The Three Seas

The remarkable members of The Three Seas were drawn together by a deep love of music, a mutual respect for their distinct and diverse cultural origins and a shared passion for creating songs that resonate universally. When experiencing the band live the audience is transported into into their supernatural world.

The Three Seas is led by Australian composer and saxophonist Matt Keegan who’s search for new experiences and sounds first drew him to India in 2009. It was in the beautiful town of Santiniketan in West Bengal where the ensemble first met. The unique combination of their distinct cultural backgrounds and instant musical rapport quickly established the energetic and uplifting musical alchemy of The Three Seas.

The Three Seas is fronted by Baul singer Raju Das, who’s full-hearted voice and radiant stage presence is accentuated by his mastery of the khamak and its danceable rhythms.  The Bauls are a nomadic tribe with a rich cultural heritage and their own language, dance and musical style. Generations of Raju’s family have lovingly passed down these traditions with a deep emphasis on spirituality and a heartfelt focus on the vast energetic presence within the human body, as expressed through song and dance. Some of The Three Seas pieces are modern interpretations of ancient Baul songs that celebrate this spirit.

Darjeeling-born singer and multi-instrumentalist Deoashish Mothey contributes soulful vocals and sound effects in a Himalayan style.  He also plays an array of West Bengali stringed instruments including the dotora and esraj producing intricate and mesmerising riffs. 

Drummer Gaurab Chatterjee from Kolkata is a member of Bengali rock giants Lakkhichhara.  He is also fluent in traditional West Bengali folk percussion beats and feels. 

Bringing the music together at various points in the bands performing history has been collaborating artists Cameron Dyall, Steve Elphick and Brendan Clark. The Three Seas’ team is completed by label Earshift Records, Sound Engineer and Co-producer, Richard Belkner and Executive Producer, Amy Curl.

INSTRUMENTATION

Whilst Indian classical music and jazz have enjoyed a long association, The Three Seas music draws on the earthier sounds of folk music with a strong focus on the Baul tradition, and playfully creates new musical pathways using a contemporary jazz framework and western production aesthetics.

The Three Seas employs a menagerie of traditional North Indian instruments alongside electric and double bass, saxophone and drum kit. Some of the folk instruments include:

The Khamak (strummed percussion) is a one headed drum with two strings attached to it that are strummed with a plectrum made from buffalo horn and pulled to alter the pitch to dramatic effect. 

The Dubki (hand drum) is a single headed drum designed to be held in one hand and struck with the fingers of the other.  The pitch can be altered by the hang holding the instrument by pressing the fingers against the skin.

The Dotara (Bengali banjo) is a fretless string instrument that sounds and is played in a similar fashion to the banjo.  Although Dotara means two strings – most have three or four.  Two are used to finger and change pitches while the others are employed to create drone and resonance.

The Esraj (bowed fretted harp) has four main strings which are bowed, a medium length sitar like neck that has 20 metal frets and a rack of 12-15 sympathetic strings.  It is rested on the knee of the sitting player.