COLIN D'CRUZ

From working with bollywood icons like Sonu Nigam, Asha Bhosle and Shubha Mudgal to symphony orchestras, rock bands, pop bands, electronic, fusion, reggae and with other bands creating new genres of music that have yet to be recognized, Collin D’Cruz has achieved what very few Indian musicians have.

Being in the music industry for over 30 years, he is one of the few bass players worldwide who has been a member of over a hundred different music ensembles. His unique style has earned him an individual voice in the music world. His journey into music began with playing at some of the best hotels in Mumbai, the JW Marriot Hotel and Taj Land’s End and has expanded to global platforms.

One of his most important projects has been his band, The Brown Indian Band, which has released three albums under Goa’s Rock and Raga label. Apart from his band Collin says that one of his most prized accomplishments was his performance with the Hennessey XO smooth and mellow international tour. “We were the first band outside the American Blue note label invited to perform on this world renowned series of jazz concerts” he said.

Collin’s zeal for music, especially his love for jazz and helping young musicians with their musical dream, led him to set up Jazz Goa. The organization was set up to help young musical talent in Goa have a platform and launch themselves. . “When I started off over thirty years ago it was a struggle. Helping youngsters interested in a career in music is my way of saying thank you to music”, he explained.

Recently Collin also started Jazz Radio that can be followed up on Soundclip.com, where members of Jazz Goa can upload their music and be heard online. Jazz Goa has helped young artists get gigs both locally and internationally and continues to be an important pillar in the Goan music scene, with Collin D’Cruz continuing to be its cornerstone. So for all you young Goan artists and those musically talented in general, you can check out the Jazz Goa site at www.jazzgoa.com for details. Hats off to Colin for his zealous drive and visionary work here in Goa!

THE INDIAN TEMPEST....WHAT A STORMY PERFORMANCE

I am ever so glad I made the decision to attend the peformance of 'The Indian Tempest' by the Abhinaya Theatre Village and Kala Academy and the Footbarns Travelling Theatre and Guimaraes, European Capital of Culture. Originally written by William Shakespeare, this production was directe by Paddy Hayter and was produced by Tapas Bhatt and Fabien Granier.

Initially, the play took time to soak up the interests of the audience. However, the capturing performances by the actors who played the roles of Prospero and Ariel, not to forget that of Caliban were enthralling. The backing music which was a fusion of the sitar, harmonium and tabla along with violins and a viola was a very unique and beautiful concept. The lighting lifted the performance to a large extent.

What really blew me away was the way the actors threw their voices so loudly that even we who sat on the last rows of the open air auditorium could hear them very clearly. I have always wondered how actors say their dialogues without microphones and that night I was convinced that what I witnessed on that stage was real theatre!!

The linguistic brilliance of the play lay in the usage of not only English but Malayalam, Sanskrit and French. On the whole, a very enjoyable performance and one really worth attending, especially for a theatre enthusiast like moi!!

THE LAND OF ARTISTES AND CRAFTSMEN

Goa is a land of crafts and craftsmen, where aesthetic quality finds a natural expression. Goa has a rich and magnificent tradition of the classical arts. Over the years, Goans have excelled in poetry, music and the fine arts.

The exquisitely carved rosewood and teak furniture, the terracotta figurines, the classic brass items and the unique gold jewellery designs all speak of an age still valuable in this technology obsessed world.

The folk paintings of Goa have been traced to different places from ancient temples, churches and palatial manors to humble households. They mostly depict episodes from the epics - the Mahabharata and the Ramayana and the Puranas and also scenes from the New Testament.

During the Portuguese colonisation, local craftsmen played a major role in the development of the exquisite furnishings and decorations used in residential houses, churches and chapels. This art can still be seen in the Christian Art Museum at Old Goa.

Goans have contributed greatly to the world of music. Many famous names on the Indian music scene originate from Goa. Famous singers such as Lata Mangueshkar and Kishori Amonkar in the classical variety and Remo Fernandes in pop music are from Goa.

Konkani literature has produced many great names such as Bakibab Borkar who have contributed to the development of Konkani as a national language with some superlative writing.

Local craftsmen in Goa produce a wide variety of crafts ranging from terracotta pottery and figurines to superb brass lamps and decorative items.

A large number of Goans have also played a major role in drama and Hindi film industry in the neighbouring state of Maharashtra.

Goa does not lag behind as far as local arts and crafts are concerned and with the superb craftsmanship of the local artisans has managed to carve out a niche for itself in this highly competitive field.

It can be said that artistic talent virtually runs in Goan blood, which is manifested, in many artistic crafts that have attained commercial proportions over the years.

Local artists make excellent souvenirs from a wide range of materials. These items are crafted by professional artisans in their ethnic ambience in the rural areas, and also by artisans working at the arts and crafts complexes run by the government.

