The Score Magazine - Archive November 2016 issue! | Page 42

AMOGH RAO
WHEN EAST MET WEST
Fusion as a genre has received widespread recognition in the past decade. However, Indian classical ideas were incorporated
into Western music since well before the 70’s. Here are the pioneering bands and artists that paved the way for some of the best
collaborations between the East and West.
THE BYRDS THE KINKS
Bands like The Byrds pioneered raga
rock as a genre and era. Their single
“Eight Miles High” was noted for its
influence from Indian classical music and
concepts, but it was “Why” that really
established the sub-genre. David Crosby
was attracted to Indian ragas and the
drone-like qualities of the traditional
indian music and this turned into inspiration after his
introduction to Ravi Shankar’s music. With these releases,
Indian influenced modal-improvisation became common
usage in rock music and The Byrds were at the forefront of
these psychedelic and raga rock movements. Another English rock band that dabbled
in Indian music was The Kinks. Their
single “See My Friends” incorporated a
sitar like tone and musicality with ragas
played on an electric guitar. Rhythm
guitarist and vocalist Ray Davies said
that he was impressed by India’s music
while the band was touring in December
1964.They were very happy that they managed to capture the
sound of a sitar using a western instrument. In an interview
with Rolling Stone he said, “I got the idea from being in
India. I always liked the chanting. When I wrote the song, I
had the sea near Bombay in mind.”
MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA THE BEATLES
John McLaughlin had studied under Sri
Chinmoy, and was profoundly influenced
by Indian music and culture. His style of
fusion incorporated vastly intricate and
impactful indian classical concepts along
with blues and jazz to create some of the
most influential fusion music of the era.
Coupled with Billy Cobham on drums,
Rick Laird on bass, Jan hammer on synth and keys and
Jerry Goodman on violin, this supergroup was established.
Exploring a vast array of textures and ideas, the band
created some of the most inspiring jazz-fusion music that is
revered today. Considering how epic their widespread
fame is, it’s not surprising that Indian
classical music reached its epitome of
fame in the west due to The Beatles.
George Harrison, on meeting sitar
maestro Sri Ravi Shankar in 1965,
studied under him in India and
composed “Norwegian Wood”, triggering
widespread popularity of the instrument in what Sri Ravi
Shankar described as ‘The Great Sitar Explosion’ of 1966-67.
Apart from the music, The Beatles also incorporated Indian
meditation into their way of life and Harrison also joined
The Hare Krishna movement and embraced Hinduism.
THE YARDBIRDS
The first appearance of a sitar in rock
music was in that of the British band The
Yardbirds. They utilized a sitar sound
on their track Heart Full Of Soul, by
emulating it on a guitar. Although they
tried to use Indian musicians to play it on
the original instruments and retain it’s
pure sound, they never managed to make
it past the recording stage. The single however, turned out to
an instant hit upon release with audiences appreciating the
innovation in sound. In the book “The Yardbirds” by John
Platt, Chris Dreja and Jim McCarty, Jim said “the riff on the
demo suggested a guitar, and that Georgio actually hired an
Indian sitar player and tabla player.”
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