I have been thinking of studying Blues and Hindustani Classical Ragas in a unified way. I have been thinking about doing this for a very long time. There is a commonality which has been haunting me for (at least) the last ten years. It is difficult for me to quantify what the commonality is and express that in words. Perhaps, the best I can do is to say that both form of music trigger very similar emotions inside me.
So, why get started today?
It's because of a recording which I heard yesterday. It is a scintillating composition based on Raga Jog (vocals) and some 7th chord progression (on electric guitar) made by some of my friends. [There was tabla too, but unfortunately it didn't get recorded well]. The composition has a very impromptu flavor to it. The recording was done is a very casual setting - just one take and some very patient editing (mainly to remove the pauses and conversations between the performers). The final output is breathtaking!
How could they unify Blues chord progressions with Raga Jog in such an effortless way? It seems that they composed and played without even thinking much about it! I have been trying to study Blues music on and off (not rigorously ... I have work, family, kids and an active social life :) ). I made a deliberate attempt to indulge myself in some of the technicalities of Blues by taking saxophone lessons last year. I have even attempted various compositions on Raga Jog in the past. But it never struck me that Blues form of music and Rag Jog can be unified using 7th chord progressions!
I feel I need to begin my quest along with my friends instead of trying alone. Some of my friends are great music enthusiasts. Some of them very talented musicians themselves. I think it is high time I stop reading Wikipedia links and start asking my them!
No wonder I have been getting the blues for the last ten years. Or should I say that I didn't get it at all!
