TRANSCENDING MUSICAL BOUNDARIES
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TRANSCENDING MUSICAL BOUNDARIES
Ketaki Deshpande
F.Y.B.Sc.(2023-27)
Estimated Reading Time: 3 mins
All of us were elated beyond limits when we got the news. Shakti, a fusion band comprising artistes Shankar Mahadevan, Zakir Hussain, Ganesh Rajagopalan, V. Selvaganesh and John McLaughlin, won the Grammy Award for for their latest album ’This Moment’
If you are a fan of fusion music, you probably have heard of Shakti, the groundbreaking band that blended Indian classical music with jazz and rock. But if you haven’t, no worries, because this article is gonna be all about Shakti!
Formed in the 1970s, Shakti is a well-known fusion music band. It was a group effort that combined jazz, rock, and Indian classical music with well-known players from various musical backgrounds. English guitarist John McLaughlin, Indian violin prodigy L. Shankar, and tabla master Zakir Hussain all co-founded the group.
Shankar contributed his knowledge of Indian classical music to the ensemble. He is a student of Indian sitar master Ravi Shankar. Zakir Hussain provided his tabla prowess, while John McLaughlin—known for his work with the Mahavishnu Orchestra—contributed his jazz and rock guitar abilities.
Shakti’s compositions feature elaborate improvisations, sophisticated rhythms, and melodic patterns derived from Indian ragas, creating a distinctive blend of many genres. In addition to their self-titled first album “Shakti” in 1975, the band also released “A Handful of Beauty” in 1976 and “Natural Elements” in 1977.
Shakti integrated the energy and improvisational spirit of jazz and rock with the rich traditions of Indian classical music to create music that demonstrated the talent and synergy of its members. The ensemble has played a significant role in the development of fusion music thanks to their distinctive sound and significant contributions.
Shakti’s current lineup, which consists of founding members McLaughlin and Hussain as well as more recent additions Mahadevan, Rajagopalan, and Vinayakram’s son V Selvaganesh, is appreciated with a Grammy for This Moment in recognition of both the band’s 50-year ingenious perseverance and their multifaceted approach to music.
At once, Shakti continues to weave together disparate musical traditions and cultures. Additionally, it offers warmth and empathy to both young and old listeners. and transcends musical boundaries.