Thursday, January 11, 2007 Older Editions

Beating a path to Andover's door

By Brian Messenger

His band might be nearing its 20th anniversary of playing together, but the music never gets old for soprano saxophonist Phil Scarff.

His four-piece band Natraj will be making an appearance at Andover's Chinmaya Maruti with violinist Tara Anand on Saturday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m.

The Indian cultural and spiritual mission wanted the band to participate in a night of music aimed at opening their doors to the community at large in part because the band is heralded by critics for both its accessibility and creativity.

"I've heard them all, and they are just wonderful," said Chinmaya volunteer Shobha Ramapriya, who helps to coordinate cultural events.

"Natraj, they do jazz with both Indian and Western music. It is amazing," she said. "Music brings so much peace to everyone who listens."

According to Scarff, Natraj has played in Andover several times before, including at the Chinmaya Maruti, 1 Union St., Route 28.

"We had a huge crowd and they were with us the whole way," Scarff said of the band's first gig at Chinmaya Maruti in Andover.

"I think we'll be accepted quite well," he said. "(We're) looking forward to a receptive audience."

Scarff, who has studied Indian music since the mid 1980s, said the goal of the evening is to "bring people in from the community who would normally not go to this venue, just to get them through the doors - hopefully, break down some barriers that might exist," he said.

Through spiritual, religious, educational, cultural and community service activities, Ramapriya said the Chinmaya mission serves millions of people around the world through its more than 260 centers.

"Everything is done by volunteers," she said. "The mission is to provide individuals from any background ... the practical means for spiritual growth."

Ramapriya noted how Hinduism is more than a religion.

"I really would love people to come and see the enthusiasm, the vibrations that are in this center," she said. "It's really powerful. It brings out such peace and calmness."

Scarff said the music of Natraj - a distinct blend of jazz, classical Indian and West African influences - is enjoyed by all sorts of people, whether it be kids, adults, seniors, college students, Americans, Africans or Indians.

"We had a vision of forming a group that would mold them and create something new from these three musical traditions," said Scarff. "The music seems to be quite accessible."

Influenced by both north and south Indian music, Natraj has blended these Indian styles, according to Scarff, a difficult task considering the great differences between the two forms.

"At this point, after all the collaborating with South Indian musicians," said Scarff, "I would no longer say we're a northern-Indian influenced group. I would say it's both. We've grown to that point."

With singable compositions, Scarff was confident listeners will go home happy after the performance.

"By the time you've heard a piece it starts sounding familiar," he said.

"It kind of meets the criteria for folk music, in a way," said Scarff. "It's easy to grasp. You can go off to your car after the show and be humming the tune."

Tickets are $14, or $10 for students and seniors, with a $2 discount for advance purchase. Kids age 6 and younger can listen for free. Call 781-729-9170.