Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman, a living legend, is the greatest exponent of the Mridangam (barrel shaped hand drum with drum heads on either side) and South Indian rhythmic principles, which is all encompassing. He is in the 55th year of his musical career, having debuted at the very tender age of 10. He has accompanied leading South Indian Musicians of yesteryears and continues to do so for today’s upcoming young artists too, in order to encourage them. He has equally shared the stage with great North Indian musicians like Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Alla Rakha, Pandit Kishen Maharaj, etc.
The Mridangam can be traced back to the Hindu Gods and was played by Nandhi, the bull God on whom Lord Shiva rides. Sivaraman is considered as an Avatar (incarnation) of Nandhi himself.
In addition to playing traditional South Indian Carnatic concerts and Jugalbandhi’s (duets) with North Indian counterparts, Sivaraman has traveled all over the world and performed with non-Indian percussionists and musicians, composing the musical scores and providing the training.
He performed as the lead artiste on Mridangam for a percussion ensemble at the Rhythm Sticks festival held in London Royal Albert Hall on July 24, 1999. He composed the musical score for this show wherein a few other renowned artists from India, UK and Africa participated along with him.
He has performed with the famous Jazz Band AKA MOON from Brussels and will be joining them for a millennium concert in the year 2000. He has also collaborated with prominent American musicians like Steve Coleman, Dennis Chambers and Kenwood Dennard. Sivaraman has won the admiration of Hall of Famers like George Gaber, Harold Jones, Jazz musicians like Muhal Abrams, Michael Brecker and many prominent drummers.
He has several titles to his credit including “Padmasree” by the Government of India. He is a lawyer by education and has an excellent command of English. He is widely read and can speak at length on any subject. He has great stage presence and even an ordinary concert becomes extraordinary by his superb music. The Mrudangam becomes the King of Percussion and Queen of Melody in his hands, and he brings out the best from this divine instrument.
Since 1999 he has been extensively touring the USA promoting Mridangam and South Indian music by giving clinics and performances at various universities and prestigious venues like Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, Lotus World Music Festival, Percussive Arts Society International Convention, Drummers Collective, NY, and many more.
Discography:
Who’s to Know (ECM, 1980)
Garland of Rhythm (The Master Company, 1996)
Rhythm Fantasies (Sense World Music, 2005)
Laya – Dhara (Charsur, 2006)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
