Sandeep Chowta’s ‘Abstract Visions Vol 2’ Review: A Melodious Indulgence in Contemporary Jazz-Fusion
The five-track EP features the composer’s regular collaborators, including violinist Smitha H.M., bassist Seb Read, guitarists Hector Quintana and Alwyn Fernandes, plus drummer Marcus Thomas, among others
(Clockwise from top left) Smitha HM, Sandeep Chowta, Marcus Thomas, George Granville, Hector Quintana and Seb Read perform together on 'Abstract Visions Vol 2.' Photos: Courtesy of Namma Music
Sandeep Chowta has been one of the most prolific record producer in the last three years since he launched Namma Music. One cannot fault his enthusiasm, because the composer and multi-instrumentalist says he feels unshackled by the demands and commercial lines drawn by film music. His canvas is now his personal space where he can paint the pictures he wants. With album number 35 – Abstract Visions Vol 2 – this is his 32nd album to top the iTunes Charts nationally and he ensures the Namma Music juggernaut is very much continuing its pace and has a hunger to put out more music.
In my conversation musicians and composers, I have come across views where some want to put out music only when they are clear what they want to do with that piece of music and where they want to go with it. Sandeep is from a school of thought that says, “Just create.”
Abstract Visions Vol 2 is a beautifully crafted EP with five tracks with “Not So Beautiful” split into two tracks, with a rendition on violin and electric guitar in each version.
The opening track “Get Connected” leads you slowly into the album. More than half of it has a build up with a melody line in vocal harmony and then Hector Quintana plays for just 50 seconds but introduces himself as clear as day. He is one of the finest young guitarists and a composer from Cuba. His track “Silvio”from his album Animal de Galaxia (2022) was quite brilliant and on “Get Connected,” he comes in pacy and fluid and sets things up for the rest of the album.
“Not So Beautiful – Chapter 1” features violinist Smitha H.M. fusing the main melody with notes of Raag Pahadi. Guitarist Alwyn Fernandes plays support to Chowta on keys and programming and there’s of course, bassist Seb Read, one of Chowta’s most prolific collaborators.
Smitha has been part of Chowta’s 2021 album Fusion Fission most recently, and on Abstract Visions Vol 2, she also appears on the fast-paced song “Morning Session,” playing masterfully. Her intermittent, layered sautille provides a rich tapestry for the violin lead to shine. Chowta brings in another new name, keyboardist George Granville on “Morning Session” as well, adding a beautiful, flowy lead on the keys. Read continues on bass duties, with solid work from drummer Marcus Thomas.
If “Morning Session” upped the tempo, “2023” is the medium-paced track on Abstract Visions Vol 2 and it lets you catch your breath. Smitha weaves the pentatonic scale of Suddha Dhanyasi Raaga around the main melody line over keys by Chowta. Quintana, for his part, returns to answer the longing of the violin beautifully but in a controlled manner. Hector’s fretboard runs are clean and smooth with the right accentuations.
“Not So Beautiful – Chapter 2” is, on its own, a reason to listen to this album and pick it up. Chowta’s filmic side shows with bird calls and footsteps rustling grass and the sound of rainfall. But the magic begins when Fernandes comes in to play. Among the understated guitar talents in Bengaluru, his restrained and controlled playing power comes to the front, alongside violin portions.
Like his previous collaboration on Chowta’s “Something’s Cooking” off Relaxmen, Vol.3 in 2021, Fernandes makes each note count and speak a thousand hues. The brilliance of Sandeep as a producer is the way he brings in Smitha to gently pull the track to a close after a heightened guitar movement by Alwyn.
Drawing from abstract melodies is clearly a key part of Chowta’s musings and inner thoughts as a composer, without trying to fit any genre or commercial need. Personally, I feel this is a brilliant example of what fusion music should be. The production is as beautiful, but somehow I felt the bass guitar compared to other Namma Music albums is more on the top, but maybe it’s just me being prejudiced as a fan of Seb Read. Abstract Visions Vol 2 is a great addition to Smitha’s musical output and will hopefully embolden her to record more. This album also makes you sit up and notice how you have missed hearing more of Alwyn Fernandes.
All in all, a well-crafted album for our own abstract visions and musings.
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