Bassist Sheldon D’Silva has played at multiple seasons of International Jazz Day in Mumbai and is a regular musician with many bands across the country. 

D’Silva, who has explored every genre of music from pop and rock to jazz, funk and fusion, recently teamed up with Taal Inc & Friends for a track Kassa released early this month.

Kassa literally means 'Granary' in Malinke (a West African language) and this is a traditional rhythm played to celebrate a good harvest or encourage farmers on the field. “We are all going through unprecedented times and this is our way to remind ourselves of what we have, count our blessings and wish prosperity on one and all. May this song provide you with hope, the courage to smile, breathe easy and continue moving forward with love, dignity and kindness” says the bassist.

Taal Inc. & Friends is a band featuring some of the country’s finest musicians and that plays traditional West African folk tunes in a contemporary and modern way.

This project is an amalgamation of traditional West African folk songs, afro rhythms, percussive melodies, groovy basslines and devastatingly exploratory improv sections. All in all – it is a treat for every kind of listener. Each song tells a story that is new, dynamic, inclusive, dancy and a whole lot of fun.

The line up for the song comprises of bassist D’silva, guitars and keys Sanjay Divecha, vocalist Vasundhara Vee, Djembe and vocals Varun Venkit, drummer Gino Banks, and flute and vocals Gandhaar Amin.

D’Silva, on his six-stringed electric bass, has played with the who’s who of the Indian and international music scene, from legends like guitarist John McLaughlin, Louiz Banks, Zakir Hussain, Al Jarreau, Trilok Gurtu and many more. He was also one of the first Indians to play in Pakistan Coke Studio with the Mekaal Hasan Band. He has recorded on innumerable Bollywood movie soundtracks, background scores, private and International albums and ad jingles. He is also part of the Faculty at the NMIMS School of Performing Arts.

D’Silva finds it difficult to enjoy music without bass, for he believes that the Bass is like cement between the bricks, you don’t see it but without it, a building will not stand. Musically, it’s a bridge between rhythm and melody and hence it is an integral part of any band regardless of the genre for bass guitarists add a certain groove, swing, tone and texture that cannot be substituted by keyboard programming.