Music director Sandeep Chowta and vocalist Sanjay Chitale are all set with their new album "American Pilgrimage" which comprises Indian melody and jazz improvisation - a cross-cultural intersection seldom heard.
The album is the culmination of a life-long dream of Bollywood music director, multi-instrumentalist and composer Chowta. He wanted to meet and record with his jazz idols, including John Scofield, Bunny Brunel, Eddie Daniels, Andy LaVerne, Dave Valentine and more.
His friend and musical partner, Chitale, made it his mission to bring this dream to reality. Several years ago, the two embarked on a two-year-long journey across the US, knocking on doors, calling friends, crashing on couches and recording music with the aforementioned legends they sought out.
Scofield said: "I rarely find myself in a wholly different musical world but in this instance I did. It was a pleasure to work with these fine musicians."
Jay Oliver said" "I was so amazed at the freedom with which Indian singers choose their notes. The whole experience was simply incredible.
While Chowta is a prolific music director whose work can be heard in some of the biggest Bollywood films such as "Om Shanti Om" and "Rowdy Rathore", Chitale's life was rooted in music until he found himself working in IT but when the opportunity to record "American Pilgrimage" came along, he sold his investments and drove head first into the project.