Raaga Pianist - Utsav Lal | Spinout With Verus Ferreira
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Ever heard Indian ragas played on the Piano? Meet Indian pianist/composer Utsav Lal, who has been labeled as the ‘Raaga Pianist’ amongst music lovers in the international concert circuit and has been recognized as one of the most talented musicians of his generation. Choosing to perform ragas on the piano, an instrument that has traditionally been considered unsuitable for Indian Classical music, Utsav's creative musical genius, unfailing clarity of technique and rhythmic virtuosity has led him to an impressive career performing at leading global venues like Carnegie Hall-NYC, Southbank Centre-London, and The Kennedy Centre-DC.
From his debut album ‘Piano Moods of Indian Ragas’ on Times Music in 2008, Utsav has come a long way with six subsequent releases that include a historic solo recording on the world’s first ever 'Fluid Piano’ ‘The Fluid Piano Album’ in 2016.
The New York based pianist, is all set to release ‘Visangati’, his seventh record of pure Indian Classical Music on Piano tomorrow. Visangati, a hindi-sanskrit word, in English it literally means Anomaly, a deviation from the norm. Having gained international recognition over the past 17 years for his groundbreaking work, this record signifies the 28 year olds unending pursuit of walking an untrodden musical path that has been laced with contradictions. Visangati presents Lal’s (accompanied on tabla by Nitin Mitta) distinctive, unapologetically original take on Indian Classical music and the music represents a truly unique and original voice on the piano.
Utsav, who has played concerts in India over the years, leaves you mesmerized with his repertoire of music compelling many to think how the piano which is considered the backbone of western music, can be used for Indian raags. Originally from Gurgaon, Haryana, Utsav grew up in Dublin, Ireland where he was part of an alternative rock band called the Little Green Cars consisting of close school friends.
In an interview with this writer some years ago, Utsav had said that his ambition was to take ragas on the piano to music lovers across the globe. Surely he has achieved what he set out to do.
⬇ Enchanting flute and piano duet - Rakesh Chaurasia, Utsav Lal, Vijay Ghate:
