Lady Astride the Tiger

Ronu Majumdar is a master of the Bansuri, a North Indian side-blown flute. Relaxed command over the breathy bamboo instrument allows Majumdar to elicit peaceful sentiments and levitated melodies. From long undulating tones to fluttering flights of notes, Ronu Majumdar moves about on the classical instrument with ease. On Lady Astride the Tiger, Ronu Majumdar is joined by tabla player Abhijit Banerjee. A disciple of the late Pandit Gyan Prakash Ghosh, Banerjee is considered to be a leading proponent of the Farukhabad tradition of tabla playing. Indeed, his sensitive accompaniment, uncluttered tone, and highly articulated syncopations reinforce his celebrated reputation. With the opening cut, "Rag Jainjhotl," Ronu Majumdar begins with an improvised solo section, known as an Alap in Hindustani musical terms. With lengthy sustained tones, Ronu Majumdar introduces the melodic characteristics of this rag in a free rhythm. By the time Banerjee rolls in — about four minutes into the cut — the mood picks up, a 16-beat Tintal cycle kicks into high gear, and the two proceed, complementing one other with each turn of the tune. On "Rag Bhupali/Ragam Mohanamm," the duet is joined by the South Indian mridangam maestro Puvalur Srinivasan. As with all other cuts on the CD, "Rag Bhupali/Ragam Mohanam" is full of acoustic warmth, respectful dynamics, and virtuosic flourishes. All in all, Lady Astride the Tiger is a resounding CD that spotlights Ronu Majumdar's liquefying Bansuri acoustics.