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ha

ha

a review by marc freeman of
release format ha by Talvin Singh (CD Album)

text

In describing his infamous novel, 'The Satanic Verses' author Salman Rushdie stated that his book "celebrates hybridity, impurity, intermingling, the transformation that comes out of new and unexpected combinations of human beings, cultures, ideas, politics, movies, songs. It rejoices in mongrelization and fears the absolutism of the pure. Melange, hotch-potch, a bit of this and a bit of that is how newness enters the world."

With his newest release 'ha', London-born India-trained tabla virtuoso and producer Talvin Singh has also invited us to join in a celebration of hybridity. Singh's celebration involves a sensory feast of musical East-Westification. With 'ha' Singh returns as auditory master chef, mixing the sublime spices of Classical Indian music with the sonic stew of Western electronica.

Of course, we are familiar with this cuisine, (file under Hindi-lectronica?) most notably from Singh's 1998 release 'OK' Singh, in creating this meal, has not strayed far from the same recipe book. Of course 'ha' features Singh's tabla playing (perfected no doubt when Singh moved to India at age 16 to study with a tabla master), keyboard playing, production, and even some Indian vocal percussion.

Several other vocal contributors return on 'ha' most notably Bhairvi, whose voice has the irresistible lure of a thousand South Indian Sirens. Many Indian Instruments return, Sarengi, Indian Harp, Swarleen, Madal, as do their players. Also returning, though with less prominence on this release, are the sumptuous strings of the Madras Philharmonic Orchestra.

But 'ha' is not merely 'OK' all over again, and though this new dish is no more flavorful than its predecessor it is certainly more consistent in form and texture. 'ha' coheres to a much more consistent groove and the drum programming is more focused. At moments, 'ha' sounds like the Bombay version of 'The Crystal Method'. There are many sonic delights as the ears feast on 'ha' Certainly check out 'Dubla' - a minimal yet deliciously groove-laden track featuring leathery keyboard overtones, pungent percussion by Deepak Borkar, and a fiery tabla finish by Talvin. However, the dish that will most likely bring your mouth to water is the anthem-like 'See Breeze' which showcases a wonderful vocal melody sung by Bhairvi, lush keyboards, subtle flute by Rakesh Chaurasia, a splash of strings, and a furious peppering of Talvin's tablas.

I suggest consuming 'ha' with headphones and a steaming glass of masala milk chai. Take small bites and remember to chew your food, else you may miss some sparse sweet moment. Posted by marc freeman at 14:19, 01 Aug 2001