Interview at the Italian jazz webzine ‘Sound Contest’. [English version here]
Review of One Of Us at the same publication.

Another review in Greece’s Jazz & Tzaz magazine. [English version here]

Am excited to announce the release of my new CD ‘One Of Us’. The music on this project is reflective of personal experiences, and is dedicated to our wonderful planet Earth, who in all her graciousness has been sustaining us forever. The CD comprises ten original compositions that were recorded last summer with some amazing players – Ingrid Jensen (tpt), Noel Borthwick (gtr), Johannes Weidenmueller (b) & Adam Cruz (dr). Most of the tunes were written specifically for this project over a period of a few months, some of them especially with the musicians in mind. Some info on the musicians: Ingrid Jensen, a multifaceted player and one of the leading voices on the trumpet, brings her trademark fire, energy and lyricism to this project. Noel Borthwick, gifted guitarist, Cakewalk CTO and producer of this project, lent his distinctive sound to the music, and was the hardest to book for this recording Johannes Weidenmuller, a highly sought after bass player on the New York scene, was an integral member of the Kenny Werner trio for many years and also worked with John Abercrombie, Joe Lovano, John Scofield and innumerable others. Drummer Adam Cruz a regular with Danilo Perez, has played with David Sanchez, Tom Harrell, Chris Potter, Paquito D’Rivera, and recorded with Chick Corea (Origin)

The project was recorded mixed and mastered in high definition audio format at 24 bit, 96 KHz resolution to capture and retain pristine quality throughout the production process. I believe the final results sound really good and I hope you enjoy them. This time around this project is being released in multiple formats such as:

• Audio CD’s: Shipping now, and can be purchased from my store.
• High resolution “Instant Downloads”:  These are higher quality than downloads available though sources like iTunes, Napster, Rhapsody, etc). We acknowledge that many (or most) people today, with their busy lifestyles listen to music on the go, either via portable music devices or in their car. To facilitate this we have high resolution Instant Downloads available on our website for all the music. You can buy the album in digital format and be ready to listen with your portable music player in minutes. Every full album download includes an exclusive high res PDF of the album art and liner notes and all mp3′s come with complete ID3 information and album art ready to transfer to your mp3 player! All downloads are DRM free (no digital rights management) and can be used on any music player of your choice.
• High Definition DVD format: For the audiophile audience, this will offer the 24bit/96KHz mastered version of this recording. This is higher quality than CD and will be playable over any modern home theatre system. We are considering releasing this in the near future so stay tuned for more updates on this.
• Sheet Music:  Compositons recorded on my CD’s are now available in PDF formats, each of which includes C & Bb versions. Also available is a 10 Track Collection from One Of Us. 

To place a secure order for these items please visit the store.

My upcoming quintet CD has been sent to mastering, whew! (It was recorded last summer in NY). Being witness to another series of mixing sessions was a great learning process for me – not entirely fun I admit – my respect & admiration for all the sound engineers out there has grown infinitely Dan and Noel did a great job, and I can’t wait to hear the finished result. Have just started on the artwork for the CD digipak – should be interesting. Will keep you posted on how things are moving.

I’d mostly seen this ancient pipe being used by people in Indian villages, but it appears that it is a trend gaining popularity among college students in urban areas today. Hookahs are widely being offered in cafes and restaurants in Indian cities, with the tobacco offered in an assortment of flavors. Students come in groups and sit for hours peacefully gurgling communal pipes in casual surroundings. Here’s a hookah menu hanging at a popular ‘dhaba’ restaurant on the outskirts of Bombay. (This place also served served ‘emu tikka’ btw).

Incidentally, one of my upcoming performances (20th November) will be at a restaurant in Pune called the Shisha Jazz Cafe, ‘shisha’ being a common term for the hookah in the Middle East. For reservations call 20-65200390.