PROJECTS
CARNATIC SAXOPHONE
Prasant has been traveling the world performing solo concerts on saxophone in the traditional South Indian Carnatic classical style since 1998. These concerts usually include a violin for melodic support and a mridangam for percussion. The mood of the concerts ranges from meditative to climactic, from intellectual to spiritual. The CD releases Swara Sudha, Duality, East Facing, and Kiravani: A Live Experience demonstrate this style of music. For more info on Prasant's career, see the bio section.
VIDYA
VidyA is an adventurous group consisting of saxophone, acoustic bass and drums that combines the essence of Carnatic music and jazz in an organic manner through original compositions and re-imaginings of traditional material. This music has attracted listeners of all styles, not only Carnatic and jazz. VidyA has been featured at venues such as SFJazz, San Jose Jazz, Yoshi's, Artwallah Festival, and more. Visit the press page to read news articles about VidyA.
VidyA's debut CD released in 2008 features 11 compositions from the extremely successful, intensely energetic live repertoire honed over two years of performing at local venues such as the Red Poppy Art House. Listen to the album here.
This amazing group features David Ewell on Bass and Sameer Gupta on drums. Guests have included Eric Vogler, Devin Hoff on Bass as well as Jaz Sawyer, and Howard Wiley on drums. For more information, visit www.vidyamusic.com. To book a live performance, visit the contact page.
RAGAS ON SOLO SAXOPHONE FOR HEALING AND MEDITATION
Healing Ragas is a freely available music series with a new track every week. The inspiration of this project is to present a music that would combine healing techniques Prasant studied in India with a calming music presentation to promote healing and relaxation in listeners. Live performances are given in short sessions where listeners are encouraged to relax or meditate.
The music consists of Indian classical ragas on saxophone with no accompaniment, which helps to bring about focus and calm. Listeners can subscribe on itunes for free, subscribe from the website, or download in high quality. If you feel compelled, you can support this music here.
LECTURES/MASTER CLASSES
Prasant regularly gives lecture demonstrations and informal question/answer sessions at universities around the world. Due to his unique position as a Carnatic saxophonist, Prasant has been able to present many aspects of the music in a way that is easy to understand in addition to shedding light on the use of the saxophone in South Indian Classical music. He has lectured at UC Berkeley, UCSF, University of Chicago, George Mason University, Oklahoma University and UNC Chapel Hill to name a few. If you have a questions about the music or would like to book a lecture, feel free to contact Prasant.
ORIGINAL COMPOSITIONS
In addition to original compositions for his group VidyA and Carnatic concerts, Prasant has composed original music for a variety of applications. His compositions have been featured in several dance dramas as well as video content.
