Entertainment Desk :
Berklee Indian Ensemble announced the release of their highly anticipated debut album Shuruaat, which marks the Ensemble’s first decade together. After enthralling millions of fans through live performances and viral YouTube content, this is the first time that audiences will be able to enjoy the Ensemble’s music via streaming services worldwide by Sony Distribution, said a press release.
The 10-track stand-out compilation features an impressive total of 98 prolific musicians from 39 countries, and also highlights the pinnacle of Indian artistry, including Grammy-winning tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, virtuosic composer-singer Shankar Mahadevan, Oscar and Grammy winning Kannada vocalist Vijay Prakash and one of Bollywood’s finest playback singers Shreya Ghoshal. Every track is nuanced with the Ensemble’s diverse musical influences including jazz, progressive rock, Indian classical, Sufi and Middle Eastern flavours.
In addition to the much-admired Indian musicians, Shuruaat features original compositions by Berklee alum including one by Armeen Musa from Bangladesh Jaago Piya written by Dr Nahsid Kamal. Iconic Bollywood playback singer Shreya Ghoshal shares: “I have so many memories of my Berklee residency! Just visiting Berklee is a life changing experience for any musician; for anybody who loves music. We performed so many songs together, but we had such a blast with Sundari Pennae that we decided to record and share it with everyone who missed the live concert. The composer, D Imman, loved the new arrangement, too! I remember it was the only song of the concert in 5/8! Those fives gave me nightmares, but the song was so beautifully rearranged. I felt so honoured and happy that these wonderful Berklee Indian Ensemble musicians were playing and acknowledging this song of mine. And the nuances you brought were never about showing the skills you have; rather it was always about the soul and love you all put in these songs. I hope I am back in Boston someday soon, to do many such sessions, and spend more time with you. I miss you all!”
Dr Nashid Kamal, Professor and Nazrul scolar said, “It was a joy to collaborate with my daughter and Berklee Indian Ensemble, I believe my work studying Kazi Nazrul Islam, influences my writing of this song.”
