Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Late Night Chatters

19 Dec 2014,

It was 9PM when the city bus dropped me at St.John's circle. I had ample time to reach Majestic. It seemed as if flood gates were opened creating surge of motors with beaming head-lamp storming ahead towards respective culmination. Even around 9:15PM, the BMTC buses destined to Majestic were over-crowded with passengers, leaving me in disgusting state. I had to drag for some more time. Eventually at 9:30PM, an unauthorized private bus arrived (may be company bound) with cleaner yelling "Majestic... Majestic" at the crowd. I boarded the bus in hustle and grabbed a seat. The bus was jam packed. With all seats filled up (70 to 80), the crew would be making merry out of the collection while on contrary swallowing revenue of BMTC buses. They were charging Rs.25/- per head. This is everyday story though. The crew would have cashed up enough money to cater their bar bill (No prejudice, just an assumption!). 30 minutes passed, here I am in Majestic. Despite the staggering flow of wagons, the bus managed to reach quite early mainly due to ceaseless service till Majestic.

Old adage states "Idle mind is devil's workshop". For me, it becomes devils' metaphor at night, right in between doze while riding on bus. Especially traveling on BMTC spurs enormous mental chatters along with frustrating metaphors. Being gateway to Bengaluru, the aura of Majestic is ideal place to draw metaphors which combines both legacy and modern faces of brooding city life. The virtual aisles created by parked buses are loathing maze. You never know which way to proceed and when they open doors of hell. As Oliver Emberton here describes life as maze rather than marathon, I tweak slightly as to be dynamic maze. You neither know when it manifests in life nor its volume. Ignorance of such maze will cause disastrous leaks leading to surprise crash at latter point. Unless you free them when its incarnation terminates or you are lucky enough to revisit them for correction, it creates permanent mole in your life.

Back to present after brief boredom, hope you are not stuck in Majestic! Everytime, I set out on journey, I forget two things, namely scribbling pad and spectacle case. Spectacle case is essential for protection while I roll on sleeper bus. The scribbling pad is required to jot down the aforementioned devil's metaphor(s). This time too some of the metaphors were lost due to lack of scribbling pad. Consequently people like me end up hunting for stationary in a condiment stall at bus stand. Nevertheless, I remembered most of them after journey with a loss factor of 25%.

My bus was parked at the designated platform and it was brand new sleeper bus, cleanly maintained with courteous crew. I had booked lower berth to minimize the wobbling during journey. The amount of wobbling is directly proportional to the irregularity of bitumen surface and the elevation of sleep position from the ground (considering ideal suspension and perfect center of gravity design). This is what I call law of wobbling phenomenon. After the ticket check, I lied down on reserved bed and instantly fell asleep. As I set out on mission to land of stars, something intrusive happened. "Sir ladies idaare swalpa melgade berth adjust maadtira" (We have few ladies, could you please shift to upper birth). At the outset, it was annoying and at times I felt, reservation had no meaning. I explained them the law of wobbling but a reply arrived swiftly "Sir Ladies". I usually do not confront in such situations hoping someone would reciprocate the same to my parents (even though my parents never seek!).

We are now migrated to upper berth and honored to have elevated sleep which is not fun at all. Despite the perfect center of gravity design of bus, the conditions of road requires certain dynamic corrections to balance out the tremors. This is impossible to achieve in body design and imperatively offloaded to humans to balance. This also means eluded sleep for this night. Rather than sleep, its state of hibernation which means we wake up to similar state as previous night rather than refreshed one! With this setup, stars will be revolving around me.

That's end of short praeludium to my journey to Shimoga. I am not sure as how many more ramblings would crack as I continue my journey. As of now that's it for this post. Now its time to teeter till morning. Hope I will have minimal sleep atleast (again minimal is relative!)

Minutes later, the bus propelled towards the destination and myself to dreamland.

