A festival for the senses, the Bollywood Masala Orchestra and Dancers of India (BMO&D) presented viewers with a bold showcase of traditional Indian music and dance. Their performance of Spirit of India, which took place at UCSB’s Campbell Hall on October 5, consisted of entirely acoustic, western brass and percussion instruments paired with ornamental vocals and beautiful dancers dressed in colorful costumes that took audience members on a lively musical journey through traditional Indian style.
BMO&D’s performance was a passionate exhibition of traditional Indian music. Typically, brass band and classical musicians do not play together in India, though each is used for celebrations such as weddings and royal feasts. “What we play, we play with all our hearts and love,” said Rahis Bharti, founder and artistic director of BMO&D. “Our group is made up entirely of traditional Indian and western brass instruments to create a new sound which is traditional, but modern because this combination of instruments has never been done before.” When asked what it’s been like to incorporate the two, Bharti said, “People love the combination of the brass with the traditional instruments and the high pitched voices. It’s a new vision for music and dance.”
The evening began with an impressive tabla (drum) solo, followed by a duet of musicians using wooden clappers in a comical sound battle. Many different kinds of traditional Indian instruments were played during the show including tabla drums, a harmonium, bass drum, and side drum, in addition to brass instruments — trombones, a trumpet, and a tuba. “Most importantly are our voices,” said Bharti before the performance. “Our lead singer, Sanjay Khan and also Maestro Tabla Amrit Houssain are leading figures in the world of musicians from Rjasthan.” Right he was.