The products are sold through various handicraft emporia and at stalls at all the major tourist spots. The art and craft of Goa is the product of the aesthetic blend of Portuguese and Indian cultures.

The crafts of the state are intricately beautiful, capturing the fancies of tourists and locals alike. These crafts are a mirror of Goa's perennial beauty and they have won critical acclaim of the connoisseurs of the art world.

Goan lace is here, as are colourful masks, cotton bags, wooden toys and the excellent shopping bags and table mats woven from sisal or banana, coconut or pineapple fibre.

The best items are perhaps the fabulous terracotta and brass items from Bicholim. Items made from exquisite sea shells ranging from chandeliers to mirrors to idols are also much in demand.

The major art forms of the state include bamboo craft, woodcarving, brass metals, seashell craft, Papier-Mache, and wooden lacquer ware. Other important crafts are Jute Macrame, Fabric Collage, Plaster of Paris, Crochet and embroidery, fiber and Batik prints, fiber stone carving, Coconut shell carving, metal embossing, silver and imitation jewelry, cotton dolls, soft toys, woolen tapestry, and artistic weaving.

DIONNE TALKS DANCE :D

Portuguese influence on music and dance of Goa

Goa, the smallest Indian state, was under the Portuguese rule for more than five centuries. The European powers left in 1961. Being dominated for centuries, the Goan culture heavily reflects the Portuguese influence. The Portuguese culture is known for their happy go lucky nature, love for drinks, late night parties and gala dinners. The Portuguese captured Goa in the 16th century and ruled for over four centuries

Goans are a talented lot when it comes to music and dance. They don't leave an occasion to pull a string or shake a leg. Music is in the blood of Goans since time immemorial, in almost every family you would find a pianist or a guitarist. Being a part of the culture, the music of Goa is a blend of the East and the West. While the rural areas still stick to the traditional forms of music, the urban areas have shifted to a more modern version. The committee of Semana da Cultura Indo-Portuguesa (Goa) has organized a business-related interaction where Goan and Portuguese entrepreneurs can share industry views and boost business relations. Addressing a press conference, Anil Counto, chairman of the executive committee of Semana da Cultura Indo-Portuguesa (Goa) said, "India and Portugal, both regions are steeped in rich heritage and culture. Semana da Cultura Indo-Portuguese (Goa) celebrates the diverse cultures; the language, architecture, art, literature, music and other elements. Goa has assimilated the essence of both regions where people coexist in harmony and joy."

Antonia Sabido Costa, consul general of Portugal in Goa and convener of the committee added is of the view that throughout the event he hopes to offer a diversified presentation of some of the most innovative and contemporary art forms and creators, each of which are rooted in traditional culture including the singing competitions, azulejos and talks on Portuguese as a language. One of the key highlights of the week long festivities is the sumptuous buffet of Goan - Portuguese cuisine being put together by Goa’s popular celebrity chefs from Cidade de Goa. The chef and his team have carefully planned an elaborate spread of Goan and Portuguese delicacies and sweet treats for the gala dinner to be held in Lisbon. Screenings of Goan films such as that of ‘O Maria’ directed by Rajendra Talak, award winning ‘Pultadacho Munis’ (The man beyond the bridge) by Laxmikant Shetgaonkar and ‘Jagor’ an award winning film at IFFI 2009 by Sangram Singaikwad was held at the Museu de Oriente and Cinemateca which is a prestigious film institute in the country. The screenings were followed by a discussion. An interaction was scheduled at Cinemateca where film makers from Portugal and Goa were able to interacting with each other. Screening of Portuguese films take place on Saturdays at Chowgule College too. The Goa University too offers Portuguese courses in Portuguese theatre.

Goan fadista Sonia Shirsat is famous for her fado. Fado songs typically narrate sad tales of separation, longing and unrequited love. But Shirsat says that it’s not all melancholic and morose. “There are some lively and upbeat fados as well,” says Shirsat, who idolises Amalia Rodrigues, the Portuguese singer credited with popularising fado worldwide. An exhibition of photographs by celebrated Goan photographers Pantaleao Fernandes, Assavri Kulkarni and Sanjeev Sardessai was organised at the Fundacao Champalimund over an evening of cocktails. Breathtaking images of Goa’s landscapes were showcased to guests through the weeklong event.

Successfully running for 11 consecutive years, Vem Cantar, the Portuguese singing competition jointly organized by the Heritage Cell of Rosary College, Navelim and Fundação Oriente resonated through the interiors of Kala Academy. Started in 1998, as an initiative taken by the Heritage Cell of Rosary College of Commerce and Arts, Navelim, Vem Cantar was staged on the college premises and was restricted to a few solo participants, and an even smaller number of groups. The Fundação sees this as an opportunity to build a strong level of interest in the Portuguese language through music. Every year, we see the involvement of participants, that but for the song, may have no knowledge of the language. But through this medium, interest develops.”One person that has taken a keen interest in the development of the competition on the whole is Delfim Correia da Silva, director of Instituto Camões, based in Panjim. For the last three years he has been actively involved in conducting audio-visual sessions on contemporary Portuguese music, so as to expose participants to various genres of music in the Iberian language.

