On an "Autorickshaw" ride

So The Journey Goes is an offering from Canada's highly acclaimed band Autorickshaw. This funky ensemble has a following all around the world and it's no wonder when you sample their eclectic fare. Their music can be best described as a hybrid of jazz and funk with classical and popular Indian music. But don't even for a minute think it's the typical "fusion" genre that mishmashes a bit of everything and leaves you devoid of any identity. The final outcome is something that brings together various elements of Eastern and Western music together and fuses it effortlessly.

  Contemporary, inspired and passionate are words that come to mind after hearing the album. Aaj ki raat is shows off vocalist Sankaran's range of vocals at its best. Then there's Leonard Cohen's Bird on a wire that has been reinvented in their unique style. Other tracks on this album too provide an interesting perspective on Indo-Canadian music as it stands today.

The band consists of Suba Sankaran, Ed Hanley, Rich Brown and their newest member Patrick Graham. Each of these talented artists offers something unique towards the sound of the band. Suba Sankaran is a second-generation musician who learnt South Indian classical music as well as Western classical music as a child. She graduated in jazz from York University followed by a Masters degree in ethnomusicology. Ed Hanley has been a devoted student on Indian percussion for over a decade having learnt various instruments as well as percussion amongst other elements. Bassist Rich Brown is a stylish musician who has been playing with international artists like Steve Coleman amongst others. Percussionist Patrick Graham stands in place of previous band member Debashis Sinha. His background involves training in Western classical music apart from other global sounds and styles such as Japanese music, etc.

  When you consider the sheer diversity in experience and influences, it is truly commendable how all the sounds and styles merge together to provide one amazing sound. LISTEN UP to Autorickshaw!