Karaikkudi Mani in USA II

[AbhiMrgm]

his introduction before playing itself is great........

mani sir says "there are two ways to play and feel the percussion...one - is for entertainment , the other for our soul.......

mine is of the second pupose"

i heard this at mumbai when he came for a concert on 3rd feb... ustad allah rakha's death anniversary.....

the second purpose is the reason why there is such a divinity and unmatched clarity in his playng.....

[sonofthedestroyer]

AbhiMrgm (6 days ago),

He is hinting that many indian musicians are cheapening the art to please global audience.

I remember him say that in an interview once.

I think his performance in this clip is just amazing. The notes are difficult to play and he does it while reciting at the same time.

[manicrhythm]

There is certainly no body other than Palghat Mani Iyer I have heard playing with such clarity and speed on a kappi mridangam, which requires greater energy and grip. If you listen to KRM accompany, bhajans and light pieces, his rhythm is soothing and filling so its a bit of a misconception that his playing aggressive

[sonofthedestroyer]

@manicrhythm,

Mani Iyer was not a fast mridangam player. If you want to hear very high speed on a Kappi mootu, listen to old recordings of Umayalpuram Sivaraman. Recordings prior to the 1970s. KRM is ofcourse fast on kappi mootu.

[shankyxyz]

KRM is god of laya and speed.

[sonofthedestroyer]

Laya perhaps but definitely not speed.

[shankyxyz]

no, i have old sruti laya recordings of his. he plays extremely fast.atleast i dont know anyone other then maybe sivaraman who plays as fast.

[sonofthedestroyer]

I see what you mean. I use the term 'aggressive' to describe his type of playing