Watch V. Selvaganesh’s Paste Session at Big Ears Festival

Paste Studio “On The Road” headed south to the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee. Since its formation in 2009, the Big Ears Festival has been known for its diverse lineup and boundary-crossing art. Tombras Headquarters in downtown Knoxville created the perfect urban loft vibe.

In true Big Ears fashion, V. Selvaganesh and his son Swaminathan Selvaganesh brought a captivating rhythmic energy to their Paste Session. Continuing the family tradition, Selvaganesh followed in his father T.H. “Vikku” Vinayakram’s footsteps, mastering the kanjira.

Selvaganesh is widely known for his role in the Remember Shakti tour alongside John McLaughlin, as well as his GRAMMY win for Best Global Music Album for This Moment with the band Shakti. In addition to writing and performing his own music, Selvaganesh has composed music for Tamil films, including Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu.

The session opens with “Shiv Tandav,” a song composed by V. Selvaganesh’s father, giving the audience a glimpse of what’s to come from the father/son duo. The drum pattern and dynamic beat bring the South Indian rhythm to life, showcasing a conversational aspect.

Selvaganesh later explains that math and numbers are interlaced within South Indian percussion traditions, using the second song “7 and a Half” as an example. They flawlessly transition into a Konnakol improvisation, where they use rhythmic syllables or vocal percussion, similar to scatting, throughout the piece.

Eagle-eyed viewers might notice a copy of Michael Weintrob’s fine art photography book Instrumenthead Revealed in the background, strategically opened to Weintrob’s portrait of Zakir Hussain, largely known as the greatest tabla player of his generation. Selvaganesh’s admiration for Hussain is prevalent, and they share common family members in the Indian community of membranophone musicians.

Closing with “Kanjourney,” a portmanteau of the words kanjira and journey, anyone can see the joy and pride that performing brings to this duo, continuing the family tradition.

Huge thanks from the Paste team to everyone at Big Ears and Tombras who helped make such a great video possible. Keep your eyes peeled for more Paste Sessions.

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