Raja's rhythm innovation stage 6

This requires creating a prelude, interlude or postlude with more than one Indian and Western rhythm instrument.

There are too many examples for this type of innovation as Raja uses this very frequently in his compositions. I will list a few top of mind examples, that does not include Raja’s common rhythm instrument - tabla.

The prelude and the interlude 2 of Andhi Mazhai from Rajapaarvai (1980) uses the mirudhangam and drums (more specifically hi-hat).

The prelude of the song Naan Vanagugiraen in Guru (1980) uses the duffle, drums, and tabla as the prelude.

Vandhadhe Kunkumam from Kizhakku Vaasal (1990) uses a combination of mirudhangam and synth drums through the pallavi and the 1st interlude. This track is set to the standard 6/8 rhythm all the way till the second interlude where the rhythm switches to the ¾ waltz for some time and returns to the 6/8 time signature before turning control to the pallavi.

Let's first hear the 1st pallavi and interlude 1. Pay attention to the synth drums and mirudhangam set to standard 6/8 time signature...



Let's next hear the interlude 2 set initially to the 3/4 waltz rhythm and observe the switch to the 6/8 within the interlude itself before the pallavi begins...



All the ludes (pre and inter) of the song Vannapoo thattu in the film Chinna Jameen (1993) is unique with a strange mix of thavil and Western drums sharing the same time signature.

Let's hear this interesting mix of thavil and drums...




Vennilavil venilavil from Adhiradipadai (1994) uses drums and vibraslap (Vibraslap) throughout the track for rhythm.

Raja has used vibraslap in several compositions. Let's hear the track...




Another very unique Raja rhythm experiment - Aasai idhayam –from Kanmani (1994) uses the bass drum and big cymbal throughout the track from the prelude to the final pallavi. The arrangement continues from the pallavi and the first interlude too. The first interlude initially does not appear like a typical Raja lude, but you are blown away by the flute and the violins at the end of lude – how can someone think of such a combination? What a drum arrangement with a mesmerizing flute and violins!

Let's hear the 1st pallavi and interlude of Aasai Idhayam...




The prelude of the track Appadi Paakarthinna Veandam from Ivann (2002) uses the drums, mirudhangam beautifully along with the synthesizer. The interludes use the hi-hat beautifully for rhythm.

Let's hear the enticing Appadi...




The prelude and the pallavi of the song Azhagana manjapura from Ellame En Rasathaan (1995) use a combination of a duffle and thavil as rhythm support.

Let's hear the prelude and pallavi of Azhagana...




The track Chella Thathee from Manasinakkare (2003 Malayalam) is an interesting track. The track is fully set on synth drums and the composer chooses to mix it with mirudhangam in the second interlude.

Let's hear the unique Chella Thathee ...




The track Siru Siru Siragugalil from Konji Pesalam (2003) is fully set to synth drums and mirudhangam. The pallavis alone are set this way by the composer.

Let's hear the pallavi of Siru Siru... Notice, the experiment leaves the melody intact and enhances it and not spoil it as we hear in several new tracks by current composers. That's the touch of the genius. The unique ability to choose the right rhythm for the right melody..
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