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Ben Kunin & Andres Sabogal : Point of Departure (US,2005)****
While Ben Kunin’s main study was Indian classical music (vocal, instrumental music, tabla) at the Ali Akhbar College, where he also served as a director, and with study under Maestro Ali Akbar Khansahib, his first solo release was acoustic guitar based (see review on next page). After another release “Raga and Blues" (2004) last year with Kukoo Singh on tabla, this new release of Ben Kunin (sarod,guitar,tanpura) with Latin American percussionist Andres Sabogal (drum kit, congas, maracas, djembe, tabla) is a real fusion release. Guest musicians are Rachel Unterseher, viola, Kevin Cole, bass, Byron Burschard, tenor sax, Rachael Bouch, congas.
The music is perfect Fusion acoustic art-rock based upon Indian principles (played by sarod, -the so called Indian guitar-, guitar and sitar) with Western fusing ideas. The percussion has complex fusing ideas too. I like it especially on “4 Vistas” where one can count rhythms in 5,6,7 and then 8/4 time, following the melody line but adding various new ideas on top. The tracks build up like these rhythms. On “Son Sarode” there are again very unusual rhythmic patterns (congas, bass, drums) playing with various influences. The bass always feels what is needed to span between rhythm and melody lines, often creating the so called art-rock feel. On every track there’s always so much happening in a very compact way. For those who like Indian Fusions I can say this is sonic bliss ! Highly recommended !
