(Pat Tynan Media) - Kuljit Bhamra and Shan
Chana thrilled and captivated audiences as the on stage percussionists in the
Andrew Lloyd Webber hit West End Musical Bombay Dreams.
They continued their partnership working together as leading musicians in the orchestra of Michael E Ward's musical adaptation of The Far Pavilions for which Kuljit Bhamra composed the Indian music.
Inspired by the shows unique images of snow capped mountains and the deserts of Afghanistan, the duo present their debut album of electrifying and energetic percussion based music.
Himalaya Dawn, Featuring the Bhangra Mix of Staying Alive
CD: Himalaya Dawn
Label: KEDA
Catalogue: Number KEDACD 61
Release Date: November 7, 2005.
Distributor: RSK
Bhangra/World/Asian UK Fusion
Musicians:
Kuljit Bhamra: tabla, dhol, dholak, keyboards, matki, loombi, percussion. Shan Chana: dhol, guitars, vocals, percussion, keyboards, tanpura, udu. Ranbir Singh: dilruba Deepa Singh: vocals Balu Raguraman: Indian violin K Chitambara: morsing Parsana K: Indian flute
Track Listing:
10 Himalaya Dawn, 2) Morsing, 3) Staying Alive 4) Always, 5) New Horizons 6) The Dhol Express 7) Desert Journeys, 8) Haunted Ships of Kashmir
Kulji Bhamra Back Catalogue
KEDA KD60 Burning At Melting Point
'One of the most prolific and dedicated Asian music producers to come out of Britain.' London Asian Guardian
Shan Chana:
Shan Chana is one of the most sought after musicians working in London's West End musical industry. A highly trained musician in ‘tuned percussion' his talent enables him to play a wide range of instruments from Xylophones and Latin congas to rock percussion and dhol.
Although Shan Chana is the lesser known of the two players he has an extensive and most impressive C.V which encompasses theatre, film & studio work at the highest level.
Here is a small selection of his session credits which include The Far Pavilions, Bombay Dreams, Saturday Night Fever, Jerry Springer, Sunset Boulevard, Grease, Fame, Cher, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Enrique Iglesias, Ronan Keating, Shirley Bassey, Kid Creole, Stephen Gatley, Jason Donovan, Billie Piper, Martine McCutcheon and the films Alexander, Rarg and The Snow Queen.
Kuljit Bhamra:
Kuljit Bhamra is one of the most inspiring and influential people working in the British Asian music scene. Multi talented Kuljit is very much at home either as an artist, producer or composer.
He is perhaps best know to the theatre going public for his truly breathtaking performances as the on-stage percussionist in Andrew Lloyd Webber's hit musical Bombay Dreams and more recently in the London stage production of Far Pavilions.
'Born to the Bhangra Beat!' - Daily Telegraph
Kuljit was responsible for spearheading the Bhangra movement composing and producing over 2000 songs to date which in turn helped to launch or enhance the careers of numerous Bhangra and Bollywood stars.
He has worked both independently and collaboratively on film scores including the soundtracks for Bhaji on the Beach & Bend It Like Beckham. He has also been applauded for his stunning percussion work in the film 'The Little Princess.'
Alongside his stage and music production work he has made appearances in The Guru, Four Feathers and Wings of a Dove.
Recent theatre and film credits have included contributions to 'Alexander the Great', 'The Far Pavilions' Charlie & The Chocolate Factory and the theatre production of 'Deranged Marriage'. One of his current commissions is to compose the score for the film ‘Masala Beans.'
Kulji Bhamra is a major talent in Indian English music, with over 2000 songs to his credit and contributions to film scores and with mainstream artistes as a featured percussionist; he enjoys a prime place in the UK Bhangra and Bollywood explosion.
Kuljit's most successful project known to Western audiences is his work on the soundtrack music for the award-winning film 'Bhaji On The Beach' and his drumming work in the film 'A Little Princess'.
Since 1986, Kuljit has been presented with:
1986 Asian Pop Awards - 'Best Musical Director'
1987 Asian Pop Awards - 'Best Musical Director'
1987 Platinum Disc for record sales
1988 Two Gold Discs for record sales
1989 The Mrs Kaur Trophy - 'Top Musical Director'
1992 Nominated for 'Men Of Achievement Award'
1993 The Music Industry Accolade UK 'Most Consistent and Prolific Producer'
1996 The Movie International Appreciation Award 1995/1996
'Introducing Bhangra to a non-Asian public...' - The Times
Kuljit Bhamra also lectures on various styles of Indian music including Ghazals, North Indian Classical, South Indian Classical, Hindi Film Music, Bhajans, Qawalis, Bhangra, Hindi Pop and British Asian Fusion.
'Kuljit Bhamra has been able to blend both eastern and western music without sacrificing the roots of either.' - Asian Times
