One of the big names in Indian music, sitar player, Purbayan Chatterjee, is coming to Pattaya later this month. Chatterjee is a master of both Indian classics and Indian fusion. He will perform a pure classics concert at Eelswamp on Saturday, June 27 and a jazz-rock-classics fusion concert at the Siam Bayshore on Sunday, June 28. Proceeds will go to the Pattaya International Ladies Club charities.
Chatterjee will be supported by a talented young Bengali vocalist, Joyeta Choudhury and on tabla by Rupak Bhattacharjee, who has the highest grade from All India Radio.
World class sitar player Purbayan Chatterjee.
Purbayan Chatterjee is one of the most sought after Indian musicians in the world, having performed all over Europe, America, Japan, Australia, South Africa, China, in such prestigious venues as the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, the Konzerthaus in Berlin and the Sydney Opera House. He has recorded twelve CDs, one of which won the Palm IRAA Award for Best World Music Album.
Chatterjee is both a master of pure classics and jazz fusion. He has been described by Rajendra Teredesai, one of India’s most respected classical musicians, as “possibly the most outstanding sitar player of the younger generation.” His music, “is high on aesthetics, lyricism and understated technical brilliance.”
Vocalist Joyeta Choudhury.
Indian newspaper The Hindu described Chatterjee as “…one of the brightest sitar scions of the Maihar gharana. His music combines the tone and richness of the Nikhil Banerjee style with his own urbane sensitivity.”
As a fusion player, Chatterjee has performed with jazz luminary Chick Corea as well as fusion banjo player Bella Fleck, in Belgium with saxophonist Manuel Hermia and in South Africa with jazz guitarist Kunle Ayo.
Chatterjee’s recent fusion recordings include a CD with award winning Belgian fusion group, Slang. The recording was described in London Jazz News as, “a hugely enjoyable album….I can highly recommend for its fine fusion of rock, jazz and Indian music”.
Vocalist, Joyeta Choudhury, is classically trained, but also specializes in light classics and Hindu spiritual ‘bhajans’.
Rupak Bhattacharjee is the most senior disciple of tabla legend Andindo Chatterjee and the two have recorded a CD together, “Rhythm of Passion”.
For details of the Eelswamp concert call 038 069681 or email asiachart@hotmail .com. The Siam Bayshore Concert is being organized by Pattaya Classical Music. Tickets for the Bayshore concert on 28th are available from Thai Ticket Major from their website: www.thaiticketmajor.com or at the Major Cineplex at the Avenue on 2nd Road. Tickets may also be purchased from Pattaya International Ladies Club by contacting [email protected].
Rupak Bhattacharjee on tabla.
