The Music of Harris Jeyaraj

[vasanth2006]

Aadhavan’s a treat to the ears’



… says Harris Jayaraj on his latest album


SRINIVASA RAMANUJAM Times News Network




The uproar over his supposed rift with Gautham Menon has just died down, with the director getting Oscar winner Rahman to set the tunes for his next movie. Harris Jayaraj seems a bit tired on that front, but that’s not stopping him from turning to his first love — music.
His songs in Vaaranam Aayiram came in for a lot of praise and going by the hard work he’s put in, that’s the same result that
he’s expecting for his tunes in the upcoming Suriyastarrer Aadhavan. And, he’s just waiting for the album to hit the stores.
“There’s a surprise for my fans in it,” he starts off, “The album will be a treat to the ears. I’ve used Dr Burn for a rap bit that’ll have the youth on their feet.” But, that’s not all — in the craze for composing peppy tunes, the affable musician hasn’t forgotten the old-world charm associated with yesteryear singers. “I’ve also gotten Mano to sing a song for me… now, how’s that,” he asks, with a twinkle in his eyes.
It could well be coincidence, but Harris has been scoring for a lot of Suriya movies. Harris expects the music of Aadhavan to be as popular as his Ayan, if not better. So, what’s the connection between Suriya and soulful music? “There’s some connection there, I think,” he muses, pondering for a minute, “Actually, when it comes to Suriya, he’s able to translate my songs well onscreen. His expressions and moves add value to the songs that I compose.”
So, like Suriya, is Harris a romantic at heart too? “No, not at all,” he smiles, “I’m more of a spiritual person these days. My romance is with God.”
It’s on that same note that he talks about his once-favourite director Gautham Menon, with whom he worked on Vaaranam Aayiram. “Anyone will want to work with Gautham,” is all he has to say when asked if he’ll work with the Kaakha Kaakha filmmaker again, “He gave me a chance to try out a dappankuthu type of a number in his film (Anjala…) and I’ll never forget that.”
Does he feel that he ought to have got Vinnaithaandi Varuvayaa, a project in which Gautham joins hands with A R Rahman? “Not at all,” he states, “I’m sure that this new combination will rock.”
Will he want to sign Gautham’s next film at least? “It’s not in my hands,” he says, shrugging his shoulders, “God gives me a decision when it has to be made and that’s how it works. I have no say in my decisions.” Philosophers, take a bow!