Drummer Thomas Friggens Blends Cultures with Shades of Shakti

Drummer Thomas Friggens has taken an unconventional path in the music scene, forming the group Shades of Shakti to explore the fusion of Indian, classical, and jazz music. Collaborating with guitarist Justin Clarke, violinist Tristan Carter, and tabla player Basant Madhur, Friggens aims to bring a fresh rhythm to stages that traditionally do not feature drum sets in Indian-inspired performances.

The band officially formed in 2017 after Friggens discovered the music of Shakti, a Grammy Award-winning fusion group. “I was really interested in it and hadn’t heard it before,” he recalled. Their initial concerts at the Wellington Jazz Festival showcased a blend of music that was both joyous and rhythmically complex, allowing Friggens to engage with various instruments and styles.

Creating New Musical Experiences

Shades of Shakti has since expanded its repertoire to include works by renowned artists such as Ravi Shankar and Yehudi Menuhin, alongside original compositions crafted by Clarke. This unique approach allows the group to explore new arrangements and presentations of traditional music.

Friggens emphasized the importance of adapting to the tonal qualities of Indian music, which often features intricate polyrhythmic structures. “I’ve had to learn how to fit in tonally and complement the rest of the band rather than dominate them sonically,” he said. His background in jazz has equipped him to navigate these complexities, allowing him to incorporate signature elements into improvisations that elevate the overall musical experience.

In his journey as a musician, Friggens joined the Strike Percussion Ensemble, known for its energetic and choreographed performances. This experience introduced him to diverse musical styles, including gamelan from Indonesia and traditional music from the Cook Islands. His foray into Balkan music further broadened his understanding of the rich tapestry of global sounds.

Connecting Communities Through Music

Friggens’ commitment to sustainable music careers in New Zealand often leads him to teach while performing with various bands, such as Makeshift Parachutes and Snakebone. “I do lots of concerts playing this kind of music. But I also get to play pop music, rock and roll, or all sorts of things,” he explained, highlighting the versatility required to thrive in the music industry.

The upcoming tour will allow Shades of Shakti to perform in different venues, showcasing their ability to adapt their music to various settings. “We can have really acoustic situations, or really high levels of production,” Friggens noted. This flexibility enhances their connection with diverse audiences and communities.

Shades of Shakti is set to perform at the Clarkson Studio in the Regent Theatre, Dunedin on November 19, 2023, and at the Eastern Southland Art Gallery on November 18, 2023. As Friggens continues to explore the intersections of different musical traditions, he remains dedicated to sharing the excitement and joy that this unique blend of cultures can bring to the stage.