October 17 at 7 p.m. a project of rare color will be presented at the festival by one of New York’s most innovative alternative music groups “Elder Ones”, assembled by Indian vocalist Amirtha Kidambi.
The sources of inspiration for this ensemble range from the AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians, founded in 1965, a strong catalyst of the Chicago experimental scene that turned the careers of many jazz innovators), John and Alice Coltrane, Sun Ra, Pharoah Sanders’ legacy to Hindu religious songs, bhajans, and South Indian traditional music.
The unique color of the group is created by A. Kidambi’s harmonica and theatrical vocals, which blend into the hypnotic jazz melodies of the ensemble. The bandleader grew up singing bhajan music to the accompaniment of a harmonium. She also delved into Bharatanatyam dance to traditional Indian music. This experience is evident in A.Kidambi’s work, but the manifestations of Indian culture do not exhaust her identity.
The artist studied Western classical vocals, musicology and ethnomusicology at Brooklyn College and Columbia University, expressed herself as an interpreter of the works of contemporary academic music composers Robert Ashley, Luigi Nono and others. She was later drawn into New York’s avant-rock scene and the improvisational music community.
Amirtha has participated in projects with New York improv stars Hamid Drake, Shahzad Ismaily, Trevor Dunn, Matana Roberts, Ingrid Laubrock, Tyshawn Sorey, Nick Dunston, Maria Grand, Ava Mendoza and many others.
Various art residencies, foundations and other organizations awarded this artist scholarships and commissions. Her works were performed in New York’s Carnegie Hall, MoMA PS1, Whitney Museum, Washington’s Kennedy Center, famous festivals in the USA, Germany, and Portugal.
“Vilnius Jazz” archive photo/Amirtha Kidambi’s and “Elder Ones” (USA)
In addition, the leader of the group is an activist of movements against social injustice, one of the founders of the organizations “South Asian Artists in Diaspora” and “Musicians Against Police Brutality”. She has recorded soundtracks for the liberation struggle films of artist Suneil Sanzgiri.
Elder Ones musicians also believe in the power of music to achieve social justice. Their rebellious, socially engaged work is simmering with the energy of “punk”, free jazz, avant-garde.
The group’s third album, New Monuments, released this year, was inspired by the upheavals of the pandemic year, from racial protests to farmer revolts in India, and most of all, the unrest that shook New York after the tragic death of African-American George Floyd at the hands of a police officer. According to A.Kidambi, the title of the album “New Monuments” symbolizes the collapse of the old monuments of colonialism and the beginning of a new era.
All members of the group are important figures of the New York experimental music scene, versatile creators who break genre barriers with their work. Elder Ones has received rave reviews from The New York Times, Wire Magazine, Pitchfork, NPR, The Quietus, and more. A. Kidambi was recognized in critics’ polls as a rising star in the vocal and composition categories, and Elder Ones in the jazz group category.
The ensemble performs intensively in the US and abroad, has appeared on many prestigious stages, including the Kennedy and Lincoln Centers, Moers, Big Ears, Rewire festivals.
The project is financed by the Lithuanian Council of Culture and Vilnius City Municipality. Tickets for Vilnius Jazz 2024 events are distributed by Bilietai.lt. It is also possible to purchase subscriptions that will allow you to enter all festival events at a great discount.
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2024-09-10 11:43:53
Table of Contents
Elder Ones: A Rare Musical Gem
On October 17, 2024, at 7 p.m., the Vilnius Jazz festival will feature a unique musical project, “Elder Ones,” led by Indian vocalist Amirtha Kidambi. This New York-based alternative music group is known for its innovative and rebellious sound, which blends elements of punk, free jazz, and avant-garde music.
Inspirations and Influences
The sources of inspiration for Elder Ones range from the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) to Hindu religious songs, bhajans, and South Indian traditional music. The group’s unique sound is shaped by Kidambi’s harmonium playing and theatrical vocals, which blend seamlessly with the hypnotic jazz melodies of the ensemble. Kidambi’s background in singing bhajan music to the accompaniment of a harmonium and her experience with Bharatanatyam dance to traditional Indian music are evident in her work.