Corridinho is a form of Portuguese dance performed in Goa. It is popular amongst the dances of Goa and is considered a beautiful example of Portuguese cultural influence. It is also known to be a peasant dance which is popular among Goan elite youth. Corridinho is considered to be a popular form of the Portuguese dance named Algarve. It is performed by couples in which the girls wear long skirts and tie a scarf for their hair and the boys wear a hat. The colourful costumes are a feast to the eye. Corridinho Marcha de Fontainhas is a well known folk art that involves singing and dancing. It is performed for many competitions and festivals in Goa. This form is usually performed by 6 couples and is known for its exquisite and rhythmic footwork.

To conclude the long period of Portuguese rule has left behind an indelible influence on Goa. From Goan food, culture, religion to fairs, festivals and music everything reflects the Portuguese influence on this Indian state. It is rather difficult to imagine Goa without the Portuguese connection. Goa is a unique blend of western and eastern culture and this unique blend is reflected is almost every Goan aspect, art to architecture to food and music.

MUST READ FOR FOLK DANCE LOVERS!

The dying legacy of folk art in Goa  

When one thinks of Goan folk art, the first thing that comes in mind is the popular Dekhni or Kunbi dance or let’s say the Goan Mando…but do we know that there are a total of 27 folk art forms that have been identified in Goa by the Kala Academy at Panaji, which now promotes them by holding festivals and courses? The Folk Art Festival is one such example. 

Goa has a unique cultural heritage, rich and lively and is known for several folk festivals and performances. The traditional folk music and dance, the influence of the Portuguese music and dance on the local culture has helped evolve new forms. This happy blending and co-existence of cultural traditions gives a unique character to the music and folk dances of Goa. The famous folk dances include Talgadi, Goff, Morulo, Tonya Mel, Mando, Kunbi, Suvari, Dasarawadan, Virabhadra, Hanpeth, Gauda Zagor, Ranmale, Fugadi, Ghode Modni, Lamp Dance, Mussol Dance, Dhangar Dance, Dekhni and Dhalo. Some of these dances are seen only during Shigmo and The Folk Art Festival. Folk dances in Goa are usually performed in remote areas.

The folk dance of ‘Ghode Modni’ from Bicholim depicts the exploits of the Ranes against the Portuguese power. The ‘Morulo’ dance depicts the movements of a peacock and ‘Zagor’ is a cultural activity presented in different villages of Goa in different styles by the Gauda community.  In ‘Talgadi’, dancers move around the village and perform in house courtyards. They dance to the beats of instruments like Zanj, Shamel and Ghumat wearing colorful costumes and flowers. ‘Dekhni’, is a song - cum - dance performed by women. It is about a request and the resulting dialogue between a girl and the boatman as the girl wants to go across the river. ‘Goff’ performed in the Phalgun month during the Shigmo Festival is a popular dance in South Goa in which colorful cloth plaits hang from a point in the ceiling and dancers holding a plait each dance in such a way that a beautiful braid is formed. The songs devoted to Lord Krishna are accompanied by folk instruments.

 Another dance called ‘Tonya mel’ (Tone means a painted stick; Mel means a dancing group) that use costumes with a distinct touch of Kathiawar (a region of Gujarat) came to Goa with the early tribal settlers. It is also common to Gujarat along with Goff. ‘Mussol Khel’ or the Pestle dance came into Goa during the Kadamba dynasty; it is the celebration of the victory of the Vijayanagra prince Harihar over the Cholas. The folkdance is a window to those wishing to know more about our rich Goan heritage that has been kept alive and continues to thrive. It is up to us to preserve the dying folk art which forms the identity of our rich culture.

 --- Revllone Mendonsa

HERE'S WHAT ALYSSA'S GOTTA SAY BOUT MUSIC :D

Music is the heart and soul of Goans. Music can be a livelihood, a source of entertainment, an occasion to just celebrate and what not! Young and old alike love to listen to music. Youngsters are learning so many instruments too. And so many have formed their own bands too! Music too is used for religious purposes, in terms of hymns, carols, etc. Choirs too are in plenty! The love for music can be seen by the increasing number of competitions. one famous one is Kingfisher's Voice of Goa. The traditional Mando is very much an important part of Goan music. Goans love to day that music makes one cool and calm, creates a wonderful environment, can create a party mood when bored!

