During the pandemic, when many people found themselves isolated and searching for a renewed sense of purpose, Rahul Mukerji began work on Mridhangit. The project provided Rahul with a constructive creative focus during a period of uncertainty while also creating an opportunity to connect and collaborate with musicians from around the world. Mridhangit features contributions from thirteen musicians, bringing together a diverse range of perspectives, backgrounds and musical talents. Notable collaborators include Praveen Sparsh, a prominent mridangam artist within the Indian classical music community; Leo Margarit, a southern France-born, Sweden-based drummer and member of the acclaimed progressive metal band Pain of Salvation; Ruben Rubio, an accomplished bassist from Spain recognised for his versatility; and Chaplin from South Africa, an accomplished pianist particularly known for creating beautifully evocative tonal moods. The international line-up is complemented by a number of talented local musicians. The title Mridhangit reflects the collaborative character of Rahul Mukerji’s project, combining the words mridangam, handpan and guitar. These three instruments represent the album’s fusion of musical styles, cultures and influences. The process of assembling tracks from musicians across the globe, with ideas, performances and arrangements exchanged remotely, demonstrates the adaptability, creativity and commitment of everyone involved. The album […]
From Peru to New York: Corina Bartra’s Cross-Cultural Vision Comes Alive on Colibrí
Few artists embody the spirit of musical fusion as naturally and authentically as Corina Bartra. A celebrated vocalist, composer, arranger, and percussionist, Bartra has spent decades building bridges between cultures, traditions, and generations through her music. Her work with The Prisma Project, particularly the album Colibrí: Bridging 2 Worlds (Unplugged), represents a culmination of that artistic journey, blending Afro-Peruvian roots, Latin American traditions, contemporary jazz, and global influences into a sound that is uniquely her own. Born in Peru and later establishing strong artistic ties with New York City, Bartra became one of the pioneering voices bringing Afro-Peruvian music to international audiences. Her musical vision extends beyond simply preserving tradition. Instead, she reimagines and expands it, incorporating influences from across the African diaspora, including Cuban, Brazilian, and contemporary jazz styles. Her academic studies at Queens College in New York, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance, further strengthened her ability to connect diverse musical languages into a cohesive artistic statement. Throughout her career, Bartra has performed at prestigious venues and festivals across the United States, Europe, and South America. Audiences have experienced her artistry at events such as the Women in Jazz Festival, the Capitol Jazz Festival, the […]