Carnatic Connection is a collaboration with South Indian violinist Jyotsna Srikanth – a fusion of Bollywood and Carnatic filmi sounds; from the legendary composer Illayaraja to the ubiquitous AR Rahman, whose classics Jiya Jale, Kehta Hai Mehra Dil and Kehna Hi Kya feature Jyotsna Srikanth’s mellifluous violin playing, while the Oscar-winning Jai Ho is given the dance-floor treatment.
Carnatic Suite
Following the success of their collaborative CD, Carnatic Connection (2016), Jyotsna Srikanth & Bollywood Brass Band (BBB) have produced an EP of new material based on South Indian raags and taals. Themes and grooves for Carnatic Suite: A Day In Bangalore were composed by Jyotsna whilst in Bangalore, and WhatsApp’d to Kay and Sarha in London! BBB’s arrangers then skilfully joined the dots, combining the subtleties of Indian violin with the eclectic palette of BBB’s brass and percussion, and the South Indian percussion and beatbox wizardry of RN Prakash.
The Suite is released as an EP by Bollywood Brass Band, on their own label, with online distribution by Sterns/The Orchard and physical distribution via Bandcamp.
Carnatic Suite: a Day in Bangalore was premiered live on stage at the Norfolk & Norwich Festival 2018 and will be performed on the Siam stage at WOMAD UK, 2018 on Saturday 28 July.
Supported by PRS Foundation’s Women Make Music.
Carnatic Connection (2016)
Brass meet strings with the sonic wonders of violin gamakas (decorations), mridangam (double-headed hand drum) and morsing (jaws harp).
We present a fusion of Bollywood and Carnatic filmi sounds; from the legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja’s Rakkamma to the ubiquitous AR Rahman, whose classics Jiya Jale, Kehta Hai Mera Dil and Kehna Hi Kya feature Jyotsna Srikanth’s mellifluous violin playing, while the Oscar-winning Jai Ho is given the dance-floor treatment.
Deva Deva Kalayami grounds us squarely in the Carnatic tradition with a classical melody in raga mayamalava gowla, where Jyotsna leads BBB on a virtuosic, improvisatory journey incorporating the interplay of jugalbandi (duets).
‘Chandralekha’ (1948), the ground-breaking, black-and-white Tamil movie, has inspired Sarha Moore and Kay Charlton to compose a new soundtrack for the finale of the film. Drum Dance accompanies the epic scene where 400 dancers perform on top of enormous drums; suddenly the drums open up to reveal armies of soldiers who attack the stronghold (think Trojan Horse). Once inside the castle, the two leading men undertake a heroic sword fight, including, of course, a grand staircase and a chandelier, as they fight over the leading lady. Drum Dance is an original combination of west African rhythms and riffs with South Indian tihais, while Sword Fight showcases Jyotsna’s improvisatory flair with gamakas galore, underpinning the action on screen. Watch the scene, with this brand new accompaniment, on our YouTube channel – as Bollywood Brass Band Chandralekha film.
Jyotsna Srikanth
Jyotsna’s bio
Europe’s leading violinist from the South Indian classical tradition, Jyotsna Srikanth is also an accomplished western classical musician who has collaborated with acclaimed jazz, western classical and world music artists.
“A profound respect for her heritage and performs Carnatic style with an impressive combination of emotional expression and masterful technique, and yet she refuses to be bound by tradition.”
– WOMAD Festival
Her recitals combine a deep understanding of traditional music with jazz and a contemporary touch. This rare balance between tradition and modernity has helped her carve a unique niche, captivating audiences across the globe.
“the amazing Jyotsna Srikanth on violin.”
– The Independent, review of BBC Proms Concert
Bollywood Brass Band
Bollywood Brass Band’s bio
The Bollywood Brass Band is the UK’s pioneering Indian-style wedding band, playing the great tunes and compulsively danceable rhythms of Bollywood.
Joyous … electrifying horn riffs and percussion … irresistible’
– Clive Davis, Sunday Times
With brass, saxophone, dhol drums and a colossal sousaphone, the BBB is one of the most colourful, joyful and exhilarating acts around.
One of the WOMAD weekend’s indisputable highlights was London’s Bollywood Brass Band who, despite reeling under the weight of tubas and Indian dhol drums, turned out to be a Jack in the Box like bundle of 11 cavorting musicians intent on blasting the genre into the 21st century.’
– Jane Cornwell, The Independent
The band collaborates frequently with South Asian musicians and dancers, most recently with the great Pakistani Sufi singer Rafaqat Ali Khan to produce the CD Chaiyya Chaiyya, nominated for a Songlines Award.
“Improbably funky”
– Songlines