If one has the good fortune of working in the heart of
Campal, its Latin Quarter, then one will certainly be treated to one of the
greatest auditory treats known to man. As you pass through the lanes, and if
the morning is quiet enough, you will be greeted by the soul-stirring notes
coming from the violin of one of Goa’s exponents of the instrument, Peregrino
da Costa. Peregrino is a veritable member of the ‘old guard’ of Goa’s legendary
music scene and can hold his own with other string legends ensconced within the
state’s history. From a classic waltz to switching to jazz at the mere flick of
his bow, Peregrino could introduce and make one appreciate the various cultures
of different parts of the world.
Over time, Goa has been no stranger to the influence of
these myriad parts of the world. Nor has it been a stranger to the concept of
music shaping tides. The ‘Hippie Tribe’ and ‘Flower Power’ movements shaped
several views across the world from the 1960s to the 1970s, and Goa was no
exception to this. In similar vein, Goa has shared its own views, having their
music go overseas through exponents such as percussionist Carlos Gonsalves and
guitarist Elvis Lobo. Carlos believes: “The keyword is tolerance. I have played
with an array of musicians from the Middle East and Africa, and I have learnt
as much as I have been taught by them. The cultural similarities in the kind of
music are huge, and it begs the question ‘how different are we, really?”
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In the heart of Kolkata, and well beyond, there is a
movement stirring. Unlike a conventional cocktail, it is stirred and shaken.
This movement is known as ‘banglanatak dot com’. Apart from a series of social
initiatives undertaken by the group, there is a musical aspect to their
endeavours. They strengthen non-film, non-classical forms of music. They
do this to open up a new window to the world and show a
path to the aspiration of young India. Carlos himself is a part of many of
their projects. In conversation with Amitava Bhattacharya, the Founder and full
time Director of the initiative, he shared his philosophies that he believes
hold true in order to build towards a brighter tomorrow. “The biggest issue is
that most people are ready to fight things out and no one is willing to resort
to conversation. That’s where music comes in. In a survey conducted a while
ago, Michael Jackson was one of the key figures recognised worldwide. People
may not have known who the key political figures of any country were, but music
brought them together beautifully. Music may not always happen for a cause, but
causes can be a by-product of music,” he states. What is interesting to note
here is that while the core of the group is Bengal-based, many of their key
ventures find a place for expression in Goa, thereby completely shattering the
myth that the non-Goan is unable to contribute in socio-cultural terms.
This is also highlighted by the work undertaken by Darryl
Noronha and Vinesh Iyer. The duo, with their ventures, Art Escape and The Live
Music Project, has overseen a huge influx of artistes into Goa from every
corner of the globe. What is interesting to note is that these performances are
opened to members of the public, allowing a mingling of styles and influences
to come to fore. “It is our belief that music is the universal language of
mankind. Goa allows us to prove that theory, as it has a unique openness to
jamming. People come on to the stage and you will find a paella of artistes from various parts of the world jamming. These
jams are now turning out to be fairly productive, with artistes choosing to
collaborate and record their work if they like what has unfolded on stage,
proving that the mingling and acceptance of these cultures can also lead to
something greater,” says Vinesh.
Of course, in time, even those with the staunchest of views
can turn jaded and perhaps a tad embittered. One such former stalwart is Neil
Young. The ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ composer caused a few ripples of
discomfiture at an appearance that he made at the Berlin Film Festival, stating,
“The time when music could change the world is past. I think it would be
very naive to think that in this day and age. The world today is a different
place, and that it’s time for science and physics and spirituality to make a
difference in this world and to try to save the planet.”
However, for every disheartened Neil Young (and it is
critical to remember that even his views were once more optimistic), there is an
Amitava, combing through every village, looking for that diamond in the rough.
Every time a little hope is lost, if we feel like there is no new expression,
we need only to look over by the beach, where Darryl and Vinesh continue to make
the world an even smaller place by bringing artists from every nook and cranny
to perform here, in our home state. If we feel that our voices are not being
heard beyond our borders, we need to remember that two lads from the northern
reaches of Goa – Carlos and Elvis – will ensure that our local tales live on. And
most importantly, every time you walk through the lanes of Campal’s Latin
Quarter, there is the reminder that your soul can still be saved by the heart
rending notes that emanate from the horse-haired bow belonging to that faithful
member of the old guard – Peregrino.
