Carnatic Nomad - Jyotsna Srikanth
Catalogue # NXW76172-2
Carnatic Nomad, the exciting new album from violin virtuoso Jyotsna Srikanth, sees its release on July 26th, 2024.
Carnatic Nomad is a name that echoes its global journey, which began over a decade ago. Renowned violinist Jyotsna Srikanth has graced over fifteen countries with her musical prowess, spreading awareness and sharing the profound beauty and artistry of South Indian classical music. From her roots in Bangalore to her adopted home of London and across Europe, her unique blend of traditional music with Western twists has captivated audiences, establishing her as the continent’s foremost Indian violinist and connecting diverse cultures with her own through the universal language of music.
For Carnatic Nomad, Jyotsna is joined by the talented duo of Manjunath B.C. on mridangam and Amrit N. on khanjira. This percussion pairing provides the album's heartbeat and serves as the perfect perch from which Srikanth’s strings soar. Talents combine as Jyotsna interprets compositions from revered 15th - and 18th-century Carnatic composers, presented in a range of ragas derived from the traditional Melakarta system. Throughout these seven tracks, we witness the hallmarks for which Srikanth’s music is so well regarded.
Proficiency meets ingenuity as the innovative expertise of her famed fingering technique marries beautifully with raw emotion and her unique brand of musical expression.
We begin with Vatapi, a song of praise dedicated to Ganapathi of Vathapi, a Ganesha icon. Then, we move on to the sweet-sounding Mamavasada Janani, a celebration of the Hindi Mother goddess Devi, a representation of divine female energy or Shakti. Jyotsna then touches on tranquillity with her soothing rendition of Manasa Sancharare before gathering pace for Ninnuvina, where she weaves intricate patterns of sublime and speedy swaras. The epic Nagumomu concludes with both percussionists performing separate solos and is an excellent example of how Carnatic musical tradition is being preserved to this day. Jagadhodhaarana - a beautiful yet subtly sombre raga - slows the tempo to explore the motherly love between Yashoda and Lord Krishna. The final piece is Tiruppugal, a reimagining of a Tamil sacred song devoted to the son of Shiva. A complex rhythmical composition traditionally performed last at a concert that showcases Jyotsna’s skill and versatility and provides a fitting conclusion to the album. Tiruppugal will be released as a single on July 5th, 2024.
Dr Jyotsna Srikanth is a composer, performer and educator. Born in Bangalore and immersed in music from a young age, she eventually embraced her wandering spirit and relocated to London following her marriage. She is the leader of Dhruv Arts, a UK-based not-for-profit educational organisation and the founder and curator of the London International Arts Festival (LIAF).
Her worthy contributions to international music were recognised in December 2023 when she proudly receivedthe prestigious MBE from His Majesty King Charles III.
Jyotsna is the first Carnatic musician to be bestowed this honour. Ever gracious and committed, Jyotsna stated, “I am honoured to receive this prestigious award and would dedicate this award to my gurus and to family who have been immensely supportive of my career. I will strive hard to contribute more to the field of music.” Join Jyotsna Srikanth on the intrepid journey of the Carnatic Nomad.
For further information please contact Amelia Zimmatore | amelia@arcmusic.co.uk | +44(0)1342 770478
ARC Music Productions Int Ltd, PO Box 111, East Grinstead, RH19 4FZ, UK | www.arcmusic.co.uk