A Live Music Experience.
Although PALM, once again, proved themselves as one of the best exhibitors in the country, they also brought in a
tasteful roaster of Musicians from around India. From bands like "The Fanculos" from Mumbai to "One Plate Idli".
There were two main live music areas: Harman Live Arena and Yamaha Stage. Each of these rooms
had their own vibrant sets of performances, none similar to the other. The masses at PALM Expo
were treated with music that isn't easy to find over at weekend pubs or restaurants. Keep read-
ing for gist of some of the bands performing all over the course of the 3 day exposition
Day One
One Plate Idli. (Harman Live Arena) Ranjit Barot and Gulraj Singh (Yamaha Stage)
The sound of the band is reminiscent of the sounds of South
India its roots lying in Carnatic music. The six-member
band comprises Abhay Nayampally (Carnatic Guitar), Finix
Ramdas (Violin), Ajay Jayanti (Violin), Shovon Mukherjee
(Bass), Khwab Haria (Drums) and Viveick Rajagopalan
(Composer, Mridangam and Kanjira). The band consists
of soloists that led pieces featuring rich instruments like
the Mridangam and Violins. They started off with sweet
sounding melodies that instantly transferred the crowd to
a place not so Mumbai. Their music was an invitation to
a world of harmony and bliss. By the end of the set, One
Plate Idli had definitely created an impact on everyone. Mumbai's very own Ranjit Barot 'kick' started his set
with, talented keyboardist, Gulraj Singh featuring some
of Yamahas flagship equipments. Ranjit showcased a
library full of soundscapes that went beyond usual drum
playing. Using inbuilt triggered sounds like sine waves
and texturous percussion instruments. This would leave
everyone, including Ranjit Barot, suprised. The band
played a number of Indian fusion and funky grooves that
could possibly keep the crowd grooving all evening.
Lydian Nadhaswaram
One wouldn't be able to tell just how incredibly talented
young Lydian is, that is, before he takes throne at the
Drums. Lydian's recent achievement on winning the
CBS talent show "The World's Best" only made him more
popular in the mainstream media, although he has already
made an impression on the Greats in the Music industry.
In his performance, Lydian played a set of tracks over
which he improvised. His sound is quite distinct and his
choice of technique quite tasteful. At the end of the set,
everyone was left either really inspired or intimidated.
Akriti Kakkar (Harman Live Arena)
Akriti knew exactly what she could do for the eager
audience that swarmed in for that slot. They were
enchanted by the tunes of Sufi and Bollywood that the
band executed so well. Akriti reminded us of the true spirit
of the classic Bollywood tunes that people would listen
to in the 90s. After they were done performing, everyone
was left with a bunch of tunes ringing in their heads.
Other than an experimental performance, Ranjit shared
about his heart of young musicians that come from states
outside Mumbai to just to play music for the love of it.
Niladri Kumar. (Harman Live Arena)
Niladri, with his sweet Sitar melodies, spun a
mesmerizing tapestry of Indian fusion music. He was
accompanied by his band that backed him up as he took
each of the tunes with an improvised approach.
Although most of the songs we're deeply based in
Raags and off beat Indian classical influences, the
crowd was awestruck by their renditions.
Overall, Niladri delivered a very emotionally stirring
performance that included a lot of crowd participation.
Day Two
Susmit Sen (Yamaha Stage)
Susmit Sen, put together a guitar led band. It was a rare
sight as Susemet translated Indian Fusion classics using his
acoustic guitar, and classical guitar techniques that only a
few master in our time. He's setlist included songs that was a
mixture of folk, Indian classical, and rock. The four piece band
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