Avra Banerjee – Melody of Memories (Avra Banerjee, 2024)
Melody of Memories (2024) by Avra Banerjee is a musical exploration that masterfully bridges Indian classical tradition and contemporary expression. The album is a remarkable convergence of Ghazals, Sufi sounds, and instrumental pieces, each steeped in the rich depths of Indian classical music while remaining accessible to modern audiences. He does so by creating an engaging form of world fusion. Banerjee’s compositions carry an air of serenity and introspection, inviting listeners to explore the deeper emotions that Indian classical music has long offered.
Avra Banerjee, an artist with over 15 years of classical training and a composer well-versed in world music, has collaborated with a notable ensemble of musicians for this project. The roster includes celebrated names such as Hariharan, Rashid Khan, and George Brooks, as well as emerging talents like Praashekh Borkar and Aranya Banerjee. Their collective talents shine across the album’s eight tracks, two of which are instrumental. One standout is “Harmony of Rhapsody,” an intricate composition that pairs flute and violin in a delicate duet, set against an unusual 8.5 beat cycle. It reveals Banerjee’s remarkable ability to mix rhythmic complexity with melody.
As a composer and multi-instrumentalist specializing in the sarod, Banerjee has carved out a significant presence in the world music scene. His extensive collaborations across the USA, Europe, India, and Australia, along with over 35 singles, highlight his commitment to pushing the boundaries of genre while honoring tradition. His accolades, ranging from the Global Music Awards to the Josie Music Awards, further underscore his influence. Indeed, Banerjee is a versatile artist who gracefuly navigates multiple genres, from fusion and rock to Ghazals and Sufi music.
Though the album is rich with masterful moments, there’s an occasional sense of overreaching in its jazzy saxophone elements, where the balance between tradition and innovation isn’t always seamless. However, this minor critique pales in comparison to the album’s overall accomplishment, which is an exquisite set of Indian rooted world fusion.
Avra says “Music is more an art for me than entertainment and hence I prefer to create music that is intricate and musically challenging, but at the same melodious and contemplative to the listeners.”
Buy Melody of Memories.
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.