New Delhi: Grammy nominated American alto saxophonist Donald Harrison is a big Bollywood fan. It is a dream in his eyes to collaborate with Indian musicians.
“It will be a dream come true to collaborate with Indian musicians. And not only that, I am ready to play saxophone and dance in Bollywood movies,” says Donald Harrison, famous for his 1991 album ‘Indian Blues’.
He says if we collaborate, the artistes from the two countries will learn about the culture of respective music on the global map and it will enhance exchange of ideas.
“Some of us have to collaborate with Indian musicians and we have to do the same for them in America. Like the way that Beatles did with Ravi Shankar in 1960s. Hopefully, time will provide that opportunity.
“I have always loved Indian music. Now we know that people of India love American music. We are exchanging ideas and showing the beauty of both the cultures. It’s a great experience,” he said.
Harrison, who recently performed at the American Centre on the ocassion of World Tourism day, thrilled the audience with an eclectic mix of several renditions in the genre.
The 56-year-old musician, says he had grown up listening to the sitar maestro Ravi Shankar and that he always wanted to visit the country but no offers came through in the past.This was his first visit to India,
Talking about what comes to his mind at the mention of Indian music, he says, “Ragas, tablas, different scales of music…And obviously Ravi Shankar. My father used to play his music throughout his life. He is definitely one of my idols.
Not to forget Bollywood…the dancing and singing.”
It was “love at first sight” for the musician from New Orleans, who has taken a fondness for the Indian culture and heritage.
Harrison, who visited Taj Mahal in Agra, appreciated the local cuisine, particularly the curries as extremely tasty.
“Culture, music and architecture…There is so much here.
However, when asked why jazz has not been able to make its mark into mainstream Indian music, Harrison says a lack of jazz artistes in the country might be one of the reasons.
“I think if more jazz artistes come here then it may open the door for jazz music here,” and showed his fondness for playing in bollywood movies.
“You have to put me in a bollywood movie with saxophone,” he quips.
Harrison is going to perform in Chandigarh next, he says the Indian audience gives a very warm response.
(Sourced from agencies, Feature image courtesy:www.chicagotribune.com)
