ED2015 5/5 Reviews ED2015 Music Reviews

Simon Thacker’s Svara-Kanti

By Louise Rodgers | Published on Thursday 20 August 2015

This too short hour of virtuosic Baul music – re-imagined by guitarist Simon Thacker – reinterpreted Bengal’s traditional, mystical song. Relaxing and invigorating in turns, the interweaving of punk, funk, flamenco and soul with Baul ensured it was not too unfamiliar for western ears. Thacker was not the only great artist entertaining us this evening, Raju das Baul has travelled from Bengal to sing beautifully, telling the traditional stories of his culture with clarity and sensitivity. Tabla master Sarvar Sabri played with deceptive ease, demonstrating why this hardest of percussion instruments is also the most expressive. A highlight was Menokaa Maathaay Dilo Ghomtaa fusing cutting edge guitar technique with traditional eastern instruments. The ‘Made in Scotland’ initiative has excelled itself.

Summerhall, till 23 Aug.
tw rating 5/5 | [Louise Rodgers]