Carnatic Nomad

This very effective album comes from Karnatak violinist Jyotsna Srikanth, ably supported by BC Manjunath on mridangam (barrel drum) and Amrit N on kanjira (frame drum). While not showy, the musicality is of the highest quality as befits her impressive background and experience. The album leads you through works from some of South India’s greatest composers, including three delightful pieces by two members of the Karnatic (also spelt Carnatic) ‘trinity’: Muthuswami Dikshitar and Tyagaraja. The former’s ‘Vatapi’ opens the album in fine fashion, but it is the well-known ‘Ninnuvina’ by the latter that I fell for, not only for the sensitive violin playing but also the virtuosic accompaniment on mridangam (again in evidence on the following ‘Nagumonu’, also by Tyagaraja, and which has an excellent alapana). However, we are also given an affecting kirtana by Purandara Dasa (‘Jagadhodhaarana’) and, to my delight, a kriti by the great Keralan musician Swathi Thirunal (‘Mamavasada Janani’). This features an extended and nicely judged alapana and the composition itself gives us a clear insight into the sophistication of this composer’s musical thought. For anyone looking for a gentle but thoughtful introduction to the art-music traditions of South India, this would be an excellent place to start.