Be The Change by Prasanna

22 Oct

Written by Glenn Astarita
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Guitarist Prasanna poses quite a few interesting propositions throughout this truly novel release. His East Indian decent serves as a basis for his unique fusing of disparate genres. Besides, he possesses enviable chops whether performing on electric or acoustic guitars. In addition, the artist is graced with a superstar aggregation of musicians, including electric bass heroes Alphonso Johnson, and Victor Wooten. While fabled session drummer Ralph Humphrey and saxophonist Jeff Coffin and others impart their formidable contributions.

Overall, Prasanna shines as a significant composer, awash with memorable melodies, funk, jazz-fusion and contemporary jazz stylizations. The real treat here, resides within his ability to make personalized statements during these cross-genre works that often sound natural, unhurried and thoughtful. These pieces feature the guitarist’s modulating fretwork, ferocious crunch chords and his penchant for executing tricky time changes amid a profusion of scrupulously fashioned grooves. He integrates East Indian modalities into his line of attack, as some of these compositions are topped off with melodic chord voicings, memorable hooks, and vocals. On the delightful piece titled "Satyam," Prassana vocalizes the melody subsequent to female vocalist Shalini’s Indian Diva type chants. Essentially, this is a radio-friendly piece, consisting of jazz-rock motifs and Andy Suzuki’s affable sax lines, where he restates the primary theme after each verse. In addition there are a few dazzling workouts mingled throughout the entire mix. Overall, the guitarist offers his musical associates ample soloing space. Prasanna even explores Latin grooves along with Humphrey’s brisk drumming on the high-octane track titled "Uncensored."

In sum, it’s not often that we listen to musicians/bands that present dazzling chops in concert with a structured and divergent production all equating to a high fun-factor. Prasanna has made his mark, now it’s up to the willing listener to seek out and listen to this superb effort. (Zealously recommended.... )

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Prasanna
CD Title: Be The Change
Genre: Fusion
Year Released: 2003
Record Label: Susila Music
Tracks: Pangea Rising; Ta ka ta ki ta Blues; Satyam; Ragabop; The Grapevine; Dharma Becomes Alibama; Uncensored; Bliss Factor - Part I; Bliss Factor - Part II; Kalyani Connection
Musicians: Prasanna (electric guitars, acoustic guitars, konnakoi, tala, lead vocal on :”Satyam”), Jeff Coffin (flute, alto flute, tenor saxophone, clarinet, bass clarinet, soprano saxophone), Victor Wooten (bass), Derico Watson (drums), Andy Suzuki (tenor saxophone, alto flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, bass clarinet, acoustic piano), Alphonso Johnson (acoustic bass, electric fretted/fretless bass), Ralph Humphrey (drums), Shalini (lead vocals on “Bliss Factor – Part II”)
Label Website: -
Rating: Four Stars