubai and the audience can expect a beautiful glimpse of Indian classical to vibrant fusion. We will surely make it a wonderful and enjoyable experience for all.
Does the versatility of the Mohan veena make it easier to collaborate with all kinds of musicians?
Yes, it has a variety in sound, and it can convey the deeper elements of music as well as join beautifully with other instruments and streams of music. The instrument is versatile but the most important thing is that the musician must have the skill to make it interesting.
Can music be a positive force in a world filled with turmoil, violence and destruction?
Music is always a positive influence especially in today’s world. Music is the best form of meditation to control all your frustrations. It takes you in a trance where you feel connected with god. Indian classical music makes one go within and purifies your heart, body and soul.
Jyoti Kalsi is an arts enthusiast based in Dubai.
Don't miss it
Sangam – A World Music Confluence
Performers: Indian musicians Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt on the Mohan veena; Gino Banks on western drums; and Himanshu Mahant on the tabla. Elie Afif from Lebanon on bass guitar; Armenian Samvel Gasparyan on the piano; and Cuban Joaquin Sosa on the saxophone and clarinet.
Date: January 23
Venue: Madinat Jumeirah Theatre
Time: 7pm onwards
Tickets priced at Dh100, Dh150, Dh200 and Dh400 are available at Madinat Theatre box office and online on madinattheatre.com and timeouttickets.com.
For more information call Tambourine Live on +971 4 3236112/0526998958