Saturday, December 13, 2014

The year 2014 in Uplifting trance

One more digression from mainstream blogging. This time, scratching few thoughts on my musical observations this year. Hope you enjoy!

The year 2014 has been great so far for orchestral uplifting trance fans with NewWorld, Time2Rest, Soundlift, Kelly Andrew and many more releasing melodious and inspiring tunes overall. The main highlight I believe is NewWorld's spectacular work of Ushio which amalgamates melodious piano, orchestral atmosphere with nature harmony. Also, not to miss the wonderful work Flying Higher by Soundlift again just incredible work. But my favorite tune lies in Nature Poesia by Time2Rest. OMG what a godly music :). Just perfect to depict the poem of nature filled with chirping birds, amazing leads, grand orchestral atmosphere. Can't miss this song even a single day. Bravo Time2Rest and kudos to the Ukranian masters :). The significant work of Kelly Andrew in his new melody Wonderland cannot be ruled out. One more added tune is Ahmed Romel remix of Leviticus originally crafted by Driftmoon and Andy Blueman. Unfortunately, even this year Blueman could not compile Away from Sun due to personal reasons. We could hope for release next year.

Why do I remember Andy Blueman? It is because of him orchestral uplifting trance evolved and others have just followed him :). He showed how the classical orchestral music can be united positively with trance to create everlasting uplifting melodies. Nowdays, Uplifting trance defaults to orchestral uplifting with many producers compose uplifting melodies atleast with minimal orchestral atmosphere. My innate inclination towards Indian Classical Music cannot fade away and I am expanding my horizon to classical orchestra by hearing to such melodies [ofcourse during my free time ;)]. The emotions musicians generate in uplifting trance genre with gamut of instruments can only be absorbed by hearing to them. The positive aspect of such genre is that composers appreciate each other openly and whole-heartedly when other does great job. There is barely any hatred in this category. This one fact I have noticed from my journey into this category of music from past 4 years. Ofcourse, people sneer at my offbeat inclination. They feel bewildered by my interest towards such occult music :). It is difficult to gain acceptance and consequently I have begun ignoring refuters.

The list from my side is here in increasing order of Rank. This list is from the collection of songs I heard this year and not the ultimate one. Since such musics are predominantly played in European radio shows, I definitely would have missed many more.

1) Time2Rest - Nature Poesia

This was originally composed 2 years back. With lot of tweaking, the song is eventually released on October 2014. This is such a heavenly music and my full respect to Ukrainian duo for the masterpiece. It comprises of excellent atmosphere with orchestral melody and nature elements. The music outsets with soothing violin followed by rhythmic bass. You can imagine driving in midst of dense forest (whichever you admire!). At 0:57, the poem of nature starts with the combination of violin and low pitch notes. Notice how the medley of high pitch violin with deep press of low pitch notes creates sublime environment :). A brief pause at 2:23 followed by chirping birds and breeze over mountains. At 2:32, the actual fun starts with light violin play, just imagine your stay in between dense forest with stream nearby, enjoying melody of birds and dribbling rains. The grand orchestral melody starts at 2:45 wherein you can take a deep breathe standing on top of valley enjoying the gentle flow of river with breeze caressing body and inhaling pristine air from the mountains.  At 3:00, enjoy the moving clouds hugging the mountains shadowing beaming Sun intermittently. At 3:47, the thick clouds with gentle wind prepare for downpour. At 3:54, its time to drench in rains and enjoy the thundering waterfalls amidst the spellbinding nature. One more beautiful aspect of this music is the rhythmic bassline & cymbals do not superseed the serene nature ambience :). Hope you enjoy the music too!

