Asian Network:
Tigerstyle, Niraj Chag, Bombay Dub Orchestra
Saturday 28 October 2006
FREEDM Studio, Roundhouse, London
Photos
See live shots from the night
Bobby Friction was the host for Asian Network's night at the FREEDM Studio. Things got off to a flying start when Scottish Bhangra outfit Tigerstyle (part of the Electric Proms Next Stage initiative) took the floor. Aided by an impressive line-up of vocal and instrumental talent including Raghav, Sharifa Marshall, Des C and the legendary dhol drummer Johnny Kalsi, they delighted the crowd with an eclectic set that veered from Bhangra to dubby, hip hop inflected beats to more traditional Punjabi folk music.
Niraj Chag took the stage with an 11 piece line-up (including the Klein quartet) to perform music from his 'Along The Dusty Road' album. Mixing Indian classical forms with contemporary electronica, Chag and friends (including guest vocalist Swati Naketar), delivered a set of subtle but intense beauty. Hiren Chate's tabla solo was a highlight, while Nikhil Mukhi's Hendrix-inspired guitar soloing brought spontaneous applause from the audience.
Last up were the Bombay Dub Orchestra (sadly due to time constraints, Aziz were unable to perform). Augmented by various guests including the Klein Quartet and Bansuri flautist Ashvin Srinvasan (who appeared with Nitin Sawhney the night before), the Orchestra's bass-heavy, cinematic mix of Indian music and trippy electronica was a hit with the FREEDM studio audience.
Your thoughts on the performers night:
Tej
Tigerstyle were less electric in terms of their tech spec than the rest of the bands on the night. Their performance was completely live, unlike Niraj or Bombay Dub who were running keyboards and sampled beats. Tigerstyle had each element playing live, by very talented musicians with a string section, live kit, indian percussion section, guitars, harmonium, sitar, flute and tumbi. They showed various sides of their compositional talent, performing songs, each in a different mood to the others, all with featured special guests, full of energy, and all exclusive material from their forthcoming album. The BBC Electric Proms is all about creating unique performances for the public to enjoy, and i think Tigerstyle delivered!! Best performance of the Asian Network night!!!
Anil @bigeyebrow.com
Has Brit asian music come of age? Were the artist that performed able to create an atmosphere similar to the likes of kasabien or nitin sawhey?... Almost. The artists that performed were great however, 'indian timing' (god i hate using that term) reared its ugly head. It seemed disorganised, the fact that Aziz didnt perform and the awesome bombay dub orchestra had to cut short their set, dissapointed alot of people. Also it seemd like the engineer was hard of hearing especially during the 'mini set' of bombay dub. We could only hear the electric part of the proms. The highlights for me were Nirag Chag and Bombay dub, truly great. Unfortunately for tigerstyle... i fear they didnt quite get the 'proms' part to their 'electric' (which they very much were. Overall this could have been amazing but t'was just alright. Ps