‘ANOMALY’ THE DEBUT ALBUM
On 6th May 2022, submit to the beauty and sorrow of the award-winning sitar virtuoso and composer Jasdeep Singh Degun’s debut album Anomaly, out on Real World Records.
Anomaly showcases exceptional musicality, improvisation, composition and collaboration that is rooted in the ancient repertoire of raags — the frameworks used in the improvised performances of Indian classical music — yet influenced by Jasdeep’s sparkling, contemporary flair that will charm purists and newcomers alike.
Jasdeep’s creations are an exercise in collaboration: culturally, sonically, and emotionally. His extraordinary artistry and innovative approach to composition mixes a new vision into both Indian classical and contemporary Western music.
The twelve tracks of Anomaly range from sitar solos to duelling sitar and guitar to cinematic sounds. The poetry and power of his work is demonstrated in the title track, in which esraj, tabla and harp-like swarmandal blend with cello, guitar and sitar. Other songs like ‘Undertow’ transport the listener through improvisations based on the melodious North Indian raag Rageshri while ‘Redemption (Reprise)’, the final track, is a ballad featuring the album’s entire cast of instruments.
“Growing up in England I’ve soaked up different influences,” says Jasdeep.“I’ve studied Western classical music and appreciate composers like Mahler and Mozart and film composers such as A. R Rahman and John Williams.”
“Anomaly is my way of shining a light on Indian classical music, on the music that comes naturally to me as a product of my surroundings as well as my training. There are so many brilliant musicians from the Indian classical community in this country, but they are not signed to any western label. I have looked and looked and rarely found any turbaned, bearded Sikh guys like me represented. I want to change that. This album has given me free rein to get my vision across, each track tells a story of my life, and each has something that makes it distinct.”
Anomaly is available to buy on 2LP, digital download and CD. The single, ‘Ulterior Motives’ is out now on all digital platforms. Jasdeep will go on tour with an 8-piece ensemble in May and June 2023. For more details and to book tickets, go to the ‘Live’ page on this site.