With stalwarts and exponents from the global gypsy and folk music culture in attendance, the second edition of Jodhpur Flamenco and Gypsy Festival 2015, organised by Mehrangarh Museum Trust and CRN Productions, was wrapped up with much fanfare.
Following two days of magical acoustic presentations, the finale saw the artistes coming together to stitch together a mesmerising musical performance on Sunday night.
Performing before the music lovers, Spanish jazz pianist Chano Dominguez and friends, featuring an ensemble of all the artists who have performed during the past two days, came together to present a grand finale which summed up the entire experience of the festival. A reprise from violinist Victor Guadiana, bassist Javier Colina, flamenco player Bola, singer El Indio, percussionist Pablo Dominguez, bassist Javier Colina and flamenco dancer Daniel Navarro was presented too.
While the finale performance was memorable, the preceding performance was nothing short of magic. Presenting a session of 'Gypsy Rhythms', flamenco artists including dancers Karen Lugo and Daniel Navarro, vocalist Naike Ponce and drummer Israel Varela in association with Khartaal exponents of Rajasthan created a melange of collaborative folk music.
From vocals reminding of the classical aura to traditional khartals resonating with electric sound, the performance left many asking for more.
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There was also the performance of 'Footprints of the Desert' featuring a team of world renowned musicians from the fabled Langa community, fronted by Abdul Rashi Khan and Abid Khan who came together to celebrate the rich heritage of Rajasthani music.
All in all, the final day of the second edition of Jodhpur Flamenco and Gypsy Festival 2015, that took place at Mehrangarh fort, was truly a celebration of music.
(The writer's trip is at the invitation of the festival's organisers. Nivedita can be contacted at nivedita.s@ians.in.)
