Rajeev Raja Combine, an Indo-Jazz fusion band proudly launched their maiden album titled ‘Cosmic Chant’. The album brings together some of the very best artists in independent music scene today and consists of eight tracks that connect directly to the ear and heart of the listener.

The album was launched at Blue Frog recently with a live performance by the band in front of a packed audience.

"It was our goal to create a form of music that pays tribute to the good old days when music was for ‘listening’ and not just for ‘dancing’. The album features simple melodies and strong rhythms which are organically fused to create a meaningful whole. With ‘Cosmic Chant’ you can expect a delightful blend of Jazz, Carnatic, Latino and World Music all coming together in a colorful palette" says Rajeev Raja, founder of the band and one of India‘s most exciting Jazz § fusion flautists.

Rajeev also adds “We really wanted to create a unique sound characterized by fluid melodic lines, spontaneous syncopation and skillful improvisation. And so far we‘re more than happy with the response”.

The band members are:

Rajeev Raja (Concert Flute/Bansuri): Rajeev is no stranger to the Jazz and fusion fraternity. Considered one of India’s most exciting flautists, Rajeev keeps you riveted with a mixture of legato and staccato styles with influences ranging from Jazz to Indian Classical to Rock. Over the years Rajeev has played with some of India’s finest musicians including Shankar Mahadevan, Taufiq and Fazal Quereshi, Salim of Salim-Sulaiman, Susmit Sen of Indian Ocean, and Barney Marsden of White Snake. Rajeev has also composed music for the Bollywood film,Bas Yunhi and runs his own sonic branding company called BrandMusiq.

Chandana Bala (Carnatic Vocals): Chandana is an extremely talented vocalist who hails from a traditional Carnatic background. At ease in the fusion space too, Chandana’s powerful vocals and effortless improvisation adds a whole new element to the band.

Hitesh Dhutia (Guitars): Hitesh switches effortlessly between the clean tones of the technically challenging Jazz idiom, the raw, searing intensity of Rock, and the subtler expression of Indian raags. His sensitive yet substantive rhythmic backing is the cement that glues the band together.

Vinayak Netke (Tabla): Vinayak is a self developed stylist who considers as his Gurus Avinash Aher, Shri Suresh Wadkar and Pandit Arvind Mulgaonkar. His approach is sensitive yet fast, light-fingered yet powerful. Vinayak is the complete team player merging with and driving the band forward with his rhythms.

JD (Bass): JD plays even the most complicated runs with ease and is equally at home with the ‘walk’, the ‘groove’, or the more ‘funk’ style. JD’s musical influences include Jaco Pastorius and Victor Wooten.

Vaibhav Wavikar (Drums/Percussion): Vaibhav is the baby of the band, but his versatility exhibits a talent way beyond his age. He is equally at home with the syncopations of jazz and Indian classical music. And plays on a variety of rhythmic instruments including drums, cajon, bells and cymbals.

Check out the album at a store near you.