Alam Khan, Arjun Verma, Jack Perla & Del Sol Quartet – The Resonance Between (Six Degrees & AMMP, 2023)
The Resonance Between is a groundbreaking collaboration among artists Alam Khan (sarod), Arjun K. Verma (sitar), and the Del Sol Quartet. This project fuses Indian and European classical music along with modern western influences in a way that goes beyond mere juxtaposition, creating a contemporary instrumental sound that harmoniously combines the two traditions.
The album highlights the Indian classical mastery of Khan and Verma, who teamed up with cross-cultural composer Jack Perla. The American string ensemble Del Sol Quartet, led by violist Charlton Lee, adds a unique touch with their multicultural approach to chamber music. The strings of the quartet beautifully complement the Indian instruments, resulting in cinematic soundscapes that are both emotionally expressive and thought-provoking.
Although the entire album is outstanding, featuring a feast of dazzling solo performances and interplay, one piece highlights the laid back side of the musicians. It is a transfixing piece called “Rebirth” that feels like an acoustic version of progressive psychedelia. Indeed, a truly mesmerizing mix of strings and wordless vocals.
The music embodies movement, suspense, and various emotions, painting a rich tapestry of sound. The recording features talented tabla percussionists, adding depth to the ensemble. This innovative work stands as a continuation of the grand traditions of Indian classical music while carving its path in the modern world. The Resonance Between represents a journey of emotions and identity, that may resonate with audiences worldwide.
Khan, Verma, and Del Sol Quartet are joined in the recording by some of the best young tabla drummers at this time, Ojas Adhiya, Ishaan Ghosh, and Nilan Chaudhuri.
Alam Khan is the grandson of Allauddin Khan, and the highly respected Ali Akbar Khan, with whom he studied and toured extensively. Alam teaches advanced instrumental classes at the influential Ali Akbar College of Music in San Rafael, California. Significantly, Alam is acknowledged as his father’s true creative heir and the face of a new generation of sarod players of the Maihar Gharana tradition.
“Making this music was my way of honoring while attempting to further the innovations made by both my grandfather and father. Incorporating my sphere of musical influences and conceptual nature allowed for me to express that world between worlds,” said Khan. “As a mixed race multidisciplinary musician, creating from this world between worlds is my way of sharing my identity and unique upbringing both musically and culturally. It is of the utmost importance to convey this through my contemporary works.”
Arjun K. Verma, son of acclaimed sitarist Roop Verma, began studying sitar with his father at the age of five. Later, he went on to study with Ali Akbar Khan, in whose Maihar Gharana style of Hindustani classical music his playing is rooted. He has performed at the United Nations, on national television, and recorded with artists ranging from the London Symphony Orchestra to GRAMMY winner John Beasley.
Verma articulated, “So many cross-cultural projects with Indian instruments are rooted in other genres, so creating a contemporary album rooted in Indian classical music is really a dream come true. But, there was not much precedent for us to follow. Composing for string quartet along with Indian instruments opened up a lot of possibilities in terms of harmony and new textures, but at the same time challenged us to figure out how to make each instrument shine in its own right without being overshadowed by others. Ultimately, I feel that we discovered a lot of new musical territory, and I’m excited to share this with the world.”
Composer Jack Perla has long been respected for his specific cross-fertilizations of jazz, improvisation, world music influences, and classical music.
Musicians: Alam Khan on sarod; Arjun K. Verma on sitar; and the Del Sol Quartet: Hyeyung Sol Yoon, violin; Benjamin Kreith, violin; Charlton Lee, viola; and Kathryn Bates, cello.
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Author: Claudia Taylor
