kudamaloorji
A self-taught flautist, born on 29th May 1969 as the son of Sri. G. Krishna Iyer (Rtd.School teacher in Govt. H.S.Kundamloor) and Smt. Annapoorni Ammal.
Right from his childhood days he displayed an exceptional aptitude and longing to gauge the inexplicable traits of music the basic lessons of which were imparted to him by his father. Gradually, his inquisitiveness got allured to the world of instrumental music. Interestingly, it was from a “toy flute” we find in festival places, Janardanan began his sojourn. “That’s just a coincidence,” says the maestro whenever he hears someone refer to that incident. Though Kudamaloor is a name that has been immortalized by the art of Kathakali, when it comes to the musical tradition, the place has hardly any name to count upon.
Moreover the flautists in the state were considerably less and there was no method for Janardanan other than learning vocal and imbibe its traits into flute. His paternal uncle, K Sivaramakrishna Iyer, a prominent flautist was in fact, the only source of guidance during that period. Much different from the present atmosphere, those proved the best of times for prodigies in the school - college level festivals in Kerala. Keeping pace with his achievements in his childhood, Jandardanan bagged the first place in flute 4 times consecutively in the state school festivals. Praises were showered upon him; however deep down, the inquiring mind of a genuine music student remained sad. His awareness about the unexplored faces of music kept bothering him where his questions and doubts always remained unanswered.
Long before, he had resolved and realized that getting into the hall of fame is a short lived affair and it never helps an artist mould a career of perfection. He has been awarded scholarship for higher studies in music from the Department of Culture, Govt. of India.
Mastering techniques plays a crucial role as far as an instrumentalist is concerned. But who is the real master and where is he? The exploration finally leads to nothing else but music itself. What all you need is only the passion and dedication towards music. No other tutor could be better. The experience in his later life proved and justified clearly that his decision was absolutely right.
If an artist who had his start from a “toy flute” could develop a distinct identity among the top array of flautists that is solely because of his determination and hard work.
Now Janardanan masters a distinct and inimitable style. The capability of preserving the melodious charm while exploring whichever octave it be; is one of his salient marks. Over years, he has been giving flute concerts in several remarkable centers of music and gatherings of repute. The famous Soorya festival, Sree Swathi Thirunal Music festival known popularly as Kuthiramalika festival are some of those pride of places. He has performed with Dr. Balamuralikrishna- the living legend at Shanmukhananda Hall, Mumbai. The performance blazed new trails and opened exquisite moments for music lovers.
He has many CD releases to his credit. Keli, Viraha, Swathi Murali, Madhava Murali, Mohana Murali, Ganesha Murali, Pranam - A tribute to the Shehnai Maestro (late) Ustad Bismillah khan, Kaivalyam - Music for meditation are some of them
Sri. Janardanan is an “ A “ Grade flautist and also empanelled musician of the I. C. C. R. He is proficient in vocal and had his graduation from the University of Madras in violin. He has achieved significant landmarks as a music composer too.
Despite having come a long way, Janardanan is well aware of the road ahead and is now mastering new ways of blending technology into a creative environment and is pledged to assign a distinct identity to flute as a solo instrument.