ELTRIN TALKS ABOUT TIATR :D

The roots of the fruit- TIATR

^{The Origins of Goa’s most amazing folklore. {PART-I}}

Teatro – Goa’s most widely acclaimed Goan folk lore that is not only fascinating to Goans but even the world that lies outside this beautiful abode.  It is enjoyed not only by the Christians of Goa but other religions too that like to watch Tiatr. It has become an integral part in the life of Goans. This unique folk lore is found only on the land of Estado de India.  However as one enjoys beauty of the present Tiatr, s/he should know the origins of this folk lore.

Many believe that the Portuguese are to be credited for getting the form of Teatro or Tiatr to Goa.  However before drawing such conclusions, one needs to look at the social and cultural history of pre-Portuguese Goa.  When one takes a look at this history, one finds that the traditional entertainment of Goans were the khells and zagor.  Zagor is a Hindu performance genre in Goa.  Wherein the participants would stay awake for a full night in order to honor and worship a particular local pantheon of ancestors, gods, saints and spirits. Costumed men and boys performed on stage.  The plots were enacted through dance, song and theatrical acting with various themes highlighted.

The khell is a name used for ritual dances performed by various village communities.  So thus we see the form of dance and drama was already known to the Goans before the arrival of the Portuguese.

 The intermingling of Goan culture with the Portuguese brought about a major transformation to the local folk.  Teatro both in Portuguese and Italians means theatre.  The term ‘theatre’ has been in use in Goa ever since dramatic performances were held in Goa with the advent of the Portuguese. Thus one needs to see that Tiatr emerged from the fusion of both the Luso and the Indo cultural folk.

Initially Tiatr was not celebrated as the way it is done today. Today it is performed on stage with a huge crowd in front of it.  Earlier a group or troupe would go from place to place.  They would stop at a particular place mainly where there are a large number of houses and perform their play there. They would not use any major prop, at the minimal sometimes a curtain at the backdrop and a table and a chair were used. The musical instrument was the traditional “Gumot”. Like the Elizabethan theatre, men used to dress like women and used to act with broken voices as women were not allowed to act on stage.  Such form of Tiatr was initially called as Khell Tiatr. The modern Tiatr is an outcome of this Khell Tiatr. Today even though Tiatr in its new aspects has gained huge popularity ,the Khell Tiatr is also widely celebrated across Goa.

ELTRIN D’SOUZA

RAISA SAYS....

RAISA SAYS.....

'The Carpenters Cross’ is an upcoming event. It’s going to be the first ever Gospel rock Opera held in Goa. An Opera is a dramatic work in one or more acts, set to music for singers, dancers and instrumentalists. The director/script writer Alfwold Silveira laid out this opportunity to the public. Many children, youth and adults joined as participants. Being a part of this Opera gives me great pride because it’s really a rare opportunity to get. A person who can sing, act and dance will really grow here and use their talents to the fullest. I auditioned in October and we have been having practices ever since. It’s a unique concept and being part of something like this is a one in a million opportunity. At practice we learn to sing while we dance and dance while we sing. Its Brilliant! We have loads of fun warming up before every practice and learn new things every time. I cant wait for the next practice and am looking forward to seeing the outcome of our work which will be seen on 15th-17th March 2012.

MUSIC VS POETRY....HAVE YOUR SAY!

MUSIC VS POETRY

They are so alike yet are so different. I've put out this very simple question to a couple of people: poetry or music, which one moves you more? Most are of the opinion that muisc is more appealing to them, and here;s why:

*Malavika Silveira: The melody of a song just adds to the lyrics and makes it even more meaningful and beautiful :)

*Barbara da Silva: The combination of beats, the words and the tunes touches me like nothing else can.

*Ajitha Panicker: I vote music anytime as it can simply change my mood; it has the power to uplift. My life wouldn't be complete without it...

*Divya Marie Pinto: Music evokes emotion without any effort. A poet makes you empathize with him whereas a musician empathizes with you :)

*Efigenia Miranda: Music is a language of love that is expressed and understood universally.

*Daegal Godinho: Audio material is like a perfume or fragrance that is a powerful memory jogger...

*Jonas Monteiro: Music engages us deeply, takes us out of the world of our everyday cares and concerns. It has the ability to take us out of ourselves. The rhythms penetrate the soul and affect the soul with its own character and confirms it to itself....

AND... The poetry lovers :D

*Alisha Manuel: Poetry speaks louder and clearer than music chords.

*Palia Gaonkar: Poetry conveys more than what it says. It connects to those feelings which can't always be expressed in words.

*Ivanka Mascarenhas: Poetry helps me connect more with life and reality.

MAD :D

Hey folks! Welcome to MAD i.e. Music Arts and Dance :) on this blog we wish to share our thoughts and views about music, the arts and dance in Goa. So do have a look at the blogs put up because for all you know, you may stumble upon something that you were not aware of! Some of us will cover authentic Goan art forms so do stay tuned!