disclaimer: i do not personally know vijay ghate nor am a tabla player. the scene: aundh mahotsav. In Satara district an annual classical music festival organised in memory of Pt. Gajananbua Joshi and his family. This was the 75th anniversary program and some of my favorite singers were participating. More about that later. This is about Vijay Ghate (tabla player) who came on the stage at around 3:00 a,m. along with Rakesh Chaurasia (flute). In this rural atmosphere with a large contingent of mumbai-pune hardcore music lovers (mostly vocal oriented), the entrance was dramatic, filmi even. Vijay has a big personality and a hirsute appearance- yellow glasses ala Bono, long red scarf as a prop and his long unkempt hair. This could easily fall into comedy or parody except for the sublime artistry of his tabla playing. Everything overlooked, forgiven when he brings that personality into his unique playing style that is superb accompaniment. After playing with Rakesh Chaurasia (more about that later), he was onstage with Niladri Kumar. And here he did something remarkable that I have never seen or heard before. As Niladri was playing an extraordinary alap (and I do not know what rag it was- perhaps parmeshwari?) totally engrossed in his music, slowly Vijay Ghate began a soft theka. there was no indication from Niladri, no gat, no nod of the head- it was a spontaneous entrance into the music. And Niladri Kumar accepted it. It was part of the magic of that performance- for me one of the most unforgettable performances I have ever heard. Although Vijay Ghate’s style may turn some people off (especially conservative traditionalists) I think classical music needs personalities who really communicate and bring life to the music.
