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 A
little bit of Himachal folk, a strain of classical and bars of techno
offer an array of sounds for listeners of Tirlok Gurtu’s latest
album Remembrance. “This is the first time that a complete
album of mine has been produced in India,” says the maestro.
Collaborating with singer-composer Shanker Mahadevan is another
first that can be attributed to the album. “He’s a good
musician and has a good voice and I like working with young musicians
because they promote me,” says Gurtu whose absolute modesty
never fails to faze you. Having met Mahadevan in Sweden where he
performed with the group Shakti, Gurtu showed great interest right
from the time the singer suggested that they work together.
But the series
of firsts doesn’t end there. Grammy nominee (for the acoustic
album Water Lily) and noted flautist Ronu Majumdar has also done
some brilliant work in pieces such as Brindavan Dance on this album.
“It reminds you of your purpose on earth,” says Gurtu
about the album’s message.
And it is this
universal appeal that has drawn young musicians such as Nitin Sawhney
and Talvin Singh who have worked with Gurtu. But the very appeal
reaches beyond, to the repertoire of celebrated artistes such as
his mother Shobha Gurtu, tabla guru Ustad Zakir Hussain and legendary
sarangi-player Ustad Sultan Khan who have contributed to this album.
“My mother is a very simple lady, who has never placed any
barriers in my work andhas always been open minded, which is why
we have a great working relationship,” comments Gurtu, who
has earlier brought into play the unmatchable singing prowess of
his mother in albums such as Usfret, Crazy Saints and Kathak.
Six months
of challenging work to complete Remembrance has only rejuvenated
the musician for his next venture this October. An album with Spanish
influences (Flamingo) is on the anvil and Gurtu plans to collaborate
with singer Roop Kumar Rathod next. “I’ll also work with
Ronu again,” he reveals. But his thoughts rush back to his
first project in India. “It’s very difficult to find your
own sound and this is what Remembrance is all about — my unique
sound. I can’t put it in words,” he adds. Gurtu says he
hopes to tour in India in January next year.
—Lalitha
Suhasini
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