Shubh Saran, H.A.D.D Review
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Shubh Saran is an Indian born guitarist and composer living in New York City that is crating a sound of jazz that blends modern jazz, neo-soul, and rock with classical and contemporary Indian music. Saran’s upbringing was spent in six different countries and all the cultural exposures and sounds have shaped his musical vocabulary. The guitarist has performed extensively as a leader and sideman throughout: The United States, India, Canada, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Mexico. Saran is an official Reunion Blues Artist and an alumnus of the Berklee College of Music. In 2017, Saran released his debut album Hmayra on Art of Life Records. Saran is now releasing his second full-length album titled, H.A.D.D. The album is five original compositions that contain Saran’s interesting approach to melodies, harmonies and forms, all through the lens of a modern-day creative guitarist. That’s the short of it!
Positives:
Saran is a composer that has a special relationship with rhythm. As a result, his music is always full of exciting poly-rhythms, feels and grooves.
Bottom Line:
Shabh Saran makes a solid musical statement with his release, H.A.D.D. Performing on both electric and acoustic guitars, Saran takes us on a musical journey that is a fusion of classical and contemporary Indian music with modern jazz and rock. Each track makes good use of counterpoint, creating multiple layers for Saran’s rhythmic ideas to live orchestrated with a front line of two saxophone and Saran’s guitar. The music puts more focus on composition than improvisation, this is not a blowing date, but there are moments of inspired improvisation. Vocalist Hannah Summer is featured as a guest artist on one track, giving a nice sonic variance. Having two drummers in the band further expands of the depth of rhythmic layers. A very fascinating collection of sounds that have melodic and rhythmic surprises and developments around every corner.