American classical cellist Mike Block and Indian classical tablaist Sandeep Das will release their first full-length album of collaborations, Where The Soul Never Dies, June 11 on Bright Shiny Things. The two GRAMMY winners have worked together as part of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble, and announced the album this past week with a reexamination of the traditional American fiddle tune, “Glory In The Meeting House”.
The duo look to explore uncharted musical spaces of tabla and cello with this album, creating from a sense of joy and respect while surrendering to each other’s musical heritages. The result crosses genres with a dialogue that’s raw, organic, eclectic, and soulful. The title track of the album is a combination of two spiritual songs: “Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram” (India) and “Where the Soul Never Dies” (America) symbolizing love and infinite divinity within us.
Contrasting it are experimental interludes based on Indian rhythmic compositions in traditional cycles such as Teentaal, Rupak, and Ektaal. Adaptations of folk music like “Glory in the Meeting House” (America) and “Resham Firiri” (Nepal) charm with their earthiness, while original compositions like “Fight or Flight” and arrangements of contemporary tunes like “The Fønix” (Norway) and “Maspiel” (America) investigate new textures and flavors.
In the studio, the duo had no prescription to follow with the music, which allowed them to follow their hearts and minds as they brought their two instruments together as conversing soloists. In their creation, they looked to learn about each other’s personalities and cultures, while at the same time uncovering something new within themselves.
Both Block + Das are musical educators, looking to expand the horizons of their chosen fields. Block has released five full-length albums in just the past two years, along with founding the ‘Play For The Vote’ campaign around last November’s election. Das, a 2020 Guggenheim Fellow, is one of the leading Tabla virtuosos in the world. Since his debut concert at the age of 17 with legendary Sitarist Pt. Ravi Shankar, Das has established himself as one of India’s top Tabla maestros, building a prolific international reputation that spans over three decades.
Connect with Mike Block on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Stream his music on Spotify and Apple.
Source: Press Release
