Album Notes

LEHERA has been honoured in the same category as a few of the greatest names in Indian music—A.R. Rahman and the iconic South Indian composer/producer Ilaiyaraja.
The Heartsky track, Devi, was 1st in the Indian Song category of the JPF Awards 2009—the world’s largest independent music awards with just under half a million entries from around the globe.
The Heartsky CD won the Independent Music Vox Populi (people’s vote) Award 2009 (International) in the World Fusion Album category
Fourth in the Indian Album category of the JPF Awards 2009.
Won the 2009 IMA Vox Populi Award in the World Fusion category of the prestigious Independent Music Awards.
In 2010 LEHERA was one of 11 finalists chosen from over 15,000 entrants in the “World” category of the International Songwriting Competition.

Heartsky Review by
www.radiocentraal.be/psychevanhefolk
Lehera is an inspired project established by acoustic guitarist/Indian flutist Prashant Michael John with Hindustani slide-guitarist Prakash Sontakke and ghatam (clay pot instrument) percussionist Karthik Subramanya.

Mostly contemporary Indian music lead the structured improvisations, instrumentals and a few songs based upon raga-based classical Indian music techniques, while the acoustic guitarist makes western pickings, or plays jazzy and bluesy rhythmic guitar parts, occasionally and only for a few accents in a slightly funky way or Indian styling, or repeating an Indian theme, where the slide guitars fuses too but remains in the Indian part most often. There are three English songs too, of which “Into The Blue” might recall Led Zeppelin a bit, fused with Indian ideas, while the “Collateral Damage” used some electric bass too, blending the commonly used styles even more. “Mid Morning Dream” with Dave King on bass adds even a small element of rock to the combinations. A great professional album adding a personal vision to the contemporary classical music’s foundations.LEHERA is establishing a formidable and award-winning presence in the World Music arena. From North and South Indian Classical Music to Blues, Jazz, Funk, and World Music, they cook up a banquet of modern musical melodies that transport you from delicious toe-tapping riffs to haunting layered soundscapes. With their exotic and unique blend of technique, thought-provoking lyrics, and potent emotional performances, Lehera offers you a spicy masala of song.

Band Bio:
Serving up their unique flavour and vibe of music ranging from passionate to contemplative, lehera dazzles you with their virtuosity and ambient density. Vocals in English and Classical Indian styles weave with Hindustani slide guitar, violin, and bamboo flutes driven by exciting Ghatam (Clay pot drum), Konnakol (Carnatic drum language), and world percussion instruments peppered with funky and bluesy guitar. A feast for the senses, Lehera’s soulful musical delights…feed your body, mind, and spirit.

“Lehera was an absolute joy to have at our Festival this past summer. I highly recommend them!” – Doug Cox, Artistic Director, VIMF

“Thank you for your passionate and exciting performance. We enjoyed the different angle on world music. Very accessible yet unique!” – Alfredo Caxaj, AD, Sunfest

“The music has the rigorous qualities of [Indian] classical music and is also marked with the liberties that make up funk, folk and modern music”. – Joyce Janvier-Gagnon – Radio Canada

“[Lehera] …has given fusion a different dimension, mixing classical [Indian] with funk and jazz.”
- The Deccan Herald, India.

“I firmly believe in the Lehera project. It has a lot of energy and is well played!” – Dave King, Bassist ( Dizzy Gillespie, Laurie Anderson, Jimmy Smith,Tina Turner, etc.)