He is a unique case: he's been half his life learning different music you can make with a guitar. For this reason he travels all around the world, now he just got here from India where he is going back next month to continue studying with a 'guitar guru'.
-What did you go to do in India?
-I went there to study classical Indian music, learning what is known as the Indian guitar in a place where the Flamenco culture comes from. There is a tribe there who is said to be the source of gipsy people. I hooked up with them in Rajasthan and we were playing together, they played their music and I played Tangos Flamencos. It was great! all blended together without having any idea about what the other was doing.
-But you went to take lessons.
-Yes, I have been for a long time in my guru's home, meaning my teacher's home. There education is different, you don't take notes, there's only the guru playing and explaining. You can't take notes only repeat what you catch and the rest just make it up.
- Do you live close to your Guru?
-Basically at his place. They welcome you like a son and you are treated just like that. Eat together, live together because is not about learning an instrument but to soak in the culture.
- What was India like to you?
-You know, this is a country you love or hate. First thing you can't take your system of classification or judgment
|
there. It's a different thing, a different planet. After six months I was still wondered at everything!
-Has globalization arrived there yet?
-It doesn't get there to fast because there is not enough money to pay for it. They have different ideas than people in the west. I think is going to be difficult for it to get in India because the culture there is very much different.
-But they live in misery...
-That is relative. I don't see people being very miserable, meaning I see more people in the west having more and being more miserable, so everything is relative. Everything there reflects their beliefs which are different.... even the music is different!
-In what sense?.... Well, they don't speak about perfection or ability but emotions.
-A musician makes you feel emotions or not, no matter his/her level of virtuosity. The goal is to thrill, that is art.
-The big question: All these what for?
-We will see. For me is more fulfilling to learn new things than to keep repeating the same. The truth is I must love all this very much in order to put up with all the tough times. I will be back in India next month and I am planning to stay there for two or three years.
|