“Subash” by Janet Gilbert
Image from jangilbertmusic.com
Title:
- Subash
Artist(s) and People Involved:
Exhibiting Artist(s):
Symposium:
Medium:
- Live performance, processed tape
Artist Statement:
Subash features drummer Steve Goldstein playing an electronic clay pot mixed with processed tape. The drum is a contemporary sculpture by New York sculptor Frank Giorgini, whose instruments are a part of the permanent collections in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Center for African Art. The drum is amplified by means of an internal contact mike and is further processed by signal processing. The piece is a hommage to South Indian master drummer Subash. With Steve Goldstein, clay tabla.
The ghatam (Sanksrit for “pot”) is one of the most ancient instruments of South India. The instrument is made to a specific pitch, though fine tuning is slightly adjustable by putting puddy inside the instrument. Its construction is earthen with iron or copper or brass and is further mixied with egg. I have collaborated with many Indian musicians and enjoyed working with the clarity of this beautiful drum.
