During a time of uncertainty in the future and even the present, soulful music that exudes inspiration and comfort couldn’t be more needed. That’s exactly what we get from Tides, the latest album from Grand Tapestry. Released via Gravitas Recordings, Tides soothes us to our core with 6 original tracks and 3 instrumentals. The brilliance behind Grand Tapestry are two very different but equally talented artists with impressive lists of musical accomplishments. Eligh, a well-established producer and rapper hailing from L.A., is a member of the hip hop supergroup, Living Legends, and half of The Grouch and Eligh. From the Bay Area is Alam Khan, son of esteemed Indian classical musician and groundbreaking Sarode player, Maestro Ali Akbar Khan, from whom Alam learned his skills. With Alam’s expertly crafted score and Eligh’s fluid bars, they beautifully blend essences of hip hop and electronic beats with traditional Indian roots to create powerful music.
Tides comes to life four years after Grand Tapestry’s self-titled debut album and they have since incorporated new instruments. The opening track and single, “Seagulls” – which premiered earlier this month with a striking music video that showcases dancer Olga Sokolova – features Raaginder on the violin and Kamaljeet Ahluwalia on the santoor (a percussion-stringed instrument where stretched out strings are played with tiny hammers). Aham also plays the guitar in this album, which he had not previously done.
Grand Tapestry venture through the ebbs and flows of life through their songs, with lyrics that explore challenges and encourage introspection. “Tides”, one of the duo’s admitted favorites, washes over us with echoed claps and layered vocals that are reminiscent of a chanted mantra. “Radiant” featuring Zumbi and Jay Gandhi offers a similar but more upbeat mantra vibe. “Youth”, with it’s vivid lyrics, reminds us to embrace inevitable changes while still appreciating our present. The instrumentals of “Seagulls”, “Tides”, and “Believe” are absolutely mystifying to listen to, as they highlight the beauty and intricacy of the Sarode and the rest of the instruments used. We highly recommend following Grand Tapestry’s About The Song series, to learn more details about how each song was composed and created.
Tides and it’s ever-present aquatic theme leaves us with a humbling yet optimistic message: life comes in waves – the best we can do is try ride them out.
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https://grandtapestry.com/
Photo: Stian Rasmussen
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