Joel Veena and Jasdeep Singh are the torchbearers of Indian classical music today, rooted in the traditional roots of Hindustani Raga and taking it to the international arena. Joel Veena is one of the leading North American practitioners of the Indian slide guitar (Mohan Veena) and is known for his strong spiritual base and ability to weave North Indian traditional structures into cross-cultural partnerships.
Jasdeep Singh, a virtuoso sitarist and composer in his own right, is beside him. His celebrated works straddle the line between rigorous classical training and contemporary arrangements, including his breakout album Anomaly and his residency with Opera North.Together they represent the growth of Indian stringed instruments, combining deep-rooted traditions with forward-thinking artistic ideals.
Their latest collaboration single, “Reminder,” is a beautiful change from what’s anticipated. This original song showcases the intense, lyrical melancholy of Joel’s 20-stringed Indian slide guitar contrasted with the thunderous, anchoring pulse of the jori drum, played with expertise by Jasdeep, both masters of stringed instruments. The song is inspired by the late morning raga Jaunpuri and is not only a performance but also a deep musical conversation between two of the leading voices of Hindustani music today.
The heart of “Reminder” is in the title and the inspiration. The song is a sound expression of a universal truth, that nothing of value comes to us without struggle. Resistance is at the core of our greatest strengths. This idea is reflected in the mechanics of the music itself. It opens with a dreamy alap, an opening where the slide guitar conjures the flowing, understated glissando of the human voice. The tune continues into a structured rhythmic cycle powered by the jori. The instruments echo and amplify each other in the “question and answer” session here, called Sawal-Jawab, building a texture that is both ancient and modern.
This musical journey is intimately connected with our daily life.Like a guitar string needs a little tension to make a lovely sound, we often experience “resistance” in our personal and professional journeys. It could be the pressure of a deadline, the struggle to master a new skill, or the emotional toll of facing a problem. These are our “reminders.” These are the forces that shore us up and propel us toward doing what is required to grow. “Reminder” does this masterfully, telling a story of tenacity through the interaction of microtones and rhythmic cycles.
“Reminder” is a real triumph of cross-cultural artistry that avoids clichés, speaks a modern emotional language, and remains firmly based in classical discipline. It needs your attention, a work of professional depth and creative integrity. For the greatest experience find a peaceful area, put on your best headphones and let the vibrations of the jori and the slide guitar be your personal anthem of encouragement. It’s a brilliant bit of instrumental storytelling that will make you feel like you can take on the world.
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