Revolution Evolution

Dream

Enchanting. Completely short of words to describe the "3rd Dimension Tour" performance of A R Rahman in New York, at the packed Nassau Coliseum (14,400 people).

More respect for the Yamaha Tyros, which formed his central musicstation for the evening. What a piece of work!

Rahman's show packaging was lethal, with a great line-up of supporting artists and musicians. I feel that after much experimentation, Rahman's musical troupe has arrived and truly give a complete musical experience. Yes, there's a lot of pre-recorded tracks, but they are supported significantly by live musicians, percussion and vocalists, under the able tutelage of Rahman and conductor, K Sridhar. Watching him at soundcheck was an experience, as it was amazing to see how his team was in absolute awe and respect for this genius. A simple few words from him, were enough to motivate everyone to try harder, and do better. Each time they'd try something new, they'd look to him to see if they've impressed him sufficiently. Sometimes, he'd just continue to stare at his keyboard, sometimes he'd look back and let out a subtle smile. I bet that smile meant more to them than a National Award - acknowledgement from a true musical exponent.

Among the best performances of the night were Sukhwinder's Chaiyya Chaiyya which was one of the most comprehensive performances, as he blended it seamlessly with Thaiyya Thaiyya. The other would have to be Ramta Jogi - a song that one almost forgets when one thinks about the amazing soundtrack of Taal. But in live performances, one realizes how many intricacies of the song were painstakingly brought together to create it - the blowing sound in the beginning, the water splash sound in the background, the way the bass kicks in late and gives the song energy, the brass set in the middle - all in all, it can easily be one of the most unconventional songs ever in Indian music. No parallels. Quite like many of Rahman's other hits. Some of his Tamil songs, including Thee Thee, and the Sivaji tracks (especially Sahara and Vaji Vaji, which had a unique chord progression when performed live), were awesome as well.

One of the most energetic performers of the night was Rahman's new protege, Naresh Iyer (inset), who sang many of the Rang De Basanti songs, including one of my favorites, Roo-ba-roo. With longer hair on stage, he looked so much like Sanjaya Malakar, that it was almost scary.

You start to love a lot of Rahman's songs once you hear them live. Like the Ghanan ghanan track from Water (not Lagaan). The energy involved in the live performance makes you completely fall in love with the rise and fall of the santoor and the interplay with the vocals which make this song lethal. The "Kesariya Balma" solo by the Rajasthani folk singer was really powerful as well.

Sivamani - no words for this man. He's a revelation.

What amazes me is that, if actually considered, Rahman doesn't have a strong stage presence. He doesn't interact too much with the audience, he's really shy, he's always so deeply engrossed in his own world while singing, he speaks barely a few words to the audience. One would think that these factors would go to turn people off. But yet the love and adulation when he comes up to sing, is epic. Rahman solos, Dil Se and Vande Mataram, were the clear winners of the night.

Rahman's fans and true aficionados are unlike any other cult in the world. They either love his music for the energy, the way it makes them feel or the intricacies which make him eras ahead of his time. They recognize his songs right from the opening chord. They love him to death. We've all seen singers and musicians fall with simply a few bad tours, or unpopular soundtracks. Even in musical attempts which seem to be a little lack-lustre or unlike his usual work, his fans find appeal in the subtle bits of genius that emerge in all of his songs, and even make excuses for him ("he was too engrossed in his broadway and west-end work, that's why this seems a little out-of-character for him"). And it will take neither hell nor high water to prevent them from coming together for a performance of his - as is clear from his 12 sold-out shows across the US.

I don't think any other artist in Indian history, has actually had this much international love and appreciation. Is it his sincerity? His simplicity? His genius? His sheer love for his art that emerges in everything he does?

Perhaps its all of it put together. Which makes him who he is.

Legendary.