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Bollywood music director and composer Sandeep Chowta’s lifelong dream to record with his jazz idols, including John Scofield and Bunny Brunel, came to a fruition last week after Universal Music Classics released an album of Indian melody and jazz improvisation Nov. 13.
Described as “a cross-cultural intersection” seldom heard in the jazz world, the album has already hit No. 8 on India iTunes top 20 list. The album has been produced with his friend and musical partner, New Jersey-based vocalist, Sanjay Chitale.
Several years ago the two embarked on a two-year-long journey across the United States, knocking on doors, calling friends, crashing on couches and recording music with the jazz legends they sought out.
Ultimately, it paid.
American Pilgrimage fuses jazz improvisation with ethereal Indian grooves. Sandeep would lay down tracks, creating a backdrop of pulsing Indian rhythms and melodies and Sanjay would add his floating vocals. The two would present the tracks to the jazz artists, who all displayed their own brand of virtuosity, finding new voice in the context of these foreign sounds.
“Thodi Thodi” features John Scofield wailing on his guitar, reminiscent of a sitar against the bubbling pulse of Sandeep’s tabla. Scofield recorded his solo in one take, asking innocently “Was that okay?” to stunned and satisfied Sandeep and Sanjay. Scofield says of the project, “I rarely find myself in a wholly different musical world but in this instance I did. It was a pleasure to work with these fine musicians.”
“Kesariya” is a traditional Rajasthani folk composition featuring Dave Valentine on flute and Jay Oliver on keyboard, who infuse the tune with elements of jazz. “Tu” is an echoing, atmospheric song featuring bassist Bunny Brunel, who remarked, “I was so amazed at the freedom with which Indian singers choose their notes. The whole experience was simply incredible.”
The final track, “American Pilgrimage Collage,” is a stunning, languid composition interspersed with the conversations of Eddie Daniels, John Scofield, Bunny Brunel and Sandeep – a glimpse into the genial nature of the remarkable recording collaboration.
Chowta’s work can be heard in some of the biggest Bollywood films such as Om Shanti Om and Rowdy Rathore. He has also has recorded his own jazz albums, including Mitti and Matters of the Heart, both on Sony Music. Chitale’s life was rooted in music until he found himself working in Information technology. When the opportunity to record American Pilgrimage came along, he sold his investments and went head first into the project.
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