Fusion Central

Marking the 35th anniversary of their world music fusion band Shakti, John McLaughlin, Zakir Hussain and their Remember Shakti team members, U Shrinivas, V Selvanganesh and Shankar Mahadevan are performing together. They will perform in Europe later this year.Fab fiveFor those of you who came in late, Remember Shakti is a quintet which combines elements of traditional Indian music with jazz. The band comprises guitarist McLaughlin, Hussain (tabla), Shrinivas (mandolin), Mahadevan (voc-als), and Selvaganesh (kanjira, ghatam and mridangam).What they sayU Shrinivas has tutored music composer, Devi Sri Prasad, who rose to fame with Mazhai six years ago. Shrinivas says, ‘‘He (Devi Sri Prasad) is a very talented, dedicated and hard working person. I’m very happy that he is doing well.’’ The mandolin maestro, who unwinds with yoga and ‘lots of movies’, admits that a new album is on the anvil.Concert prosUstad Zakir Hussain’s official itinerary last year included concerts at the World of Music festival, Adelaide, the Sydney Opera House and at the Perth Commonwealth Festival. We hear the unassuming maestro often turns up unannounced at open venues Down Under and jams with the performers present. Mahadevan recently had a memorable first in his career: performing with the 75-member Symphony Orchestra of India, conducted by violinist Marat Bisengaliev, earlier in Mumbai.Coming upV Selvaganesh says a surprise is in store at this year’s concert, and lists his upcoming ventures. ‘‘A couple of albums and a few films are lined up, including the Telugu remake of SMS (Tamil),’’ he says.