For all those music lovers who appreciate various genres of music, the 'Fete de la Musique 2012' at Alliance Francaise was the ultimate tasting menu. The harmonious blend of rock, jazz, blues, funk and soul, along with several other sounds, left the audience spellbound, and undecided about their favourite genre.
"The concept started with the French celebration of World Music Day on June 21," says Anuradha Narayan, who is in charge of the culture and communication department. "Various bands coming together and sharing different types of music has now become a tradition even in Bangalore," she adds, appreciating the support and enthusiasm of both novices and experts.
From informal college bands such as 'Flitter Maus' to veteran musicians such as 'Altered Scales' and even famous Bangalorean bands like 'Ministry of Blues' and 'Thermal and a Quarter', the musical festival had something for everyone's taste buds. "I was a bit nervous about the audience's reaction because the rock line-up was immediately followed by the choir," admits Anuradha, but she adds that she breathed a sigh of relief when the crowd cheered as much, if not harder, for the classical musicians.
Says Vasudev Prabhu, who plays the harmonica for the two-member band, 'By 2 Blues', "We're amazed at how such a simple and beautiful form of music can captivate people from all walks of life. We had seventeen-year-old people, as well as seventy-year-old ones, who came up to us and expressed their delight at our show!"
While some performers went up in pairs, there were those whose presence completely engulfed the stage. 'Altered Scales', a six-member band, gave the crowd some much applauded Indian classical and rock fusion, with a hint of world music thrown in. Koyal Chengappa, who was watching the band, deeply appreciated the mixed sounds they produced. "Introducing an electric violin was an interesting take on the sound," she muses.
"When I was listening to 'Wishbone' play, I just didn't want to return to day-to-day life," adds Anishaa Tavag. Both of them have the same suggestion for future consideration — a dance festival on similar lines!
While some of the listeners where completely enthralled by what they heard, others were not so convinced. "Although I really liked 'Clown with a Frown' and 'Altered Scales', I expected a better mix of all sorts of music," comments Daisy Mahadevan. "However, some bands, like Pralayh, were brilliant," she reasons, referring to the fine mix of western music with Hindi lyrics brought to the table by the group of four.
While the various bands received a range of mixed reviews, Anuradha is thrilled with the overall support the fete received. "There has been one group of people watching every performance since the fete started!" she exclaims cheerfully. "The best part about the fete," she contemplates, "is that there is no discrimination between beginners, the more experienced and the renowned performers — they all play on the same platform."
"The concept started with the French celebration of World Music Day on June 21," says Anuradha Narayan, who is in charge of the culture and communication department. "Various bands coming together and sharing different types of music has now become a tradition even in Bangalore," she adds, appreciating the support and enthusiasm of both novices and experts.
From informal college bands such as 'Flitter Maus' to veteran musicians such as 'Altered Scales' and even famous Bangalorean bands like 'Ministry of Blues' and 'Thermal and a Quarter', the musical festival had something for everyone's taste buds. "I was a bit nervous about the audience's reaction because the rock line-up was immediately followed by the choir," admits Anuradha, but she adds that she breathed a sigh of relief when the crowd cheered as much, if not harder, for the classical musicians.
Says Vasudev Prabhu, who plays the harmonica for the two-member band, 'By 2 Blues', "We're amazed at how such a simple and beautiful form of music can captivate people from all walks of life. We had seventeen-year-old people, as well as seventy-year-old ones, who came up to us and expressed their delight at our show!"
While some performers went up in pairs, there were those whose presence completely engulfed the stage. 'Altered Scales', a six-member band, gave the crowd some much applauded Indian classical and rock fusion, with a hint of world music thrown in. Koyal Chengappa, who was watching the band, deeply appreciated the mixed sounds they produced. "Introducing an electric violin was an interesting take on the sound," she muses.
"When I was listening to 'Wishbone' play, I just didn't want to return to day-to-day life," adds Anishaa Tavag. Both of them have the same suggestion for future consideration — a dance festival on similar lines!
While some of the listeners where completely enthralled by what they heard, others were not so convinced. "Although I really liked 'Clown with a Frown' and 'Altered Scales', I expected a better mix of all sorts of music," comments Daisy Mahadevan. "However, some bands, like Pralayh, were brilliant," she reasons, referring to the fine mix of western music with Hindi lyrics brought to the table by the group of four.
While the various bands received a range of mixed reviews, Anuradha is thrilled with the overall support the fete received. "There has been one group of people watching every performance since the fete started!" she exclaims cheerfully. "The best part about the fete," she contemplates, "is that there is no discrimination between beginners, the more experienced and the renowned performers — they all play on the same platform."