Debashish Bhattacharya – The Sound of the Soul (Abstract Logix, 2023)
Composer and guitarist Debashish Bhattacharya‘s latest album, “The Sound of the Soul,” pays homage to another Hindustani music master, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, on the occasion of his 100th birthday. The album features Bhattacharya on his self-designed chaturangui guitar, with accompaniment from percussionists Padmashree Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri or Pandit Akhilesh Gundechha.
On “The Sound of the Soul,” Debashish Bhattacharya masterfully builds a bridge between Indian classical raga music and modern traditions from Europe and North America. With a minimal setting of guitar and percussion, listeners are able to experience his flawless and breathtaking technique.
Bhattacharya presents four lengthy musical pieces that range from deeply mesmerizing, tranquil moods to dazzling speed sections, where he shows the world his remarkable skill and musical vitality.
The chaturangui is a six-string lapsteel guitar with additional drone, rhythm, and resonating strings, bridging the traditions of East and West.
Born into a family with deep roots in Indian music, Bhattacharya brought together his passion for Hawaiian steel guitar with Hindustani forms, developing a new instrumental tradition in the process.
Musicians: Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya on chaturangui (Hindustani slide guitar); Pandit Akhilesh Gundechha on pakhawaj; and Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri on tabla.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.