Multi-instrumentalist and composer, German born Prem Joshua (Sitar, Saxophone, flute, vocals), is a pioneer in the field of world music, exploring and creating a new synthesis in music beyond the borders of East and West. This has earned him the title of the “Fusion Guru”. Prem Joshua’s international band – formed in the lively and chaotic witches’ cauldron of an Indian metropolis today stands out as one of the most refreshing multi-cultural musical experiences to be found between Bombay and Berlin.

Not only does he compose and perform he also plays a range of instruments, including the flute, saxophone and sitar. His music is a rich blend of traditional Indian ragas and cutting-edge sounds and grooves, embroidered with the natural sounds of acoustic Indian instruments and percussion instruments from across the globe.

On this DVD ‘Prem Joshua – Live at MTV’, Joshua presents live recordings of the “Prem Joshua & Band” concert at the MTV studios on 11th January 2005 held in Mumbai. He is in form as he plays with Sandhya Sanjana (vocals), Dinesh Mattuck (guitars, keyboards, vocals), Padmakar Gujar (Tabla, Dholak), Umang Kapur (Congas), Hina Sarojini (Dance Performances). Some of the songs include Funky Guru, Shiva Moon, Saroja, and Saroja the Music Video that showcases some excellent locales as well as captivating dance moves by the dancer.

With a totally new team of Tanmayo Boyd (Vocals, Violin, Keyboards) and Manish Vyas (Tabla, Vocals, Keyboards, Loops) he also performs four scintillating tracks Mangalam, Trust, Bolo Hari, Ali from the open air concert held in the mystifying town of Pushkar.

The concert pans on a lot of firanges who have attended this one off concert. The shots of Temples and Palaces add as a backdrop a spellbinding effect to the music with people swaying to each strain of the sound of the flute and sitar so tenderly played by Joshua that it really makes you want to move.

Originality, virtuosity and confidence are the main points as you listen to the musical masala of Indian classical, jazz, funk and chill out music so masterly yet playful blended, that it has found a place in the hearts of listeners from the East, the West and beyond.

You wish you had more to watch, seriously. 45 minutes is too short to get to know Prem Joshua and his music. Just as the groove begins to catch on you find it ends. But hopefully we can look forward to much more maybe catch the band at a live gig.

Rating: ***1/2

-- Reviewed by Verus Ferreira