I heard about Ashok Krish on PRI’s The World: Ashok Krish is one of those who can not only spot similarities, but reshape an entire tune — across genres, styles and cultures. I first heard of him when someone forwarded me his take on Adele’s 007 theme song, Skyfall. There are any number of cover versions of the song — from a rock take to the Russian Army Band’s interpretation and everything in between. But Ashok’s is likely the first that sets it to a classical Carnatic raga.
Here’s a haunting tune: Thumbi Vaa (Gum sum gum, Sangatthil Paadatha Kavithai) - A violin and flute version of the Harmonize Projekt’s version of the Ilayaraja classic in collaboration with Vijay Kannan.
- Thumbi Va - Malayalam
- Sangatthil Paadaatha - Tamil
- Aakasam Yenatidho - Telugu
- Gum sum gum - Hindi