A New Day
Eternal, 2023
8/10
Truly a worldly effort, the players on this album span many countries, and Emam and Mahalakshmi bring their inimitable talents to a highly fusion filled 10 songs.
The title track opens the listen with flowing melodies and soothing singing, where Steve Robertson’s fluid drumming and Robert Szydło precise bass won’t go unnoticed, and “Song For Mahalakshmi” follows with a distinct dreaminess that uses Chhote Rahimat Khan’s sitar with much grace.
Halfway through, “I Will Come Back Again” offers a rich approach of well timed grooves, where Mukesh Sharma’s sarod radiates, while “Hanged Man” is an intimate and pretty album highlight that showcases Gari Hegedus’ oud prowess.
“11th Hour” and “Dawn” exit the listen, as the former swirls with an Eastern influence that illuminates Mahalakshm’s powerful and expressive pipes, and the latter focuses much on mood, via the wordless vocals that float above the textured instrumentation.
The tracks here take inspiration from the Summer of Love and Indian Classical music, and the meshing of rock, jazz, Indian, choral and New Age medicine music creates a very unique and enlightening experience.
Travels well with: Plena Libre- Cuatro Esquinas; Galeet Dardashti- Monajat