Guitar renaissance in Goa

For some time now the sound of the guitar was drowned by the popularity of other high-tech instruments in Goa. Valentino Fernandes recently met an enterprising group who have decided to set the equation right

The guitar enjoyed its hey days in Goa during the post liberation days when singers used it as accompaniment at picnic and parties. The advent of the hippy guitarists on the Goa scene in late 60s belting out folk songs a la Joan Baez, Bob Dylan unleashed a wave of passion for the guitar from Goa's westernised youth.

Nowadays, guitar seemed to have sunk low in popularity at the church choirs being displaced by its overbearing cousin - the electric organ while at home the CD players and at restaurant parties Karaoke ( where a crooner sings to strains of pre- recorded music tracks), have dealt a hard blow to the Goan musical creative genius.

Meanwhile, guitar teachers seemed to go in hiding while the rural beginners did not know where to go except trudge all the way to Kala Academy in Panaji (still the premier institute for learning the classical guitar as also other Indian and western instrument) and odd places to learn the rudiments of the playing art.

But there's good news for the guitar music afficinados, novices and also guitar teachers. The formation of the Goa Guitar Guild six months ago in Panjim, a guild which attracts guitarists of all disciplines, from folk, to rhythm to lead to classical, along with friends and family members, is the best development on the Goan western music scene.

A classical guitarist addict myself, I was witness to one session held at the residence of classical guitarist Rui Lobo at the foot of the Altinho Road from Panjim's church side last month and, believe me, I was simply zapped by the soothing, lilting melodies of the guitar which King Solomon would not have heard in all his glory.

I last heard a classical guitar performer in the 80s with the like of Charlie Byrd and John Williams and some odd performers at jazz shows, but this was the first time I witnessed the rich treasury of guitar repertoire unravelling in Goa itself, with experts like like Schubert Cotta, Derrick D'Souza (absent for the meeting) and Devang Mehta presiding over the guild's destiny.

Schubert a wizard at the guitar, is the guru of the GGG who constantly lectures on the fundamentals of the instrument. His constant reference to tone production will bear much fruit in the guild while Derrick of Bombay fame is acclaimed as the pioneer of classical guitar in India.

Performances given included: Variations on a theme by Mozart, by Fernando Sor (interpreted by Joaquim); V Grade piece "Fado", by Francis Kleynjans:(Jeffrey) "Love Story" a pop hit of 60s (Fr Loiola). Devang clarified concepts and helped out in the proper execution of pieces when called for.

The membership which stood at 8 at the maiden meeting has risen to two dozens. "There is no membership fee and no contribution towards the goals of GGG", says Rui Lobo another guitarist.

No hassles of accounting either so that members can plunge uninterrupted into the work of the GGG.

Since the start of the GGG, there has been no looking back. The growth has been matched by a growing awareness as to the role and function of GGGs towards development of guitar music in Goa.

Guitar in advanced form is played in many styles of which few can be played with plectrum, but all styles can be played with finger or plucking method. The basic technique of classical guitar can be universally applied to 90 per cent of guitar styles.

What's the advantage of classical guitar style? " The obvious ability is to play chosen harmony and with greater control. Especially for the kids, there is no substitute for classical guitar." says Devang. "Beginning for children, there is no substitute for formal education. They can't study harmony with a plectrum."

The kids are the future of the guitar in Goa and at least the way they played at the GGG's session was quite awesome. Arjun played "Sons de Carrilhoes", by Brazilian composer Joao Pernambuco and "Bouree by J S Bach. After `high tea', eight-year-old Kirk son of guitarist Francis Rodrigues payed "Hanv Saiba Poltodi vetam", to a thunderous applause, followed by his brother Gary playing Carcassi. Gary gave a superb rendition of "Granada" on the piano.) Raymond opened the show with his finger style accompaniment techniques for American folk music and rock and roll.

"Another aspect of GGG is Ensemble music (guitar orchestra). An unique concept in Goa conducted by Schubert himself. What's the advantage? Replies Schubert: "It teaches young musicians to listen to themselves and other ensemble members. It gives them a concept of harmony, sense of timing and familiarity with sight- reading."

Says Devang to my query, "We intend to take up music from Antonio Vivaldi to contemporary jazz and also Goan folk music, the last discipline being arranged by Fr Loiola."

Devang acknowledges the Kala Academy's contribution to classical guitar learning and is willing to provide addresses of other tuitors. (Contact GGG's office. Tel: 512513/512361.

"GGG is planning to stage an ensemble for the general public in the city early next year," reveals Devang.

Obviously, this is in keeping with the GGG's motto: Love of the guitar brings us together, and it is this love we wish to share with more and more people.

(Courtesy Gomantak Times)

Engineer Rui Lobo mentioned that the Goa Guitar Guild is going great guns. This fledging group of classical guitar enthusiasts has been meeting once a month, usually on the second Sunday, often at Rui's home on the load reading to Altinho (Panjim).

This month, if one recalls rightly, the meeting is to be held on Sunday, September 17 at 4 pm. But please confirm with loborui@bom2.vsnl.net.in  or loborui@hotmail.com (tel 22 37 09) to make sure of the time, and also because logistics of fitting a dozen-and-half guitars into a sitting room can be no mean task.
Here's to wish the GGG all the best... waiting to see their home page on the Net sometime soon. -FN

Frederick Noronha