Ranjit Barot's Musings on Music and Identity: From Traditions to Triumphs

Ranjit Barot is a prominent figure in Indian commercial music and global jazz fusion, renowned as the musical director for A.R. Rahman's concerts and a respected drummer for Sir John McLaughlin’s Fourth Dimension. He recently performed at the Mahindra Percussion Festival, featuring esteemed artists like Arto Tunçboyaciyan.

Aditya discusses the origins of creativity, where genetics, environment, and karma play roles. Ranjit relates his upbringing, highlighting the karmic aspect and divine talent manifestation. He stresses maintaining an unobstructed channel for creative energy. They delve into childhood experiences in India shaping identity. Ranjit emphasises strong familial bonds, cultural richness, and his mother's influence, fostering his perspective and self-assurance. Aditya explores life's impact despite a sheltered upbringing.

Ranjit admits self-induced hardships channelled into music for growth. Teaching focuses on guiding students to uncover unique voices. Fostering originality is discussed. Ranjit believes time together infuses essence, preferring mental practice, meditation, music, and cooking. He expresses a love for composing, arranging, and staying connected to drums. Aditya questions if classical music's discipline hinders expression, but Ranjit disagrees, citing improvisation's essence and its liberating nature. Ranjit reflects on challenges amid the digital age's chatter and the impact of joining John McLaughlin's band. Mentoring by Zakir Hussain and John McLaughlin is valued for authenticity and support.

Ranjit embraced online learning during the pandemic, enhancing compositional skills. He explains musician selection as A.R. Rahman's musical director, focusing on musicianship, reliability, and ensemble harmony. Konnakol’s importance in Ranjit's Indian classical music understanding is highlighted. It deconstructs arrangements and influences his drumming style. Spiritual and philosophical perspectives in compositions are discussed, citing drummers like Virgil Donati and Dennis Chambers. Ranjit’s future aspirations include a 2024 trio project with Gary Husband. Ranjit's adaptability is attributed to his bicultural upbringing.

Aditya commends Ranjit's ease-infused work, rooted in his Indian upbringing. Parallels with like-minded artists Richard Bona and Gary Husband are drawn. Ranjit concludes by letting Aditya know that his experience being on Stalwarts Of Music was by far one of the most intelligent interviews he has done.