14th April 2022: Announcing Harish Raghavan’s new album ‘In Tense’
Harish Raghavan by Emra Islek
We’re elated to announce the highly anticipated follow-up album from first-class bassist and composer Harish Raghavan who released his debut to worldwide critical acclaim in 2019.
In Tense is the latest record from New York based composer and bassist Harish Raghavan, that follows his 2019 debut Calls For Action. This new and all-original output was recorded at the end of 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The album’s six tracks were written especially for the exceptional band, comprised of drummer Eric Harland, guitarist Charles Altura, Joel Ross on vibraphone and marimba, and Morgan Guerin on woodwinds. Inspiration for the album came from responding to the monumental events of that year, particularly the globally shared experience of the pandemic.
In Tense will be released July 29 and available on CD, DL and 180gram Limited Edition LP
ABOUT THE ALBUM
Personnel:
Harish Raghavan – double bass
Eric Harland – drums
Charles Altura – guitar
Joel Ross – vibraphone, marimba
Morgan Guerin – tenor saxophone, electric wine instrument, bass clarinet
Opening track ‘AMA’ is ethereal and calm, yet also driving with a virtuosic bass solo over the hypnotic and pulsating groove in the mid-section, serving as a beautiful opening to the cohesive album. The energy switches up a gear with ‘Circus Music’, which was written to be indicative of how tough the world can be and in direct response to turbulent times and being forced to learn how to adapt. The music paints a picture of walking the tight rope at a circus looking for a safe landing.
Title track, ‘In Tense’ moves slowly but with purpose, there’s a sense of quiet unease as though something vast is happening without our knowledge. With heavy bass throughout, the track is rooted in an exquisite tension reminiscent of the confusing lockdown feeling of being safe at home but with unfamiliar intensity. ‘Eight-Thirteen’ is also about the unknown. The track name comes from the time exactly a minute before Harish’s son was born. There’s a part of the composition that slows down tantalizingly for a moment, invoking visions of looking over a precipice and capturing the precise moment before everything changes.
‘S2020’ was inspired by how we’re already living in the future. Born in 1982, Harish remembers thinking 2020 was part of a far-off future. This sentiment is manifested via the heady and otherworldly exchanges on the dystopian track. Album closer, ‘Prayer’ is an ode to the times we find ourselves in now and written as a pre-battle prayer. It features moments of freedom and a thrilling trade-off between Morgan and Charles.
Harish Raghavan is a thoughtful composer and enigmatic musician, his latest work In Tense is a commanding and immersive oeuvre that enchants from start to finish. So-named to remind us to stay present and in the moment, this record offers welcome mindful clarity through its captivating compositions and hypnotizing intensity.