Aruna Sairam & Soumik Datta: UTSAV - Road to Sangam (Track 1)

Available for touring. For bookings contact: [email protected]

UTSAV is a brand new collaboration between Carnatic songstress Aruna Sairam and rising sarod artiste Soumik Datta. Together, they perform a suite of songs that connect north and south Indian classical music with Western Jazz. Both lead artists have considerable reputations in their own fields: Soumik Datta as a young sarod player and composer, accomplished in Hindustani classical music, but also experienced in fusion and film projects; and Aruna Sairam as a recognised doyen of South Indian song, always open to experimentation.

Accompanying voice and sarod are a trio of instruments: piano played by Al Macsween, mridangam by Pirashanna Thevarajah and Irish bodhran drums by Cormac Byrne. Composed by Soumik Datta, this collection of festive songs weave together Carnatic, Jazz harmony, Hindustani ragas and Sanskrit chant.

Available for touring. For bookings contact: [email protected]

PRESS:

'A work of rare imagination’ Ken Hunt, Pulse Connects.

‘Totally convinced by the ensemble, their musicianship and what they had to say together’ Simon Broughton, Editor, Songlines.

‘Brilliant Blues take of ancient Carnatic melodies’ Music Aloud.

‘“Soumik Datta is a powerhouse of talent. Unlike many from his generation, this Mumbai born London-based sarod artiste is equally adept at both western and Indian classical music. His collaborations with some of the biggest names in the West have earned him a distinctive reputation but the few who have heard his Pilu or Jhinjhoti, snippets of which are floating on cyberspace will tell you that he ought to play more sarod solo concerts” The Hindu.

“M S Subbulakshmi is no more. But if there is any singer who comes close to matching such purity of voice, diction, impeccable sruti alignment and frill-free singing, it is Aruna Sairam” Outlook Magazine.

Project commissioned by: Bagri Foundation
In Association with: Soumik Datta Arts
Premiered at: St. John’s Smith Square, London (2018)