RAGAMALA | Celebration of Indian Classical Music in Chicago

By TOM BOWSER

Ragamala is a free special event that occurs annually as part of Chicago's Free World Music Festival. Ragamala featured 12 hours of Indian classical music beginning at 8:00pm and ending at 8:00am the following day. It is an incredible opportunity to hear talented musicians play a variety of Indian music styles and instruments.

Ragamala was held in the beautiful Preston Bradley Hall at the Chicago Cultural Center. Preston Bradley Hall is a nice room for this event. The room's lights were dimmed creating a relaxed, meditative feel. The beautiful Tiffany glass dome was a perfect complement to the exotic instruments and clothing of the musicians. The music was produced at a comfortable listening level.

I've been a long time fan of Indian violinist L. Shankar. One of the violins L. Shankar plays is a one of a kind, custom designed, double necked electric violin. This was the first time I had seen Indian music performed live. I found the music, instruments and musicians fascinating. The musicianship was impeccable.

Chicago native Lyon Leifer opened Ragamala, 2015 playing a flute made of bamboo called the Bansuri. Subhasis Mukherjee played with him on a pair of small drums he played with his hands called the Tabla. Ms. Shruti Joshi played a rather large, droning instrument called the Tambura. It appeared to keep time for the musicians. I was transfixed by the skill and various techniques required to play each instrument. If you have not experienced Indian music Ragamala is the perfect opportunity.

Unfortunately my wife and I had to get up early the following day. We only stayed for the first event. We both wished we could have stayed longer.

Lyon Leifer is also an accomplished Western classical musician who plays the flute. Visit his website for more information and upcoming performances.

The Musicians:

7. Lyon Leifer - Bansuri
8. Subhasis Mukherjee - Tabla
9. Ms. Shruti Joshi - Tambura

Joshua Abrams Quartet | MCA Chicago | Free Jazz Tuesdays

By TOM BOWSER

The Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art hosts "Tuesdays on the Terrace". Free, high quality jazz concerts on Tuesdays, June through September. Food options include a more formal buffet amd casual dining, including Hamburgers (they looked very good) house-made sausage, salads, cold beverages, wine and cocktails. The terrace where the event is hosted is quite nice. Chairs are arranged in front of where the music is performed. There is a grassy area for picnic style seating and eating. It's a nice way to spend an evening!

I'm not a professional writer, photographer, jazz critic (obviously). I'm a music fan. There are many different styles of jazz, each with unique characteristics that influence the final sound. I admit I like some styles of jazz more than others. I do my best to keep my mind open to new things. You never know with complete certainty whether you like something until you try it (maybe a couple of times).

My wife and I had seen David Boykin perform in the Claudia Cassidy Theater at the Chicago Cultural Center during the 2014 Chicago Jazz Festival. David was playing with a large talented ensemble that was in my opinion too large for the stage of the Claudia Cassidy Theater. The sound system was not adequate for the large ensemble. Feedback was a problem on a number of occasions. The overall volume was too loud for the Claudia Cassidy Theater which is small with a capacity of under 300 people. I think the ensemble would have been better suited to playing the much larger Pritzker Pavilion. I did, however, find David Boykin's playing intriguing. I hoped I would have the chance to see him perform again.

This was the first time I had seen the Joshua Abrams Quartet. I enjoyed the mix of compositions which ranged from what I consider avant-garde to those more grounded in melody. I like experimental music, but I feel contrast between compositions is necessary to keep a live performance in its totality interesting. I was happy to be able to hear David Boykin play in a smaller ensemble. I found it much easier to focus on what it is that makes him unique as a saxophone player. Each band member was individually talented yet played well as a member of an ensemble. I look forward to seeing the Joshua Abrams Quartet again at some point in the future.

The Band:

• Joshua Abrams - Double Bass
• David Boykin - Tenor Saxophone
• Jason Adasiewicz - Vibraphone
• Frank Rosaly - Drums