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Melodic Intersect: Looking Forward
ByMelodic Intersect has a sound that both world music lovers and jazz aficionados will find exciting and easy to relate to. "Jazzy Streets of Mumbai" begins the series of eight tracks with a relaxed melody stated in rubato. Around the one-minute mark the entire band enters and the groove is established, similar to a condensed raga in form. Islam takes the first solo; his lines are relaxed and interact well with the surrounding rhythms and fills. Khan's solo builds the intensity, with quick lines and flurries, he leads the ensemble into a climax that is both musically satisfying and leads to the ending statement. "The Chase" is Melodic Intersect at its best. Sensual instrumentation, infectious rhythms, and robust melodies. Everything about Melodic Intersect is an unexpected musical treat, it seems to be why their music appeals to such a wide-ranging audience. Simply, it feels good. Both Khan and Islam are constantly conversing between one another. Hossain's tabla playing is amazing, both filling the spaces and providing support, he drives the energy as the ensemble takes us on a musical journey of pure delight.
Fiery, passionate and strong, Melodic Intersect ends the set with an all percussion based track "Rhythmicpaths." Sharma, Abbas and Hossain offer varied and complex rhythms that Indian music is celebrated for. Hossain's tabla playing is front and center. He easily builds his solo, interweaving rhythmic melodies and themes amongst passionate eruptions of technical feats across his two tablas. It's an amazing amount of sound, range and colors he gets from the skins.
Melodic Intersects' Looking Forward is a presentation of different musical influences with a strong basis in Indian classical music. With conversational improvisational elements, the music is cultrualy diverse and passionate. The beauty of the interaction between the musicians and the rhythmic diversity, combined with brilliantly inventive and virtuosic solos is the integral ingredients to the success of this album.
Track Listing
Jazzy Streets Of Mumbai; The Chase; Without Borders; Memory Lane; Starry Gaze; Adolescence; Keys Of Resolve; Rhythmic Paths.
Personnel
Enayet Hossain
tablasGreg Hatza
organ, Hammond B3Hidayat Husain Khan
sitarJoy Islam
guitarFred Koch
saxophoneQamar Abass: cajon; Avirodh Sharma: world percussion.
Album information
Title: Looking Forward | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Aimrec
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Melodic Intersect
CD/LP/Track Review
Geannine Reid
Looking Forward
Aimrec
Enayet Hossain
Hidayat Khan
Vilayat Khan
Greg Hatza
Joy Islam
Fred Koch
Avirodh Sharma
Qamar Abbas