T M Krishna : Slow & Pleasing.

Krishna began his recital at Shiva Vishnu Temple, San Diego, CA with the Thodi Tana Varnam (Era Napai) in two speeds. Hamsadhwani (Vathapi Ganapathim) was rendered slow but with interesting patterns in swara prastharam. Harikamboji (Dinamani Vamsa) was rendered in a leisurely pace.

Anandhabhairavi (Marivere) krithi of Shyama shastri was a class apart. Krishna has a penchant for slow tempo. This was reflected even in rendering a brisk number like Bhogindrasayinam (Kunthavarali). Saveri (Sri Rajagopala) was next on cards. Saveri is one such raga that needs to be rendered by a person who has a penchant for slow & relaxed tempo and it aptly fitted his style. Krishna's imaginative phrases were creative. His adherence to the Patanthara deserves special mention.

Kalapramanam: I want talk about this factor in our kutcheris now-a-days. I have been seeing mridagist even senior mridangists speed up the thalam while the rendering of the song and during thani avarthanam. It was obvious that Krishna could not continue the song after the Thani but concluded without completing the phrase to conclusion. But here in San Diego, it was unclear whether it was Krishna or Arunprakash on the gas pedal.

RTP in Bilahari (Chatusra Triputa One kalai - 2.5 eduppu after samam) . The drag in the Thanam was barely visible. It felt like it was almost a speedy ragam at times. Pallavi toured Sahana, Vasantha, etc. There was no pralomam/vilomam kramam .. so it ended up being a pointless exercise.

The rest of the concert was allocated for lighter numbers. Before I get to the summary table, why am I forced to close my eyes when T.M.Krishna / Sanjay Subramaniam sing ? Day by day it worsens. As much as I love to hear them sing, I hate to see them while they sing. Its a disgrace that they have to resort to so much physical exercise (Seshtai) while singing. I really despise this behaviour. I bet they should be ashamed of their stage mannerism as much as they are proud of their sangeetha gyanam.

Raagam: 7/10

Nereval: 7/10

Kalpanaswaram: 7/10

Sowkyam: 8/10

Pataantharam: 8/10

Gimmicks: 5/10

Seshtai: 10/10

Acting: 10/10

Commercial Approach: 6/10

Thani Avarthanam: Good.

Voice Culture: 6/10

Overall: Very Pleasing.