Avirbav Verma – Carlton Holmes – Paul Zauner
Karuna Rainbow
The connection of jazz and South Asian music in this country goes back to the1960s, with the legendary Indo-Jazz Fusions of John Mayer, with the likes of Kenny Wheeler and Joe Harriott. This has continued through to the present day, and we have happily presented musicians such as Amit Chaudhuri and also the celebratory work of the Grand Union Orchestra.
This continues with this project involving tabla master Avirbhav Verma. “Karuna Rainbow” is the theme song of this music that carries the compassion and magic of the rainbow. Indian ragas and western music will make an exciting connection this evening. The program “Indian Roots & Bridges” is presented by Paul Zauner, and Verma.
Verma comes from a traditional North Indian musical family. His father Pawan Kumar was next to Zakir Hussain the most influential tabla player in North India.
The North Indian classical music tradition from which he comes plays still the most important role in his musical work.
The musical interplay between the worlds is based on a source of cultural creation and thousands of years of evolution that enables our human expression to communicate universally and show each other the musical affection. In the human being, everything is there for the enjoyment of this interaction, we are responsible for allowing it to flow into it.
The interaction of Verma is with the trombonist Paul Zauner, known here at the Vortex for the work that he has done with Kirk Lightsey and David Murray, as well as the pianist Carlton Holmes.
Carlton’s performing and recording credit includes work with Lionel Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, Kenny Garrett, Branford Marsalis, Max Roach, Stevie Wonder, Diane Reeves, Regina Belle, Donald Bryd, Terumasa Hino, and many others. Carlton continues to play and record with drum sensation Cindy Blackman, saxophone great Carlos Garnett and guitarist Ronny Jordan. “intriguing cluster of rhythmic mid-range motifs” (Mike Hobart, Financial Times)