Amirtha Kidambi: A Multifaceted Artist
Amirtha Kidambi is not only a talented musician but also an activist and cultural organizer. She has studied Western classical vocals, musicology, and ethnomusicology at Brooklyn College and Columbia University. Kidambi has worked with numerous notable musicians, including Hamid Drake, Shahzad Ismaily, Trevor Dunn, Matana Roberts, Ingrid Laubrock, Tyshawn Sorey, Nick Dunston, Maria Grand, and Ava Mendoza. Her compositions have been performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, MoMA PS1, Whitney Museum, and the Kennedy Center.
Elder Ones: A Mission for Social Justice
Elder Ones musicians believe in the power of music to achieve social justice. Their music is a form of protest, reflecting the turmoil of the pandemic year, from racial protests to farmer revolts in India. The group’s third album, New Monuments, released in 2024, was inspired by the uprising against colonialism and the struggle for a new era. Kidambi’s mission is to use her music as a tool for social change, and her activism extends beyond her music to organizations such as “South Asian Artists in Diaspora” and “Musicians Against Police Brutality.”
A Rising Star in the Music Scene
Elder Ones has received critical acclaim from prominent publications, including The New York Times, Wire Magazine, Pitchfork, NPR, and The Quietus. Kidambi has been recognized as a rising star in the vocal and composition categories, and Elder Ones has been praised as a leading
How does Amirtha Kidambi integrate elements of jazz and Hindu traditions in the music of Elder Ones?
Amirtha Kidambi’s Elder Ones: A Fusion of Jazz, Hindu Traditions, and Social Activism
On October 17, at 7 p.m., the innovative alternative music group Elder Ones, led by Indian vocalist Amirtha Kidambi, will present a project of rare color at the festival. The ensemble’s unique sound is shaped by a diverse range of influences, from the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) to Hindu religious songs, bhajans, and South Indian traditional music [[1]].
Inspirations and Influences
Amirtha Kidambi’s musical journey began with singing bhajan music accompanied by a harmonium and exploring Bharatanatyam dance to traditional Indian music. These experiences have significantly influenced her work, but they do not exhaust her identity [[1]]. The group’s sound is also informed by the legacies of John and Alice Coltrane, Sun Ra, and Pharoah Sanders.
Education and Collaborations
Kidambi studied Western classical vocals, musicology, and ethnomusicology at Brooklyn College and Columbia University. She has interpreted the works of contemporary academic music composers such as Robert Ashley, Luigi Nono, and others. Her collaborations with New York improv stars like Hamid Drake, Shahzad Ismaily, Trevor Dunn, Matana Roberts, Ingrid Laubrock, Tyshawn Sorey, Nick Dunston, Maria Grand, and Ava Mendoza have further enriched her musical perspective [[1]].
Performances and Accolades
Kidambi’s works have been performed at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall, MoMA PS1, Whitney Museum, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, as well as at festivals in the USA, Germany, and Portugal. She has received scholarships and commissions from various art residencies, foundations, and organizations [[1]].
Elder Ones and Social Justice
The leader of Elder Ones is not only a musician but also an activist for social justice. She is a founder of “South Asian Artists in Diaspora” and “Musicians Against Police Brutality” and has recorded soundtracks for liberation struggle films by artist Suneil Sanzgiri [[1]]. The group’s music is a testament to their belief in the power of music to achieve social justice, reflecting the energy of punk, free jazz, and avant-garde.
New Monuments: The Third Album
Elder Ones’ third album, New Monuments, was released this year and was inspired by the upheavals of the pandemic year, including racial protests and farmer revolts [[2]]. This album is a reflection of the group’s socially engaged and rebellious spirit.
Conclusion
Amirtha Kidambi’s Elder Ones is a unique musical ensemble that weaves together diverse influences, from jazz to Hindu traditions, to create a powerful sound that advocates for social justice. With their latest album, New Monuments, and upcoming performances, Elder Ones is set to continue pushing the boundaries of alternative music.
References:
[1] Elder Ones – Millennium Stage (March 25, 2019)
[2] New Monuments | Amirtha Kidambi’s Elder Ones
[3] Amirtha Kidambi: From Untruth | Elder Ones
