Bhumika

Those in the West intrigued by India's rich musical traditions used to face a long trip to learn more. Now the subcontinent comes to you. Since arriving in Canada in 1983, Kolkata-born Ritesh Das has taught tabla to curious Canadians and fellow ex-pats alike. His ensemble's sixth album demonstrates an openness to evolving traditions. ‘Sare Panch with Taiko’ offers a hypnotic fusion with Japanese taiko percussion, while ‘Regenesis’ is a electro-influenced mash-up.

Ultimately Bhumika is all about rhythm. ‘Sare Nau’ offers succour for the syncopation junkies with its fiendish nine-and-a-half beat cycle, on which the ensemble's tablas flock from stutter to stampede. The groove is infectious, giving ample demonstration of why Indian rhythm systems have fascinated Western musicians from George Harrison to John McLaughlin. Bhumika is at times a curiosity. ‘Casual’ is a concept track based around a practice session, and is not the only piece that leaves the listener feeling like a fly-on-the-wall at a highly accomplished tabla workshop. Ultimately though there is more than enough imagination and zest packed into this album to commend it.