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Vijay Iyer: Tirtha
ByWith this mindset, the recording crosses the channels of jazz and Indian music, eschewing the hybridization of the two styles; a semblance of familiarity but also something entirely fresh. The nine tracks contain robust elements of ethnicity, thriving improvisation, and exhaustive composition; steeped in modern and old worlds. In the sweltering tempo of "Tribal Wisdom," Nitin Mitta's masterful percussion, which flows like water, is juxtaposed against Iyer's free and classical pianism, while Prasanna's guitar lexicon is informed of Jimi Hendrixian progressiveness, the classic Carnatic form of Southern India, and other world influences.
A journey of mood and sound, Iyer's title track is resplendent, a work perfected in the capabilities of musicians and their instruments to move as one, like the rise and fall of a tide. "Abundance" is not only hypnotic but emotive, and the numerology of "Gauntlet"s is impressive, as the pianist improvises over a machine-like syncopation. "Polytheism" finds the trio navigating through dangerous changes, but landing safely, whereas Prasanna's "Entropy and Time" reaches the recording's apex. Like a bridge over trouble waters, the guitarist's riff moves, at first jaggedly, but ultimately threads itself into a pastoral Indian folk-tune melody. Whatever the intent Tirtha is a mesmeric project, one of unity and harmonious communication.
Track Listing
Duality; Tribal Wisdom; Tirtha; Abundance; Falsehood; Gauntlet; Polytheism; Remembrance; Entropy and Time.
Personnel
Vijay Iyer
pianoVijay Iyer: piano; Prasanna: guitar, voice; Nitin Mitta: tabla.
Album information
Title: Tirtha | Year Released: 2011 | Record Label: ACT Music
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Mark F. Turner
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Tirtha