Bhattacharya/Grønseth/Wessel

The dialogue between Hindustani classical and jazz music has a storied past. This latest effort to expand the lexicon draws on the lingua franca established by John McLaughlin and Zakir Hussain with the group Shakti, justifying comparison to those greats with a suite of understated musical conversations. Recorded across three continents over 12 years, you might expect a patchwork feel from the album, but it is rich and consistent. Debashish Bhattacharya's North Indian slide guitar leads the quartet in languid explorations, shifting between melody and improvisation as naturally as inhaling and exhaling.

There is no retreat into the excessive virtuosity that can blight both Hindustani classical and jazz music. On opener ‘Kirwani’, American guitarist Kenny Wessel playfully suggests a tango-ish feel over the raga rhythms of Subhasis Bhattacharya's tabla. Saxophonist Anders Lønne Grønseth's playing recalls that of his compatriot, saxophone colossus Jan Garbarek, while offering a fresh, sweeter tone. Debashish Bhattacharya's unique instrument reveals its inspiration in the Hawaiian slide guitar, ranging from a down-home twang to bright tones that recall an Appalachian dulcimer. These flourishes lead naturally to the American folk standard ‘Goodnite Irene’, which serves as a fitting finale to an album that offers a subtle blend of raga and Americana.