Review

Ajay Srivastav: Karmic Blues (Scion Records)

And now it’s time for something a little bit different…as Ajay Srivastav blends Delta blues with Indian folk - yes, I said Indian folk! - which on paper may seem like chalk and cheese genre-wise but try telling that to your ears!

As reputations in the music world go, Srivastav’s is petty impressive, boasting a C.V. that has seen him work with everyone from reggae royal Gregory Isaacs to the uber cool jazz/funk cat in the hat, Jamiroquai and from Bollywood’s very best Shah Rukh Khan to dub/world music/electronica lege Jah Wobble - who also has a hand in production duties on this release.

Track wise, "Karmic Blues" certainly a lot going on…beside the mentioned mix of genres, Srivastav’s Bob Dylan/Bobby ‘Primal Scream’ Gillespie vocal tilt certainly gives the album a raw energy. The use of sitar/violin together give a banjo/bluegrass feel to the already prevalent blues structure on many of the tracks - with Mridangam drum added, the material takes on a new life. Listen out for the “I Am The Walrus” violins type flava on “Namaste” and “Accept Yourself”. Also, the Staple’s singers “Respect Yourself” vibe on the title track “Karmic Blues” is a thing to behold. Respect indeed!
Words LEE TYLER