Berklee Indian Ensemble – Shuruaat (2022)
Shuruaat is the new album by an ensemble of talented and innovative musicians called Berklee Indian Ensemble.
Although the Berklee Indian Ensemble was started by an Indian musician and is deeply grounded in Indian musical traditions, the band includes musicians from various nations who contribute a wide range of musical influences.
Shuruaat is a beautiful and spectacular album that highlights the talent of ensemble founder, pianist and composer Annette Philip and her colleagues. The musicians present a captivating set that includes stunning vocal and instrumental performances, bringing together Indian vocal percussion techniques, gorgeous and captivating voices and superb instrumental work, along with engaging violin and guitar performances.
The ensemble crosses musical boundaries seamlessly, intertwining Indian classical music, masterfully crafted progressive rock, jazz sensibilities and beyond.
Founder Annette Philip says, “It is fitting that Shuruaat (which means “new beginning” in Hindi) showcases our journey so far, and the one we’re about to begin.”
Shuruaat includes a stellar cast of guests, including tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, outstanding singers Shankar Mahadevan and Vijay Prakash, and Bollywood superstar Shreya Ghoshal.
Berklee Indian Ensemble professional band members include Harshitha Krishnan (Nigeria / India) on vocals; Rohith Jayaraman (USA) on vocals and percussion; Annette Philip (India) on piano and vocals; Shai Portugaly (Israel) on keyboards and vocals; Layth Sidiq (Jordan / Iraq) on violin; Aleif Hamdan (Indonesia / Malaysia) on guitar; Yoel Genin (Israel) on guitar and bouzouki; Guy Bernfeld (Israel) on bass; Giri Subramaniam (India) on tabla and percussion; Thomas Debelian (Brazil / Norway / Armenia) on percussion; and Yogev Gabay (Israel) on drum set and percussion.
Author: World Music Central News Room
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