Best Instrumental pieces of September 2021

1. A walk through Brindavan

Devan Ekambaram composes this brilliant number which is a coming-together of some terrific live instruments and musicians. The stars at the beginning are Nel Bucktowar on the Soprano Saxophone, and Vijay Gopal on the flute. There is an outstanding 21-piece string section that will blow your mind away and we have Aalaap Raju on the nylon and bass guitars, Shyam Benjamin is on the Piano, while the Tabla and percussion are played by Vikram Rozario. Let us not forget the majestic violins played by Arun Ramamurthi and VS Narasimhan. The track is based on the Neelambari Raagam. Devan excels in creating this western and Carnatic fusion. Srinivasa Raju has played the delightful Mandolin, Sarod and Harp. The unsung hero of many of AR Rahman’s hits passed away recently. The song just got Nominated at the Hollywood Music Media Awards in World Music genre, and it is the only entry from India

2. Rhapsody

Rajhesh Vaidya is a genius, and he displays that both in his playing of the Veena and his composition. Madurai R Muralidharan has written the lyrics, produced and also performed on the Konakol which becomes like a wonderful battle with the Mridangam played by Kesavan along with Veena. One can hear the Ghatam and Tabla in the background played by Sai Hari and Praveen Narayan. Malavika Rajhesh does a small vocal bit with Kumaran on drums but the show is all about the Veena. Sai Shravanam does the mixing and mastering, and recording is by Ashwin and Joshwa.

3. Postradition

This is one funky track that is fraught with style, oomph and a fusion sense that almost is unpredictable. We have Joshua Bailed and Angelo Spampinato on the drums keep the tempo charged up while Christian Li is at his innovative best in the Synth and he also handles the Piano and all other keyboard arrangements. The Tenor Saxophones are played by Alex Silver, Gabi Rose and Jared Yee and they represent the most hummable portions of this track. Rasika Shekar on the Bansuri is an A-list star and she induces the traditional texture to the track. Julia Adamy is on the bass guitars and Pran Brandi mixes with Kevin Reeves on mastering duties. Shubh Saran based in NY deserves a round of applause for composing, producing and arranging this number and roping in all such global talent. Alex Conroy has recorded the track. Can’t Wait for his “Inglish�.

4. Reach out

Tajdar Junaid has composed this immersive track and also played the main guitars which start things off. He also manages to arrange for the track which involved the strings you hear in the deeper layers. Warren Mendosa another stalwart joins in the party with the 2nd guitars. The track never transforms from its original intent and texture to captivate it you through its somberness, and you will surrender to it. Michael Pyannikov has mixed and mastered the track.

5. Days of Isolation

Chandresh Kudwa takes us along the road to perdition and hell with this splendid hard rock number and he is nothing short of brilliant on the electric guitars. The drums are equally splendid and what else would you expect with Gino Banks holding the sticks. This is a track showcasing two dexterous artists at work. I definitely do sense a bit of Raag Bhairav when Chandresh strums his way in into higher planes of musical nirvana

6. Hues of Dawn

Keshav Mohankumar composes and plays the Violin in this fantastic piece set Kalyani Raaga, and he is supported by some fabulous musicians like Shamith S Gowda on the Ghatam, Sujayeendra Rao on the Tabla, Samrudh Srinivas on the flute. The wonderful keys we hear in the background are played by Sai Shiv Lakshmi Keshav while he also does the mixing and mastering.