A catchy groove is another word for ‘Namo Fusion’ who brings out an album that spans a number of music genres here. The album that screams ‘A unique blend of Indian classical music merging with ethnic world music arrangements’, does so, in a contemporary style and is brought together by violinist Dr Narayan Raman and guitarist Sarosh Izedyar. The duo who have been friends for over 30 years have faith that the genre can be revitalized. Taking a cue from their vast knowledge of music, Raman’s scintillating work on the violin and Izedyar’s guitar wizardry take omnipotence on every track. The duo is backed by an equally talented team of ID Rao on saxophone and clarinet and bassist Vaibhav Jadhav.

The songs on the album have a fresh sound with a groovy style bringing in a lot of depth compared to a regular fusion album. While the content is purely Indian, the form is very much contemporary. The band battle cultural homogeneity by looking inward within the parameters of Indian Classical Music and yet retains the global look and feel of a band that gives it a worldly look. The true spirit of the ragas on which these compositions are based is captured on a global scale. This surely is one of the finest classical albums done to date, and one album Indian classical music lovers should check out.

Their 6 track album name spells a shortened version of PM Narendra Modi – Namo, the word is an ancient Sanskrit word which means to bow down with respect. Through its compositions, the band Namo Fusion aims to use music to spread the importance of respect. It represents various emotions from happiness to pathos, with undertones of spirituality.

The opener Namo is adapted from raga Saramati, and is dedicated to all individuals who have shaped our lives. The duo interacts well with each other on their instruments and brings out a great composition. The very catchy piece opens slowly and picks up gradually to hit a climax that remains in your mind for a long time after you’ve heard it. Freedom which is also the longest track on the album, is adapted from raga Karnaranjini, and is dedicated to the armed forces that put their lives in danger to ensure our peace of mind. A very thoughtful gesture on the band’s part as well as a very imaginative piece of work. The album is sure to attract a lot of youngsters, especially when you have a guitarist who works his way round each track effortlessly on his Gibson Les Paul Classic 1960 guitar.  That aside, Raman weaves his magic on the 5 string Cantini Earphonic Electric Midi Violin with sharpness and practiced ease. 

The third track Happy Kalimba, is adapted from raga Mohanam, a pleasing and enchanting pentatonic scale, that shows how music can transport you to a zone where you forget the pressure of trying to be what you aren't, while Relay Express adapted from a combination of two pentatonic ragas, a conceptual tune similar to a relay race, wherein a musical phrase is played by one and passed on to the second, who plays another phrase and passes it on to the third, and so on, till the finale is achieved, showing the importance of teamwork. Very creative and enthralling way to compose your music, I’d say. The penultimate track Departed Souls adapted from raga Panthuvarali is known to evoke meditative and sympathetic moods; it’s dedicated to all departed souls who have played an important role in our lives, clearly seen in the way Raman pays tribute to his close family members who have passed away on the inner sleeve of the album inlay. The finale Namo (Reprise) is a fun club mix of the title track with a bit of more keys added and percussion segments.

All 6 tunes have been composed, arranged and programmed by Dr Narayan Raman and Sarosh Izedyar that is striking and well balanced that truly helps Indian music reach a global platform bringing ordinary musicians from India on a stamp of an international body of work.

While the album has been recorded in Mumbai, it has been mastered by Grammy award - winning Phil Nicolo at Studio 4 Recording, Philadelphia, US.

So tune in to a splendid collection of catchy pieces that just get better with each listen. Music they say has no language and here is the perfect example of Indian classical music that rocks. You have to hear it to believe it.

Rating: *****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira