An obvious presence. Isn't that the highest possible thing in music? And especially in improvised music that arises on the spot in the moment itself, but at the same time sounds as if it has always been there. The group Saagara creates such a self-evident presence. Its own hallucinatory musical world that is compelling and surprising, but also -isn't that wonderful- feels strikingly familiar. With, on the one hand, the intense sounds presented by Polish wind player Wacław Zimpel with his electronics, flutes and clarinets. And on the other, the virtuoso interpretation of ancient Indian talas and ragas. Yet what impresses most is the transporting way both merge. The different worlds that merge and yet remain recognizable as themselves. Spiritual and adventurous, but above all wonderful.
Photo: Rakesh Maiya
Waclaw Zimpel - alto clarinet, electronics
Giridhar Udupa - ghatam, vocal
Aggu Baba - khanjira, vocal
Mysore N. Karthik - violin
