Natraj brings together some of the finest artists of different genres to produce a blended music where hard-driving African grooves blends with Indian ragas. While the genres are blended to create a new kind of music, each artist has put an effort to showcase the special nature of his particular style of music.

In Song of the Swan, Natraj’s newest production, they adeptly blend contemplative raga improvisation, high-energy African- and Indian-based grooves, complex odd meters and polyrhythms, and edgy contemporary jazz. Song of the Swan features guest bamboo flute virtuosos, Steve Gorn and V. K. Raman, who join Natraj regulars, raga-influenced soprano saxophonist Phil Scarff, ECM violist Mat Maneri, bassist Michael Rivard, tabla and multipercussion wizard Jerry Leake, and drummer Bertram Lehmann.

The title track, a raga-based composition by leader Phil Scarff and percussionist T. K. Ramakrishnan, highlights intricate South Indian rhythms. It begins with Phil Scarff setting the basic melody of Hamsadwani and Ramakrishnan providing the Rhythmic framework when suddenly Raman bursts forth with his flute in his characteristic fashion where speed and melody blend to create an absolute brilliant rendition of this Indian Raga which in the Carnatic tradition is often rendered in the beginning of the concert.  The music continues with a display of rhythms on Tabla, Ghatam, Mridangam and Western drums.  It ends with a wonderful blend of all musicians coming together to create a beautiful piece of music.

The CD then moves to Ghana with the grooving African-based The Ride, with melodic lines based on talking drum patterns. Multipercussion wizard Jerry Leake’s virtuosity is visible in this piece. . In the more relaxed Nectar of the Gods, jazz harmonies and rhythms enhance raga melodies. While the piece is essentially Jazz one is suddenly presented with a lovely lilting India Raga elaborated in the North Indian fashion. This is a spiritual piece that reminds one of the abode of Gods in the Himalayas. India meets up-tempo, hard swinging jazz in Bageshri-Bageshwari. Miato Bebeviawo and Kale Nutsu are contemporary treatments of Ghanaian songs featuring Maneri’s ethereal viola work. The album’s closer, a suite of compositions in Raga Ahir Bhairav, begins with Scarff and Gorn weaving a gorgeous meditative alap, and ends with a high-energy contemporary take on an Indian composition.

Overall it is a well executed album where the individual styles have blended together beautifully while showcasing the brilliance of each artist. It is a pleasant CD that would make a classy backdrop for an evening with a special someone or while driving home in a contemplative mode.
Definitely worth a buy..

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