Simon Thacker's Svara-Kanti play Menokaa Maathaay Dilo Ghomtaa, a song from the mystical Bengali Baul tradition reimagined by Simon Thacker.
Simon Thacker: classical guitar Raju das Baul: voice, khamak and ghunur (ankle bells) Sarvar Sabri: tabla
The latest incarnation of award winning Indo-Western ensemble Simon Thacker's-Svara-Kanti sees Scotland's visionary guitarist/composer reimagine the mystical Bengali Baul folk tradition, one of India’s spiritually and musically richest forms, in a trio with Raju Das Baul, a mesmerising exponent from the Baul heartland of Santiniketan, and tabla master Sarvar Sabri. The trio debuted in India to standing ovations in 2014, with the full premiere garnering exceptional acclaim at the 2015 Edinburgh Fringe Festival as part of the prestigious Made in Scotland showcase. The group, in various lineups centred around Simon Thacker's guitar/compositions, will be releasing a new (double) album in 2016, featuring the very latest developments in intercultural collaboration. This song tells of the strange union of Uma and Siva. Uma is the young and beautiful daughter of Himalaya and his queen Menaka, Siva is a wild god who lives on mount Kailasa with ghosts and demons for his companions. Menaka is questioned in the song for choosing Shiva as a son in law. Actually the song praises in disguised form Uma's disdain for all worldly charms and her preference for otherworldliness personified by Shiva. www.simonthacker.com
Video by Ruth Barrie & Glenda Rome, Waltzer Films Sound by Hamish Campbell, www.soundsound.co.uk
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