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Slice of Swing
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Popular retro rock act Aatma unleashed some classic riffs for Knopfler fans in the twin cities last weekend. SYEDA FARIDA reports
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— Photo: Satish H.
Aatma rocks Hyderabad at the Knopfler pre-event
"HIS MUSIC is simple to listen to but complex to play. I started out learning Knopfler," says bassist Prakash. "Leads based on chords and finger style play is another of Mark Knopfler's USP," adds lead guitarist and vocalist Prashaanth. The duo, along with Trinity (rhythm) and Tillu (percussions), members of Bangalore based rock act Aatma, known for its `Sanskrit rock' were in town last week (founder member Niranjan couldn't make it as he was recording) with So far away, Walk of life and other chart toppers that they played at Equinox for the Mc Dowell's No.1 Almost Live, a salute to the Sultans of Swing. "This is a multi city activity featuring some of the best rock acts to go with Mark Knopfler's India tour. Essentially this is to offer the Dire Straits experience to rock buffs who cannot make it to the show," says Ankit, event manager, about the concert.
Straits aficionados from twin cities came in hordes to listen to the anthems. "For most of the Hyderabadis Mark Knopfler is Dire Straits. Any rock nite here is not complete without Dire Straits numbers," says Meghna Kamat, manager marketing and communications Fusion 9. Kamayani, acquisition manager Citibank, another Knopfler buff, all set for the Bangalore concert observes, "in terms of good music the Mark Knopfler show is the best thing to happen to India. And that India is open to Knopfler, is a progressive trend."
And the one in twin cities had loads of Knopfler. The do had a lot of riffs and best of classic rock as the band also played Police, the Boss and Sting. And more on the turntables, by DJ Amit, for the after party that had a classic rock flavour as well. And for music buffs in twin cities who wished they could attend a Knopfler or Pink Floyd concert back home, "places like Bangalore have more venues and geographical advantage. People from southern states can reach there easily. It will take some more time for international rock acts to come to here," observes Ankit.
"Logistics don't work out. Way back in the 90s we had Rock Machine playing to a packed audience in the twin cities, as did Uriah Heep and Osibisa. Now it would be difficult to get a 4,000-5,000 strong audience for a gig," says M. Oswin, sound professional. "Especially when today we have lost crowd to trance and rave. Many pubs that hitherto played rock in the country have converted into discotheques," reflects Prakash who opened for Bryan Adams concert but does not plan to do it this time around, "the crowd comes to listen to the artist. So," he says before flying back to the garden city in time to catch Mark Knopfler in flesh.
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