It's not often that one gets to see Pongal festivities on stage round about the time people start shopping for Christmas. However, at a recent concert organised by the Unwind Center in association with the Goethe Institut and the Hamburg-Ministry of Culture, the Boriana Dimitrova Quartet shared the stage with Tamil folk troupe, La Pongal to make it a unique evening.They sported brightly coloured desi kurta tops with mismatched pyjama bottoms, which seemed to align perfectly with their upbeat opening track, Yella Yella.... The group opened for the popular Bulgarian popular Jazz Quartet that performed at the Museum Theatre on Friday, as part of their Indian tour.Led by renowned saxophone player, Boriana, the audience didn't take too long to warm up to this group from Europe. And those who didn't understand their music, clapped enthusiastically anyway. Also part of the quartet were Jakob Dreyer (Bass), Neils-Henrik Heinsohn (drums) and Lars Dahlke (guitars), all accomplished muscians and tutors, as well. The performance pieces flowed from pacy compositions with an ever passionate Boriana gesticulating through her sax, to enchanting Bulgarian folk themes. One such composition, titled Bossamomma, which the artiste explained was inspired by her daughter, reminded one of the background themes that one generally finds in a children's movie. Pleasant strains of guitar certainly added to the effect.Now, if that wasn't enough, this quartet had a lady saxophonist. It would be safe to say that she certainly broke the norms that are usually associated with stand-and-play sophisticated jazz. In fact, this artiste appeared comfortable showing off a few dances moves, while her counterparts played their instruments and took to the spotlight in turn. Certainly a highlight of the evening was Neils' impressive drum solo that left several people in awe.As a final toast to their first time in Chennai, the Boriana Demitrova Quartet shared the stage with La Pongal's frontman, also fondly called Darbuka Siva and vocalist, Pradeep. Tamil lyrics resounded with strains of Bulgarian folk melody and the easy breeze of a guitar strumming in the background. At that point, there were no lines or boundaries or styles in the arts - just music.
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