Few weeks back, I was off to Sigandhur Chowdeshwari Temple near Sagar. The return journey to Udupi was one of memorable one with blissful nature, ravishing western ghats, the lush green paddy fields and exuberant rivulets & lakes. The primary eye-catcher was the Varaahi river near mastikatte meandering gently through the valley of evergreen western ghats. The unexpected rains & gloomy weather added extra charm to the entire scene. At this time, I realized dedication of Time2Rest to craft such an outstanding  music. The soul was wandering at 0:57--1:20 when I stumbled upon such a tranquil nature. The emotions, ambiance of music were resembling that beautiful scenery of Malnad region.

2) NewWorld - Ushio
Have you ever noticed NewWorld producing imperfect music :). He is quintessential musician in orchestral uplifting trance nowadays alongside SoundLift & Andy Blueman. You can blindly appreciate his music even before you start and later sink in the ocean of orchestral melody :) [also find a way out to avoid drowning ;)]. The ingeniousness of young musician from US can only be felt by hearing to his music filled with stunning orchestras and melodic piano leads :). He never ceases to entertain fans with his magical musical talent! This music is one more example of his uber musical talent. The song is composed recently and has attracted numerous radio shows including future sound crown from FSOE-365. 'Ushio' welcomes with whooshing breeze and spellbinding crescendo of melodic piano with orchestral atmosphere followed by trance version. At 0:46, the emotional ensemble of strings is just mind-blowing. It is time to enjoy the blend of piano and violin at 3:36 leading to grand setup at 4:30. The breakdown starts at 4:56 with gamut of instrument conjoining, leading harmonious breakdown at 5:57 :). Just amazing piece of work with intelligent use of instruments :). Despite overwhelm of emotions, his "Outreach" still tops my list ;).

3) SoundLift - Flying higher

After resounding comeback tune "Freedom", the Portuguese musician codenamed "SoundLift" has once again delighted with marvelous music of "Flying Higher". You need to hear complete music to match with theme. Soundlift is brilliant in composing melodious tunes with soft bass. The orchestral melody comprising of drums, piano & violin from 1:26 to 1:53 with sound resembling flapping of bird wings is astounding. My favorite part is the beautiful lead progression from 1:53 to 2:50. He has one more Duduk version wherein he played the instrument on his own combining it with the actual version.  

Original Version


Duduk Version

4) Blue Silence & Mat Chowski - Nothing to Fear (NewWorld epic intro mix)

One more masterpiece by Gordon. The young musician provided master touch to the original version with his exquisite talent. Starts with consoling leads and later with sensational violin & piano medley with use of wind chimes. The melody from 1:45 to 3:46 with piano, violin and leads just gets rid of your fear with consoling chords. The breakdown dawns at 3:48 with sensational mix of low & high pitch notes resulting in spectacular breakdown at 4:40 with high tempo leads.


5) Kelly Andrew - Wonderland

Starts with heavenly orchestral melody and later transitions to trance version. The actual melody starts at 3:34 with angelic vocal chords, melodious violin and piano leads which takes you to you to a wonderland of exotic destination. The breakdown starts at 4:42 with high tempo leads where you can enjoy being in wonderland and later culminates at 5:42 :).
6) Driftmoon & Andy Blueman - Leviticus (Ahmed Romel remix)
Starts with slightly intense bass and later beautiful violin play joins the rhythm. The middle part (2:18 -  simply marvelous with fiddle of violin & clarinet creating stupendous melody. The breakdown starts at 3:17 with gradual increase in pace and later culminates at 4:11 with heavenly piano leads. This has been favorite of many trance fans since Ahmed Romel released the music.

7) Blue5even - Beauty (Dave Moz & Fredd Moz Pres. Strings Melodies Remix)

Just few days back, I heard this wonder. As theme states, its absolute beauty especially the orchestra from 1:33 to 2:54. The captivating orchestra starts at 1:33 with French horn and later blends with violin. Watch out for that grand orchestra at 2:27 B-). The breakdown starts with melodious piano leads at 2:54 and later reaching finale at 3:49 with marching bassline :). What a beauty to end the beautiful year!

