By Mannu Shahi
Kathmandu, Jan. 31: Hari Maharjan is the man behind the most authentically executed iconic riffs of many outfits standing out in the early 2000s’. From the guitar-hook of Resham, Sa Karnali, Hukka Mero and many more one may not exactly recall his name due to our cultural lack of music appreciation but wouldn’t hesitate to show off some dance moves if they get a chance to hear his music in loud speakers at parties or in a live setting. This brilliant guitar player has dedicated his life to perform, compose, arrange and teach music and has actively been contributing his share of ideas to the world for nearly 3 decades. With specialization on Gypsy Jazz, Maharjan’s work is mostly noted for his ability to extend the guitar from solely western patterns and incorporate a sense of storytelling triggering his native stimuli.
HMP (Hari Maharjan Project) is an instrumental ensemble, formed in 2008 by the guitar player to channel creativity and explore wide possibilities of music. With an open-minded approach of contemporizing traditional sounds by exploring, experimenting and assimilating various genres and elements of music from all over the world, the band has already released three full length albums Kalakarmi (2008), Sudina (2012) and Going into Three (2019). Critically acclaimed and widely appreciated in the global gypsy jazz community the artist claims the first album to provide “a soothing bridge between grooves and motif of eastern classical and jazz”, the second album referring “to the optimism of a beautiful day and a unique experience of Kathmandu.” While their third entry which was soft launched in Nepal consisting of 11 tracks featuring some world-class grammy winning musicians and produced by Peter Keijsers was recorded in Holland.
Apart from his solo project Maharjan is also the axe-man for legendary acts like Karma, Robin and The New Revolution, Project One, Nepathya (in the past) and has collaborated with acts like French guitarist Daniel Givone, Indian vocalist Arko Mukherjee, Kutumba, Swish gypsy jazz duo: Alice and Gregg, Salsa Dance Academy of Kathmandu to name a few. He is also the founder of Nepal Gypsy Jazz festival; western guitar instructor at Kathmandu University and department head of gypsy jazz at Nepal Music Centre. And yesterday evening under the banner Jazz Caravan at Gypsy Swing Patan, HMP performed live after a long gap due to social distancing protocols. The entry tickets were priced Rs. 500 with complimentary tea/ coffee/ snacks, the event featured popular Indian musician and composer Chris Masand.