Fusion music: Jazz, tabla and violins meld into a unique sound

ISLAMABAD:

Jazz takes on an entirely new dimension when combined with the melodious tunes of the violin and the soft thumps of the tabla. About 50 people got to experience this fusion first-hand at a two-day collaborative session between the Cuban jazz trio A3 and local musicians.

The group extended its knowledge of Cuban rhythm to those present, whilst collaborating with local artists and sharing what it has absorbed of Pakistan’s musical heritage. The workshop was organised at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).

Ten-year-old Sinan Khalid Wahid called it an “exciting” experience, as he strummed the popular Nirvana track “come as you are”. The song, though grunge in genre, took on a unique flavour, as Jorge and his band — pianist Ana Maria and percussionist Alberto Batista Hernandez — swelled the rhythm and tabla-player Ustad Ijaz Hussain Jajji, flute-player Salman Adil and violinists, Ustad Raees Ahmed Khan and Mi Zhou seasoned the tune with an ethnic harmony.

Rhythm was seen animated in the hands of audience members, which fell silent to Ana Maria’s voice as she filled the small hall with Nusrat Fateh Ali’s “Wohi khuda hai”.

“They are a very talented group,” said renowned violinist Ustad Raees Khan.

The workshop, organised by the Cuban embassy is an effort to extend its friendship with Pakistan through the powerful medium of music. The jazz band, A3, has previously taught a course in Lahore at the National College of Art and performed at various venues across major cities. Though the workshop was not learning-centric, its intimate setting encouraged the participation of its attendees, leaving all ears fulfilled.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 3^rd, 2013.