Review appeared in Bangalore Explocity
https://bangalore.explocity.com/article/bangalorean-aman-mahajans-refuge-is-impressive-yet-free-of-razzle-dazzle/INSPIRED.
TASTEFUL. ACCESSIBLE.
The music that Aman
Mahajan showcases in this his first solo album cannot be boxed in or defined as
a particular genre of music.
‘Refuge’ was
released on 11 December 2019, on Subcontinental Records as a CD; a high-quality
digital release; a limited-edition poster that came bundled with the digital
release, and it's on all streaming services.
The music on this album defies genre.
Composed between 2005–2018, the tunes synthesise jazz, Indian music, European
classical music, East Asian themes, West African music, and folk music from
around the world.
That said, the music
is classy, thoughtful, controlled, and yet, free. And the compositions are
solid, grounded and refrain from needless razzle dazzle. They are introspective,
yet lucid, as the pianist composer lets it all out in measured liberation -
segueing from pre-set compositions to free-form improvisations in unnoticeable,
smooth transitions that display the pianist's tasteful sensitivity and ability
to extemporise spontaneously.
The pianist/composer's compositions
encompass a contemporary approach to music and incorporates a whole range of
musical structures and stimulating rhythms and rhythm cycles; catchy melody
lines, interesting harmonies and imaginative, just-the-right kind of
improvisation for the structure of the composition. And though the compositions
may sound simple, they are filled with rhythmic complexity, intriguing
harmonies and appealing melodies.
You can tell from the
titles of the ten compositions that all the tunes in the album are unalike and
appear to be inspired by diverse influences, and, whether or not you like
classical music, jazz, or world music, the music on Aman's solo album 'Refuge' is
sure footed, entertaining and engrossing!
between Raag Des
and certain harmonic and melodic fragments found in gospel music.
Sitaphalmandi - the rhythm of the first section of this tune is based on
Dappankuthu, a South Indian folk-dance beat, with the second section loosely
based on a jazz waltz. Connections - is about the mystery of the
unending cycle of the universe. The main motif repeats itself like unending reflections
of itself. Beginningless - is another circular motif where a pattern/
motif is repeated throughout, but reframed by changing rhythms. Leifmotif -
inspired by a falling leaf, this composition is in the rhythm cycle of 7
beats, and the melody is devised from Coltrane chord changes combined with Raga
Yaman.
Where Is It? (reprise) // Refuge – an
alternative take of the first tune, with new melodic and rhythmic variations on
the theme. Unnamed (live) -
Recorded live in Graz, Austria - Aman shows his strong sense of how to frame
his soloing. Sun Dance - is an attractive composition that makes you
want to dance. It enlivens your spirit.
Aman Mahajan's
syncretic, contemporary approach does not belong to a particular style of
music, yet as one listens, the music grows quite special as Aman Mahajan weaves
a dense yet liberating spell over the
listener as each tune goes forward, layer over layer. Above all, the album
'Refuge' has been recorded so well and the tonal balance is so true and
immediate that it sounds like a live recording in an auditorium with true
acoustics.
You can follow the album and artist on amanmahajan.bandcamp.com
Listen - YouTube links
More Than You Know
Refuge
The Ten Thousand Questions - Trio
Leiffmotif
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