Improvisation puts forth an intricate juxtaposition of faithful expression and precision of technique . The process of simultaneously playing dexterous runs , highlighting harmonic signposts through careful selection of notes , staying in the pocket while still emoting truthfully and showcasing originality could seem like an overwhelming conundrum .
We spoke to Brent Tauro , Anurag Naidu , Rahul Wadhwani and Rohan Rajadhyksha – some of our country ’ s most promising pianists and they were kind enough to let us in on their modus operandi when it comes to improvisation . Here ’ s what they had to say :
VYOMA SHAH
The Pianists ’ Guide To Improvisation
Improvisation puts forth an intricate juxtaposition of faithful expression and precision of technique . The process of simultaneously playing dexterous runs , highlighting harmonic signposts through careful selection of notes , staying in the pocket while still emoting truthfully and showcasing originality could seem like an overwhelming conundrum .
We spoke to Brent Tauro , Anurag Naidu , Rahul Wadhwani and Rohan Rajadhyksha – some of our country ’ s most promising pianists and they were kind enough to let us in on their modus operandi when it comes to improvisation . Here ’ s what they had to say :
Which artists / bands do you draw your influences from ?
Brent : My all-time favorite band is Snarky Puppy . I draw a lot of inspiration from the legends - Stevie Wonder , Michael Jackson and Billy Joel . As a keyboard player , it ’ s important to be open to all types of music . Hence , I also draw inspiration from artists like John Mayer , Ed Sheeran and Coldplay . As far as keyboard players go , Greg Phillinganes , Cory Henry and Shaun Martin are my heroes .
Anurag : There are the usual piano heroes - Tigran Hamasyan , Brad Mehldau , Aaron Parks , Bill Evans , Robert Glasper and Keith Jarrett , to name a few . I do have a metal background , which is why I love Djent music . I also love Bach , Chopin , Beethoven , Rachmaninoff , Debussy and Mozart . My favorite band has always been Radiohead , though Brad Mehldau ' s After Bach and Fred Hersch ’ s Open Book have made me question my existence from time to time .
Rahul : Western classical influences include Chopin , Mozart , and Bach ; Indian classical - Kumar Gandharv , Bhimsen Joshi ; Bollywood - AR Rahman ; Jazz - Keith Jarret , Bill Evans , Oscar Peterson , Art Tatum .
Rohan : Off the top of my head – Sting , Radiohead , Sufijan Stevens , Kendrick Lamar , Phil Collins , James Blake , A . R . Rahman , Jacob Collier and the list goes on .
What does improvisation mean to you ?
Brent : It ’ s all about expression . It ’ s about feeling an emotion and having developed the vocabulary to translate it through your instrument . Improvisation is influenced by everything we are - from the people we meet , to the places we ’ ve been , to the last conversation we had .
Anurag : Improvisation is extemporization . It is unprepared material that has been worked on but not worked out . It is also the relatable extension of an already existing piece of
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