When a Polish guitarist starts a conversation with a crisp ‘namaskara’, you know you are in for an interesting conversation. Flamenco guitarist Miguel Czachowski loves to experiment with the unusual, this is evident with his group ‘Indialucia’ that performs a fusion of flamenco and Indian music.
In the city to perform for ‘Stephen Devassy Live in Concert’, that will take place today at 7 pm in MLR Convention Centre, J P Nagar, Miguel talks to Rajitha Menon about his fascination for Indian music and Indian food.
How did your musical journey start?
I started playing the guitar at the age of 12 since I grew up in an atmosphere steeped in music. Flamenco music is basically instrumental and the guitar is one of the most important aspects of this. I started learning on an old guitar lying about, which belonged to my uncle. I thought about taking this seriously when I turned 16.
Thoughts about Indian music?
Indian music is an endless ocean of inspiration for me. It is rich and well-known yet there is still a lot to be discovered. My tryst it started with ‘The Beatles’ who were the first to introduce Indian elements in western music.
What are the similarities between Flamenco music and Indian classical music?
There are many things in common. Improvisation in Flamenco music is mostly on the rhythm and melody. In Indian music also, the rhythm forms the core of the sound. Also, many of the classical scales used are similar. One of the most popular scales we use in our music is known in India as the ‘Bhairavi’.
Favourite venue...
I have performed in a couple of illustrious arenas but the place is not what is important, it is the audience. Russia, Spain and America had some of the warmest audiences in that sense.
Influences...
‘The Beatles’ for sure. My musical mentor is Paco de Lucia who is looked up to by every flamenco musician. In Indian music, I admire sitar players like Ravi Shankar, Purbayan Chatterjee etc.
If you could learn one Indian classical instrument...
Sitar. If you ask me two more, I will add the tabla and the ‘bansuri’.
Why are collaborations important?
Some of the most valuable musical lessons come from collaborating with other artistes. You can learn so much from each other by interacting with each other.
Apart from Indian music, what do you like the most about India?
I am a big fan of Indian food now and I can’t survive one day without it. So if I am back home in Europe and if I have to eat outside, I carry with me a small emergency kit composed of one rupee pouches of tomato puree, chutney, pickle or masalas to add in my food.
