Bhattarcharya, Pandit Debashish – “Madeira” – [TriDev Music]

Thurston Hunger   11/1/2013   CD, International

Hypnotic, fluid sound stirred by the hand of a master. Whereas
the slide guitar in Western music adds a drop of dissonance
to an oderly song and scale, Pandit Debashish’s Hindustani
style is a part of the ocean of sound. No funny twist, no
drunken mistep, instead it takes to the clouds, the ephemeral
linger as on the title track but he can also work in a more frantic
fingerpicking foray, as found on “Morning Gait” At times that feels
like a parallel world of Bach on the bayou blues. In both those
soft sway of tambura is something we soak in, and brother
Subhasis Bhattarcharjee keeps the secret time of the universe
like only tabla can. Subhasis rises in prominence on more
driving, less floating “Jhoom” that’s the one if you’re looking
for a secret door to psych rock. Next up, the family affair
continues as father and daughter, Anandi, find a harmonic flow.
Her steadiness, his devotion. Notice the crisp as morning air
production. Lastly “O My Beloved” feels like a song with
bitter undercurrents, a gentle darkness to leave the listener
wanting more, and so we shall be rewarded with a live visit
11/1/2013. Check out the hand-fashioned instrument to match
the sounds.

-Thurston Hunger