“Manoyatri” (The Mind Voyager) is a captivating project album that combines elements of World Music and Fusion Music. Composed by Avra Banerjee, a talented Sarod player, the album features 22 artists from various parts of the world, creating a unique and diverse musical experience.
The album consists of four distinctive compositions that take listeners on a spiritual journey filled with wisdom, serenity, self-realization, love, connections, and synchronicity. The music draws inspiration from Hindustani Classical Music while branching out into contemporary and World music genres.
The compositions in “Manoyatri” feature unconventional and intricate rhythmic time cycles, including 9/4, 11/4, 13/4, and 15/4, with complex rhythmic divisions that serve as grooves for the songs.
The track “When Kailasha Muses” pays homage to Nataraj Dambarupani Shiva, the supreme lord of rhythm. It is based on the Raag “Bibhas,” named after Lord Shiva, and is brought to life through a fusion of percussion instruments, including the “Damaru,” which is associated with Lord Shiva’s creation and regulation of the universe. The composition follows a 13-beat time cycle, creating an eerie ambiance reminiscent of Mt. Kailasha. The 13th day, known as “Trayodash” in the Hindu calendar, is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and his devotees observe “Pradosham” on this auspicious day to seek his blessings.
The participants in “When Kailasha Muses” include renowned artists such as Swapan Chaudhuri on Tabla, Taufiq Qureshi on Djembe, Ambi Subramaniam on Violin, Avra Banerjee on Sarod, Raghab Chatterjee on Vocal, Mainak Nag Chowdhury on Bass Guitar, and Bhaswar Dasgupta providing the lyrics. The song was mixed by Aditya Srinivasan at Offbeat Music Ventures in Chennai and mastered by Oli Morgan at Abbey Road Studios in the UK.
The collaboration between Avra Banerjee and the talented artists involved in “Manoyatri” results in a mesmerizing and spiritually enriching musical journey that transcends cultural boundaries. It showcases the beauty of fusion music, bringing together diverse sounds and influences to create a harmonious experience for listeners.
