Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10

Without principle, Art is meaningless, even in the rich persuasive power of anarchy, there has to be a semblance of order, a sense of the unique and enlightening; for if there is no educational, instructive Progressive suggestion then there cannot be a world, however brief, of harmony.

It is in the unexpected harmony of the logical progression of sound that a type of anarchy exists as arguably the foremost Tabla players of his generation, Subhasis Bhattacharya, brings his latest creation, Tablananda, to the ears of an audience who adores him, and the surprising fresh and distinctive style in which will undoubtedly charm new appreciation from those who have not been introduced to this persuasive and principled discipline of music.

It is perhaps the acceptance we deny ourselves that we are connected in more ways than we believe possible, that we are influenced beyond realms and illusionary pencil drawn borders, to seek out the innovative and the passionate; and from the depths of Subhasis Bhattacharya’s Hindustani musical roots and through the fusion, the absorbing nature of playing on the international stage with his brother Debashish, the rhythm of the African continent gently eases itself into the conscious of the player, and the listener, with great effect.

Across tracks such as the album opener Valley of Brothers, Ruyabat Blues, Kirtan Pilgrimage, Deep Water Syllables, Blood of Two Oceans and Monsoon, the exquisite meets the unfolding ethereal and mystical, it is matchless in its artistry, and an album that opens the senses and the mind to images that it had perhaps forgotten, that it once dismissed as the listener believed themselves to be unworthy of such dynamic revelation. To be in the eye of the beholder, to understand the reflection of beauty sought, is a rare commodity to which many of us shy away from experiencing; in this first international music collaboration, Tablananda holds a mirror and begs you to know just how worthy the music and your soul is.

An album of extreme beauty, one that draws you in without fuss or hindrance, Tablananda is principle personified.

Ian D. Hall