MP3 Neel Murgai Ensemble - Audionomic Stimulus Package

Indo-Chamber Jazz with raga inspired melodies, mathematical rhythmic structures, and a cosmic, improvisational aesthetic.

8 MP3 Songs in this album (68:11) !
Related styles: WORLD: World Fusion, WORLD: Indian Classical

People who are interested in Sun Ra Anoushka Shankar should consider this download.


Details:
Neel Murgai: sitar, vocals, daf
Mat Maneri: viola
Sameer Gupta: tabla
Greg Heffernan: cello

âMusic is a reflection of the times. This is our stimulus of vibrations into the global dialogue, a cross-cultural mélange only possible at this time: the Ancient Future Traditional.â


Sitarist, overtone singer, frame drummer and composer Neel Murgai creates music that defies categorization. His unique global sound is rooted in his sitar studies with Pundit Krishna Bhatt, combined with modern and avant-guard western music and other sounds from around the world. The Neel Murgai Ensemble is the realization of many years of Neelâs experimentation in Indian classical music, free improvisation, modern compositional techniques, mathematical rhythmic structures and droning overtone minimalism. This group of stellar musicians, features downtown improv wizard, Mat Maneri on viola, along with Sameer Gupta (Marc Caryâs Focus Trio) on tabla and Greg Heffernan (Paradox Trio) on cello. Together they create an Indo-chamber jazz with Indian melody and rhythm, orchestral textures and ecstatic flights of improvisational fancy. Think Nikhil Bannerjee meets Bartok while listening to John Coltrane.

"Neel Murgaiâs low key and thoughtfully introspective manner belie what is, I sense, an intense engagement in life and the world of ideas. He is a generous resourceful collaborator who distinguishes himself by helping the group to find useful and inspired solutions." - Bill T. Jones

"...Murgai joins a growing tribe of Asians who are slowly but steadily adding desi vibes to the music lexicon. It is their sounds that give us a glimpse of what a global village carnival might sound like." - India Today

"In a way the star of the record is Neel Murgai." - Rambles, a cultural arts magazine. writing in review of the Haunted House album, Up in Flames.

Bio

Neel Murgai is a multi-instrumental performer, composer and teacher from New York City. He is currently working on his Master of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts at Goddard College. His life long journey into the depth and beauty of sitar and Indian classical music began with Ravindra Goswami in Banaras, 14 years ago. For the past 8 years Neel has studied with his guru and mentor, Pundit Krishna Bhatt. Neelâs interest in music began at a young age with trombone and guitar. While obtaining a degree in Civil Engineering, Neel worked as a radio DJ, hosting a international music program. This fostered in him an abiding interest in music from around the world. Upon graduation he lived in India, immersing himself in the music and culture of his parentâs homeland. Upon returning to the U.S. Neel began a career in music. In addition to sitar, he has since learned to play daf (Persian frame drum) with Soheil Zolfonun and kanjira with V. Nagarajan in Chennai. He has studied overtone singing with the Buriyat performance group Uragsha and Harmonic Choir member, Timothy Hill. Neel has also learned Western composition with Edgar Grana.

While dedicated to Indian classical music, Neel is also interested in creating his own original music that is rooted in his many influences and studies. The Neel Murgai Ensemble is a product of many years of thought about the ideal instrumentation to advance his compositions. They have released a debut CD âAudionomic Stimulus Packageâ. Recently the NME opened up for Pundit Krishna Bhatt accompanied by the great tabla maestro, Pundit Anindo Chatterjee in a concert in New York City. Neel has toured around the world with the Bill T. Jones Dance Company, performing and collaborating in their multi-media show, âBlind Dateâ. Other artists Neel has worked with include Samir Chatterjee, Raz Mesinai, Thurston Moore, Mission on Mars, Akim Funk Buddha, Loren Conners, Louis Bellogenis,Ted Mason, Cosmo Vinyl. He has performed at venues ranging from the Lincoln Center and Kennedy Center to jazz clubs such as the Blue Note and at festivals around the U.S including Art Wallah, Arts plosure, Masala! Mehndi! Masti! and many others.

Neel has composed music for numerous film, TV, video, theater and dance projects including the recent feature length documentary, âThe Yes Men Fix the Worldâ, which premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, and will soon be released on HBO. His music has been featured in the BBC series, âHolidayâs in the Danger Zoneâ, and TBS programs, âWomen of the Inkâ, and âSpotlightsâ.