Music Review of Taranga by Prem Joshua

Multi-instrumentalist and composer Prem Joshua isHere are but a few of Joshua's many awards: he is
considered to be a pioneer in the field of World Music. Inow the number one bestselling World Music artist in
have been reviewing Joshua's innovative synthesis ofIndia. The daily newspaper "The Times of India" has
East and West since the mid-90s, with Tales of aanointed him the new "Guru of Fusion." In 2003, the
Dancing River, Hamsafar and Desert Visions stillBBC nominated him for its prestigious "World Music
among my favorites. I'm delighted to be able to tell youListeners Award," and in 2007 Joshua received the
about Taranga, Joshua's latest CD.award for "Best Film Music on Indian TV" at the Indian
Taranga, which means "colorful waves of joy andTV Awards in Mumbai.
enthusiasm" in Sanskrit, features captivating melodiesJoshua plays, sitar, flute, percussion, drums, bass,
on the sitar, bamboo flute and soprano sax. Joshua'ssoprano sax and handles some vocals. A host of
compositions soar over driving tabla rhythms asexcellent musicians adds tabla, dholak (Indian hand
ancient Sanskrit and Sufi poems re-awakened in thedrum), kanjeera (a small round drum covered with goat
21st century. And while Joshua draws inspiration fromskin and circled with bells on its wooden body), cello,
deep wells of Eastern musical traditions, he's never lostviolin, keyboards and much more. Exquisitely produced,
touch with contemporary Western music. Over theTaranga is happy-feet music for the ages, perfect for
years he has continued to distill his amazing talent foractive meditation and movement, or simply getting lost
fusion, mixing meditative classical Indian ragas within the joy of the moment. I urge you to get to know
highly intoxicating rhythms, creating music seemingly atJoshua's delicious blend of East and West, you may
home anywhere in the world.even want to collect more of his titles.