News

McLaughlin is great to jam with: Naveen

By May 22, 2010 No Comments

Meet Naveen Kumar, one of the most skilled flautists our country has. He is best known among studio circles for his session work with AR Rahman, especially in the music for movies like Roja and Bombay.

Naveen has worked with top notch musicians in Bollywood and has also collaborated with international artists such as John McLaughlin. He has recently launched his second album Cafe Fluid which is a convergence of global sounds featuring an array of fantastic musicians. Here, he shares the experience of all of this and more

How were you introduced to music?
My father was really into music and he had various different instruments at home. As a child I would sing with my father all the time. At the age of fourteen I came across the flute in my fathers collection of instruments and was fascinated by it. Playing the flute came to me naturally and I would spend all day coming up with new tunes on the flute.

Can you tell us about your experience working with A R Rahman?
I worked with AR Rahman for the first time when we were doing the music for Roja, and I have worked with him a lot after that. He is an amazing person, he creates a very comfortable work atmosphere. Before we start he always discusses what he wants from me, but he also gives me liberty to play around with it the way I like. I respect AR Rahman a lot and I have learnt immensely from him. I am going on a world tour with him soon.

You have just launched Cafe Fluid your new album, so can you tell us a little about it?
It took me about two years to complete this album. I have created a little story board for every song. The first track is my favorite, it has an uptempo beat that I have maintained throughout the album. Other musicians such as L.A. cellist Matt Cooper, Chennai veena player Rajesh Vaidya along with old hand Louis Banks and skilled guys like Selva Ganesh, Sanjay Divecha and Keith Peters also feature in the album.

You worked with John Mclaughlin, how was that experience?
I have been a fan of John. It was an amazing experience working with him. We jammed and came up with different melodies, it was fun. John is just great to work with!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now?
I don’t really know and I don’t think about it much. I’ve just left my future up to God, where ever he wishes to take me!