Album Notes

About "Backroads to Bollywood":

The music of Bollywood has come to be celebrated around the world but what would you hear in the backroads to that great film city? "Backroads to Bollywood" answers that question first with vintage Bollywood tracks newly infused with the modern sounds the funk, rock and jazz well known to Mumbai's global citizens. What follows is a second set inspired by ageless traditional music and the devotional music of India's myriad faithful. These are what you hear the washerman sing out loud as he works and the mango vendor belt out as she saunters past. Hear the music of two Indias as you wander through the many narrow winding streets, the Backroads to Bollywood.

About The Music:
While Indian art music (classical) is well known in the west, Project Mastana explores the vast riches of India's lesser known folk and devotional traditions (qawaali, bhangra, raas-garba) as well as the "music of the millions" -- India's popular music, topping UK pop charts and legendary for it's cross-cultural appeal.

This music is rarely heard outside the immigrant community enclaves where it is a source of great nostalgia. As it turns out, Indians are not alone in their nostalgia for these songs! Since the 60s, Indian films -- rich with music and dance -- were popular in places as distant as Africa, Greece, Russia and England, creating generations of Indian music fans far beyond India's borders.

Whereas the London underground music scene of the 90s fused these influences with electronica, Mastana heads off in a direction quite its own, blending Indian music with world influences at a roots music level: real instruments, real music. Rather than relying on heavily synthesized sounds to bridge cultures, Mastana lets the music speak for itself.

And speak it does. Show after show, it's a delight to see audiences respond to the music with movement -- a sure sign that they agree: music is understanding beyond explanation... Now, who wants to dance?

The Band:

Get ready to groove! Project Mastana's mystical mix of soulful vocals and contagious rhythms have a universal appeal that your body understands. First it's your head nodding, then it's your toes tapping; next thing, you can't stand still and you don't want to.

Blending Indian melodies and world rhythms with funk and jazz, Project Mastana bridges the gap between east and west, traditional and popular, the esoteric and the accessible. The harmonium and tabla of India meet the djembe and dumbek, with vocals in Hindi, French and English. The familiar guitar, bass, violin and sax make even these exotic sounds accessible.

Enter the "Nautch Girls", those Project Mastana Dancers, with their many colors, masks and mischief and you've got a feast of sights and sounds that's sure to please!