Track of the day: ‘Sajanava’ by Jasdeep Singh Degun

Jasdeep Singh Degun, one of the UK’s most accomplished sitar players, has shared the new track ‘Sajanava’ ahead of his much-anticipated debut album Anomaly, which will be released on 6th May 2022 on Real World Records.

‘Sajanava’ is a string-laden affair based on thumri — a semi-classical song form associated with kathak, the North Indian dance style — and the only track on the forthcoming album to feature classical (dual female) vocals.

The singers — Debipriya Das and Yarlinie Thanabalasingam — represent two different traditions in Indian classical music: Hindustani (from the north) and Carnatic (from the south). This duality is similarly represented in the accompanying music video, directed by Adam Lyons, which features dancers Vidya Patel and Anaya Vasudha.

Jasdeep Singh Degun - Sajanava (Official Video)

Featured release

  • Anomaly

    Jasdeep Singh Degun

    Released 06 May 2022

    Submit to the beauty and sorrow, the poetry and power, of the sitar – that plucked string instrument with the long neck, pear-shaped gourd and origins in the courts of the Maharajahs of medieval India. Marvel at the astonishing prowess of Jasdeep Singh Degun, a sitarist steeped in the Indian classical tradition and proudly born, raised and based in Leeds, north of England.

By Oran Mullan

Published on Fri, 08 April 22

Further reading

Jasdeep Singh Degun announces Anomaly tour

The tour with 9-piece band takes place in the UK and Europe this May and June.

Long-awaited release of Kayhan Kalhor and Toumani Diabaté collaboration

The album is a spiritual meditation by two culture bearers of centuries-old musical traditions.

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