There are only seven musical notes, but they mesmerize us with their varied colors and textures. Renowned sitar artist Purbayan Chatterjee’s latest album ‘Unbounded’ (Aabad) reiterates this. Recently released by UK-based imprint ‘Sufi Score’, the collaborative project features musicians from India, the US and the UK and is a fusion of jazz, folk, country, Sufi and Indian classical.
Indian musicians are Zakir Hussain (tabla), U Rajesh (mandolin), V. Selvaganesh (kanjira), Shankar Mahadevan (vocals) and Gayatri Ashokan (vocals), Deepak Pandit (violin) and Purbayan Chatterjee (sitar), while the composers are . Global artists from the west include Bella Fleck (banjo), Gary Husband (drums and piano), Jordan Rudess (keyboards), Thana Alexa (jazz vocals), Pat Metheny (drums), Snarky Puppy (bass), Anat Cohen (Clarionet) . , and composer Antonio Sanchez.
Purbayan’s talent for composition and his ease on the sitar strings comes through in the very first track ‘Shanmukhpriya – The Mystic’, a synthesis of the Carnatic Alpana, Hindustani Sargam and the slogan presented by Shankar Mahadevan, the cellist’s subtle play. paves the way. Emanuel Keller with Ana Stromer on viola, Bengisu Gokse on violin and Indonesian guitarist Elif Hamdan. Together, they give the music a global feel augmented by the modern Latin jazz soundscape.
This mix is noticed throughout the album, be it in ‘Khula Asman’ based on the raga Yaman, ‘Intezaar’ (The Wait) in which Dadra’s ‘Mujhse Chhod Ke Na Jao Saawariya…’, ‘Lalita’ (the Mother) yes. Or the ending ‘Unbounded (populated)’.
The track ‘Sukoon’ (catharsis) begins with Purbayan’s sitar creating a romantic atmosphere with Raga Pahari as the prelude to the Rehana Qamar Ghazal sung by Gayatri and Grammy-nominated jazz singer Thana. Provides the Major scale for Alexa’s penetrating voice. Interspersed with a jazz choir, led by Gayatri Thana, adds some gentle vocals to sharpen the passage of the poem. Zakir’s tabla accompaniment enhances the effect of the musical exchange. Says Gayatri, “Working with Thana is a dream while Zakirji is a privilege to play for me. Ghazal-jazz fusion is a very experimental piece, but it worked because both styles have been improvised. “
Talking about the project, Purbayan says, “It was great when these amazing actors agreed to be a part of this venture. Of course, the main motivator was Zakir Bhai, without whose help I wouldn’t have brought actors like Bella Fleck on board. The whole thing came together in a matter of weeks, although it took a few months to execute. It was not easy during the pandemic with all of us located in different parts of the world and in different time zones. ”
Delhi-based writers write on classical music.
.