A solo artiste’s journey across seven seas and finding jugalbandi closer home
Rhythm, it would seem runs in the Qureshi family. This is a particularly endearing episode of #LifeIsMusic, thanks to a guest appearance by Shikhar Naad Qureshi, son of Taufiq Qureshi and by the looks of it, yet another legend in the making. Shikhar may be in his early twenties but what he lacks in years, he more than makes up for in talent. That his grandfather was the illustrious Ustad Alla Rakha is noteworthy. His education to music started perhaps as an infant being cradled in the arms of not one or two but three legendary musicians.
Beyond the Seven Seas is a composition by maestro Taufiq Qureshi, who is one of the most-versatile Percussionists of our time. Pianist and composer Louiz Banks explains to us that the piece is written in an odd seven-beat and four-beat cycle. “You can call it the 747, like the Boeing,” Qureshi jokes making airplane take-off noises.
He is our trusted pilot on this trip. But ‘Louiz sir’, as Shikhar calls him, is all praises for the young Drummer. He refers to his command over the instrument and the fact that he is a delight to watch. We’d have to agree with the Godfather of Jazz on this one.
The lanky lad is awkward in front of the camera during practice sessions but the ease with which his arms and pedal foot spring into action when the music starts, however, can’t go unnoticed. Dressed in a kurta and jeans, Shikhar is a faint reflection of his uncle, Ustad Zakir Hussain who is known for his playful onstage presence. In comparison to the other young prodigy onstage, Bassist Mohini Dey who seems to ooze confidence, Shikhar’s reticent stance is more evident.
But don’t be too quick to take your eyes off this kid.
Seated next to dad, the chemistry between father and son is charming. Qureshi trades the Drum set for the Djembe. He leads the quartet through the composition and it’s charming to watch dad’s hand naturally carve a cue towards the son.
Shikhar is no stranger to sharing the stage with the legends, often accompanying dad in a set. But there’s always something new to learn, he says.
Camaraderie seems to be the theme of the episode but only if you pay attention to the subtle signs. Watch maestro and ace Sitarist Purbayan Chatterjee and Quershi juggle around with a melody. Chatterjee’s fingers flying on the Sitar is mesmerizing sight. But the fact that he nods his smiling head towards Qureshi, who accompanies him on the journey at repeated intervals is where the piece captivates the audience. There are certainly some stories of impromptu jam sessions there.
Contrast that with Dey and Banks in a following duet which is beautifully clinical.
Shikhar’s solo, however, steals the show. His demeanor seems to open up while his nimble fingers grasp the drumsticks ever so lightly to come down with just the right force. For those of you who have watched the Oscar-winning Whiplash, think of that without the cold, cutthroat competitiveness. Shikhar seems to be enjoying himself as much as we are whilst watching him.
Qureshi has time and again mentioned his affinity for working with young musicians. They aren’t polluted yet, he notes.
His journey to putting together a carefully-crafted band continues and there is no shortage of youthful talent. To his team of Sarod and Drums, Qureshi adds Bass player Hansel. But not before haggling over the guy and almost deciding to saw him in half instead of giving him up to Chatterjee.
Banks, who previously chose a Guitarist and Drummer in his ensemble, opts for a Flutist, Avdhoot. He will help me design the melody, he notes. Keyboard player, Naman, will form a part of Chatterjee’s team along with a Sitar player, a Slide Guitar player and a Drummer.
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