The power of three

Pune turned up in large numbers for some magical fusion moments on Thursday and the trio that is part of the band Asia Electrik did not let the city down. Louiz Banks, wearing his familiar black cap and retro glasses, was at his mesmerizing best on the keyboards. Asad Khan on sitar, looking cool in a black ensemble, proved yet again that he has what it takes to charm one and all. But the show-stealer was the prolific Sivamani, sporting his trademark bandana paired with a red dhotikurta and a jacket. The ensemble was also joined by guest artiste Runa Rizvi, whose touching vocals added to the overall performance. In the track ‘The Jogi’, she managed to hold her own amidst the stalwarts.Sivamani played, as always, like a man possessed. He used drums from across the world to make music that has to be heard to be believed. The audience was hypnotised by the master percussionist. They swayed to his music, danced to his beats and applauded him each time he stopped to take a well-deserved breath.Sivamani, Banks and Khan complemented each other beautifully. Ecah composition was masterful, beautifully bringing together percussion, keyboards and sitar. It was a perfect act; a master symphony. Three very different notes came together to create unmatched music. Each gave the other space and, at the same time, merged together wonderfully. Between them, they set the stage on fire time and again.The stage was lined with various kinds of instruments that Sivamani used during the performance. He created extraordinary beats from some ordinary steel utensils, ghungroos, conches and even a 20-litre plastic mineral water jar! He used his vocals too to make music; even a clap from Sivamani spoke music. It was an evening dedicated to beautiful music. And, of course, the historic Shaniwarwada added to the charm. Listening to these greats against the dominating facade was a sight to behold. Compositions such as ‘Esperance’, ‘Encounter’ and ‘Jimi Comes to India’ got the crowd into the groove. It felt like one big party, with the gathering enjoying to the hilt. A m b e r - ish Koul was t h e re with his friends and none of them seemed to get enough of the music. “It’s wonderful. Truly out of the world,” said Amberish. His friend, Chetan Ashtekar, chipped in, “This is the third time I am watching Sivamani perform. He springs a surprise each time.”It was difficult to be heard in the crowd as they lost all inhibition and gave in to the incredible music that was being made on stage. The blending of music that Banks, Khan and Siva exhibited is the stuff fans dream of — one made the drums talk, the other caressing the sitar and the third demonstrating his whiz skills on the keyboards.The solo pieces that each artiste delivered left everyone spellbound. The playing seemed so effortless, but the sheer beauty of each composition was a treat.Simi Kataria, a resident of Vimannagar, said, “I work for a BPO and had to take leave today to make it to the show. I know I’ll have to put in extra hours, but this show has been truly worthwhile.”The trio gave the playing all that they had. ‘Hamsadhwani’ and ‘Save the planet’ took the evening to a different high. The crowds returned the compliment by egging them on with ear-shattering applause.As promised earlier, Sivamani enthralled Puneites with his newest acquisition — the Lion head drum. Shaped just like your ordinary drum, it had a lion painted on it, hence the name. And, when Siva plays the drum, it, well, roars! The audience went wild on each beat. As Siva lost himself in his music, so did the audience. This is what they had come to hear and the jampacked ground was pulsating with life.Communications student Mohamed Haider said, “I went to great pains to manage VIP passes for the show. This is one event you just don’t want to miss. Sivamani is mind blowing.”Sivamani extracts music from anything and everything. It is his show and he doesn’t disappoint. A showman to the very core, he lit up the entire venue with his performance. Both Khan and Banks stepped back to let Sivamani wow the audience. He played not only for the crowds, but also for himself, challenging his instruments to match his vocals. Towards the end, his son, Kumaran, who studies in Pune, joined him on stage. The lad proved he is a chip off the old block. The music reached a crescendo before coming to a gentle stop. Runa Rizvi ends the concert with ‘Vaishnav Jana To’. It was the perfect finale to a perfect evening. The look of pure ecstasy on the faces all around was the prize that the band members were taking back with them.(Marriott Pune Hotel & Convention Centre is the hospitality partner for the Times Pune Festival while Radio Mirchi is the radio partner.)