 

8) Sky Flight _ Allen Ma - Journal De Voyage (Original Mix)

One more beautiful track to the list as the year comes to end. Filled with emotional piano, melodic violin & flute and blissful atmosphere, this song really deserves to be in top of the list. It has great melody throughout the song duration. Listen and document the journal of journey towards the fascinating melody!

 

9)  Mhammed El Alami & illitheas & Johannes Fischer - Breath Of Life (Original Mix)
The trio from Morocco & Germany pulled up a uplifting wonder called "Breath of Life". Everytime I listen to this it drives me crazy and feels like resting on top of mountains during monsoon season with heavy cloud movement along the heaven. OMG! what a lovely feeling such a euphoric breakdown. My full respect to the trio for their masterpiece! Half of my writing arise out of such impeccable melodies filled with infinite emotions. The blissful chords give rise to repertoire of metaphors in neural system which drives the arms towards the keyboard resulting in short writes!

From 2:25 to 3:13 enjoy your stay in beautiful western ghats with blissful melody of chirping birds, violin and bubbling wind chimes
From 3:16 to 4:13 enjoy the breath from the pure mountains with beautiful melody of horn, violin, wind chimes, piano leads and rhythmic orchestral drums.

Synchronous to the drums, behold the synergistic flight of birds flying freely towards their niche along the distant horizon with perfect geometric pattern over a beautiful serene river ornate with gentle orange sky lit by the golden hour Sun.

The lead progression outsets at 4:15 with lovely atmosphere along with periodic piano melody leading to a breathtaking breakdown at 5:10

At 5:11, watch out for the heavy monsoon clouds approaching the hillocks rehearsing for downpour and transforming the smouldered surface to greener canvas
At 5:38 enjoy the dancing sea tides slithering towards the shoreline
At 6:06 enjoy enthusiastic torrent of water marching their way towards the mighty plunge culminating in a thundering waterfall creating magnificent spectacle.
At 6:34 enjoy the sprinkling rain over the beautiful mountains

Breath the wonder and rejuvenate your life!


Saturday, December 6, 2014

Short timelapses from Belur and Halebeedu.

Architectures provide wonderful platform for composing HDRs. There are lots of perception to compose. Long time back, I had traveled to Belur and Halebeedu to revisit the Hoysala empire glory after 20 long years. My primary intention was for photography and rest includes deviation from city life, relaxation etc.. Even though it was winter season, the weather was unusually hot and humid. Consequently, the atmosphere was hazy too. To add to that, I did not carry my CPL filter (not sure why!). However there were clouds hovering around the skies which tempted me to grab few short timelapses. After fulfilling my thirst of photography wandering all around premise of Belur, I chose a platform to sit down and relax for sometime. Alongside my rest, I started intervalometer to capture a timelapse with the scaffolded pinnacle and huge premise as steady subjects. The movements were achieved by clouds and people. I believe, the clicks happened for few hours comprising of 250 pictures shot at an interval of 10secs. Eventually it turned out nice and the first part of video is timelapse from Belur. The psuedo movement is achieved by cropping the pictures using Motion Timelapser software

The second part is from Halebeedu. This timelapse was also consequence of aforementioned reason. The crux was to give myself a break :). I sat on a bench near Nandi statue and captured the timelapse. I did not carry tripod and hence could not obtain proper elevation. As a result, the frames are out of focus :(. Despite the loss of focus, the movements of clouds are appealing :). Overall did not turn up as better as Belur. I could have managed for some more timelapses if I had my own arrangements for transport. The gloomy weather coupled with time constraints tempted me to pack-up as early as possible. There are numerous HDRs composed during my visit which I will share in subsequent write-ups. As of now enjoy short timelapses from Belur and Halebeedu. Any suggestions are always welcome.


Music: New World - Let me Go, beautiful medley of strings and piano. Love the atmosphere in middle of tune and used it to fit my timelapse. If you are interested, hear full tune here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SciajNJBiJA

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