AAROH (ascension) – the Sanskrit word was probably coined centuries ago and used to describe the ascending notes in a raaga. The band (AAROH) was founded about 3 years ago in early 2006 over cups of tea and snacks by a bunch of like-minded individuals who shared a common passion – music. The goal – to provide quality entertainment to the community, and help in raising funds for non-profit organizations that work at a grass-roots level, and provide hope and aid to the less fortunate in our society.
The band is the brainchild of Vasanth Murthy, Lata Vasanth, Abhijit Bhadra, Soumyendu Pal, Tamal Dey, Smita Jani, and Manish Kurup, who have been with the band since its inception. As time passed, some members moved away owing to relocation and other career opportunities, some members stayed on, and new minds and talents joined the mix. The goal, however, has not changed – the band members still jam at every chance they get, and are committed to providing quality musical entertainment whenever possible.
The band’s current members: Singers - Shraddha Agrawal, Abhijit Bhadra, Vasanth Murthy, Suzana Naik and Meena Sundaram. Drums, Congas, Dholak and percussion – Vijay Mohan; Tabla – Akshay Navaladi; Keyboards - Nikhil Pendharkar, Saket Joshi; Guitars and programming – Manish Kurup.
Prospective member: Singer - Ujjwal Parikh.
AAROH is more than ‘just a band’. For its members, it’s a home away from home, away from the hum of everyday activity and real-world pressures. A sanctuary if you will, where they relax and let music take control of their senses. Practice sessions are more than just musicians jamming together with rhythms, chords, notes and scales flying around; they are family events – and the Vasanths’ residence, where most of the practice sessions are hosted – is usually abuzz with activity, with enthusiastic participation and support from the band member’s families.
The AAROH experience is, first and foremost, about having fun while producing quality music. That being said, there seems to be a strong work ethic, passion and commitment towards achieving a common goal that bonds each one of these working professionals (from varied disciplines) together into a band.
The band has performed at these venues since its inception:
- AAROH live at the AAINA Annual Day celebrations
- AAROH live at New England Malayalee Association (NEMA)
- AAROH live at Dakshin restaurant
AAROH will now be performing live at the Keefe Technical High School auditorium on Saturday, the 18th of April 2009, at 05:00 PM EST. The show – Yaadon Ki Baarat, is being jointly organized by AAROH and Shobha Shastry’s Alankar Events/Decorators. Shobha, who is a noted member of the community, and an ardent and passionate music fan, has been instrumental in providing the band the support they need in making this show happen. The event features a trip down memory lane – and is packed with memorable music from Hindi movies, ranging over the last six decades. Part of the proceeds from the show will benefit Ekal Vidyalaya (http://www.ekalindia.org). The show, which also features some new instrumentalists, is the result of many months of careful planning and a rigorous practice schedule.
What can the audience expect from the upcoming show? The band’s collective sound is an amalgamation of very different voice textures, unique singing styles, massively layered instrumentation, rich and complex rhythm structures and a tasteful potpourri of uniquely characteristic and unorthodox playing styles and techniques. ‘There seems to be an infectious enthusiasm and energy that emanates from each performance/practice session’ says Vasanth Murthy, a founding member, ‘We hope to recreate this spirit and energy on stage along with the music’.
What does the future hold for AAROH? At this point, the band doesn’t claim to know what the future holds. What is known and clear though, is the never-ending desire to keep doing what they’re doing and keep rocking the free world with their flavor of music. Watch this space to track the band’s plans and whereabouts in time – http://aaroh-us.com, or send them mail at reachout@aaroh-us.com.
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