A harmonious resonance with music has been imprinted in JA Jayant’s life from infancy. A mere ten months old when he first held a flute in his tiny hands, he has embarked on a remarkable journey that has led him to become a distinguished exponent of the Carnatic flute. Now 30, Jayant stands as a torchbearer of the Flute Mali style of Carnatic flute playing, leaving an indelible mark on the global music scene.
Born into a family steeped in musical tradition, Jayant’s early connection to the bamboo flute was nurtured within the revered guru-shishya parampara of Indian classical music. Guided by his late grandfather and mentor, flautist TS Sankaran, a recipient of the Sangeet Natak Academy award, Jayant’s journey into the art of playing the flute was a natural progression.
Exploring the intricacies of his craft, Jayant unveils the unique challenges of mastering an instrument that is inherently imperfect. “Flute is a very difficult instrument to master,” he shares. “No flute is perfectly calibrated in terms of precision with which it has been tuned to the pitch.” Highlighting the need to adhere to the standard of 440 hertz, Jayant underscores the flautist’s role in crafting beauty from imperfection.
Jayant’s musical odyssey began at the age of seven, and since then, he has enthralled audiences with over 1,800 solo and jugalbandi performances across the globe. His early accomplishment of playing Raagam Thanam Pallavi (RTP) in three speeds (Trikaalam) in his debut concert drew astonishment and admiration from fellow musicians and audiences alike.
Dedication to his craft defines Jayant’s daily routine, where he devotes three to four hours to practicing the flute. Characterizing his connection to the art as ‘Bhakti’ (devotion), he shares, “I devote three to four hours of my day to practicing the instrument, which is a must.” Jayant’s commitment shines through in his virtuoso fingering and flute-blowing technique, which enables him to navigate the challenging lower octaves on thick-walled bamboo flutes while maintaining pitch and tonal quality.
The illustrious flautist’s prowess has graced renowned venues such as the Madras Music Academy and Swathi Sangeethotsavam. His musical journey also extends to the world of cinema, having recorded for acclaimed music director Harris Jayaraj in the film “Spyder.”
Venturing beyond his homeland, Jayant’s artistry has traversed international borders, captivating audiences across the United States, France, Germany, Sweden, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Reunion Islands, and more. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the first Carnatic musician to perform in approximately 24 cities in France.
Jayant’s global forays have fostered an exchange of musical culture, as he collaborates with international artists and introduces Carnatic music to curious Western audiences. Reflecting on these experiences, Jayant reveals, “Audiences abroad, especially in the West, have always welcomed me and my craft with a lot of respect and curiosity.” He notes their keen interest in understanding the nuances of Carnatic music’s performance format.
Looking ahead, Jayant anticipates an exciting world tour, commencing next month. His itinerary includes performances at the prestigious Fes Festival of World Sacred Music in Morocco and the renowned Théâtre de la Ville in Paris. As he embarks on this musical voyage, Jayant reflects on the beauty of his journey, where every note he plays resonates as an embodiment of dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to perfecting an imperfect instrument.
