The magical music of Mali

SOUND OF MUSIC

- Narendra Kusnur

N hour into Vieux Farka Toure's concert on Sunday, the crowd frenzy had gathered momentum, as many youngsters at AntiSocial, Lower Parel, danced in wild abandon. Leading his trio, the Malian singer-guitarist had slowly built up the mood, before reaching a hyper-energetic crescendo. Earlier, Mumbai group Many Roots Ensemble had displayed an amazing world music set. Saxophonist Jarryd Rodrigues, guitarist Subid Khan, bassist Souvik Bhattacharya and drummer Abhishek Debsikdar were joined by Anurag Naidu on keyboards and trumpet, and MC Mawali on rap vocals, as they played tunes from their releases Black Indian and Echoes Of Origins.

The show marked the first leg of the Echoes of Earth festival, which this year celebrates the seasons and their role in shaping the natural world, through its theme 'Symphony Of Seasons'. The main festival will be held at the Embassy International Riding School in Bengaluru on December 7 and 8.