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The complex vocal techniques of north Indian classical music have become a rich source of innovative collaborations in recent times. Arooj Aftab, a singer known for her subtle interpretations of Urdu poetry, has seamlessly blended her style with ambient synth and orchestral arrangements on her 2021 album “Vulture Prince” and 2023’s “Love in Exile.” Similarly, American vocalist Sheherazaad’s first album, “Qasr” in 2024, beautifully combines Hindi lyrics and finger-picked Spanish guitar.
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Ganavya, a singer originally from New York but raised in Tamil Nadu, is the newest artist to participate in this experimental trend. She has worked with bassist and composer Esperanza Spalding in the past and also joined the first live performance of the soul group Sault in 2023. Now, she has teamed up with British jazz musician Shabaka Hutchings to create her latest album. The album consists of 13 songs where Ganavya’s melodious Tamil singing is accompanied by bubbling modular synths and airy woodwind flutes, resulting in a blend of spiritual jazz and ambient experimentation.
Producer Floating Points and multi-instrumentalist Leafcutter John provide eerie synth textures throughout, playing like a whisper of digital wind against Ganavya’s yearning vocals on Not in An Anthropological Mood, or twinkling through arpeggios that mirror her rhythmic sargam vocalisations – an ornamental method of singing the names of musical notes – on the expansive Seal. Countering the electronics are a range of flutes played by Kofi Flexxx, reflecting Ganavya’s breath in their earthy tones on tracks such as El Kebda, Let it Go, while Alina Bzhezhinska’s plaintive harp on Forgive Me My provides gorgeous ornamentation to long, looping vocal phrases.
The album has a general vibe of calmness and tranquility, highlighted by the artist’s powerful vocals in the final track “I Walk Again, Eyes Towards the Sky.” The majority of the songs have a darker and more controlled tone, but in this particular track, Ganavya’s voice soars and showcases her emotional depth. This moment of vulnerability displays her talent and takes her traditional craft to a fresh and atmospheric level.
Additionally released this month.
Dele Sosimi, an Afrobeat keyboardist, releases his first album under his new band Estuary 21 titled The Confluence (Wah Wah 45s). The album features traditional Afrobeat sounds, including lively horn fanfares, but also incorporates new and exciting experiments with downtempo grooves. Notably, the track Open Up showcases jazz influences. Arushi Jain, known for her modular synth compositions, creates expansive soundscapes with her latest album Delight (Leaving Records). Combining elements of 80s electronic experimentation with Indian classical melodies, Jain’s work is captivating. Another impressive release is Farah Kaddour’s album Badā (Asadun Alay Records), which features emotive Arabic folk compositions. Kaddour’s skilled finger-picking on the buzuq, a stringed instrument, is dynamic and showcases her virtuosity.
Source: theguardian.com
