The Jam of 3rd June 07

With the Rain Gods starting to bless Mumbai, we were apprehesive throughout the week whether we'll be able to do our lovely-outdoors-by-the-seashore jam. And the rains were there, but stopped just in time to create the loveliest of weathers for us to jam and enjoy! We're heading for malls for the next weekend if it rains!

We had a great meeting with Mr. Gandhi before the Jam, where we explained the reasoning, vision and objectives of our concept and had him totally with us. He's already started talking to people (powerful socially active people) and is helping us to create a platform to host music for meaning. We must say we are absolutely floored by the old man's (He's 83!) concern, energy and support. He was there in the jam too!

At the jam we had a nice crowd as usual. Vinay (Guitar, Vocals and stage grabbing!), Vijeeth (Vocals, and gradually Guitar!), Bilal (Guitar, Vocals, Mouth Organ) , Kailash (Guitar), Tarun (Djembe-A kind of drum) , Kingshuk (Vocals, Guitar and Jockeying), Kaviraaj (who plays Mridangam and Mandorin) joined us on this jam. He's played with greats like Shankar Mahadevan and Shivmani! Desmond although unwell was back with us in his usual great style! and me-Suraj (Guitar, Vocals) as the playing band. Missed Amar, Yogesh, Kuldeep, Poonam and Pulin. Minal, who's actively supporting the group was there too! Missed Alok and Rimmi Didi among the supporters.

Here's the Video of the jam

Here are the pics:

We had a large audience.........

And pretty nicely and aesthetically composed!

Kaviraaj, Who's the percussionist (Guy in blue jeans and cap and shades), Joined us on this jam. It was great jamming with him.

'Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky'! see the 'fire' emerging from Bilal's Guitar? He was setting the stage on fire! those are no special effects but a camera artifact! Sitting with the Drum is Tarun, Next to him on the dark green shirt is me. Nice angle on the cam!

That's the spirit of the jam! old and young! and you have *some* age diversity here! Mr. Gandhi (with the walking stick) is 83 and the kid must be 2?!!

This guy was one of the audience and could not help but hit the dance floor! what spirit!

Vinay was in full swing and did some great spontaneous improvisation! On numerous occasions we had light showers of rain and had to sing the 'Anti-Malhaar' Song to get the rain gods to give us a miss! and it worked, at least one time!!

The band in full swing! (L to R, Standing) Kingshuk (in the white T), Bilal (In the black T with rescue written), Vijeeth (Pink T, not clearly visible), Me (center, in the Balle Balle pose!), Desmond (Dark yellow T), Kailash (Bright Yellow T, Richie Blackmore ishtyle!)

Tarun, Sitting center with the drum.