30-year-old Indian Briton Jasdeep Singh Degun says he spent at least as much time studying sitar as others would have spent becoming dentists or lawyers. He studied with Grandmaster Dharambir Singh, who has played an important role for many British-Asian musicians. Despite the high level of Indian classical musicians in Britain, few know how to find their way to a record label. Degun wants to change
… that. Anomaly is an extremely ambitious and grand project, especially for a debut album. Degun is extremely skilful both on the sitar and as a composer. But at least as impressive is the vision he displays. Although Anomaly has all the elements of a fusion record - after all, traditional Indian elements are mixed with electronics, Western instruments and classical music - the pieces retain the solemnity that characterizes Indian classical music. In particular, the beautiful string arrangements and acoustic guitar of producer Nitin Sawhney complement this nicely. (JV)more
