What’s not widely known is the link between Hawaiian guitar music and Indian music, thanks to a 1931 visit from a Hawaiian musician bringing with him his lap steel. Over the years the slide guitar has become increasingly important in India, the greatest exponent being Debashish Bhattacharya. Remarkably these gentle ragas crafted on acoustic guitar, with occasional sitar and tabla accompaniment are not confined solely to Indian traditions, rather Debashish Bhattacharya manages to move from Indian classical guitar into some outside influences including Flamenco, Hawaiian, even Americana finger picking. These days he is considered one of the worlds best slide guitarists, and not surprisingly has played with Bob Brotzman, Zakir Hussein, even John Mclauglin. Bhattacharya has an incredibly unique style of slide guitar, which is on display here, his technique effectively hinting at so much, incorporating elements of the sitar, sarod and other instruments into his approach. He has a unique ability to tap into these alternate traditions and techniques yet feel like he is remaining totally true to his own unique voice. He is able to do this because he has constructed his own slide guitars, an invention he terms his trinity of guitars, designed to his own specifications. His music is incredibly peaceful, rich and vivid with an extraordinary musical range and depth of emotion. You’ll be hard pressed to find anything as extraordinary and beautiful as this.
Bob Baker Fish
