Re/Semblance: Saath-Saath

Conceived and realised between 2016-2019, and necessitating numerous trips between Bangalore, Mumbai, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, Suzhou and Wuhan, Re/Semblance is an ambitious new project exploring the millennia-old relationship between Indian and Chinese culture. Meaning ‘Together-Together’ in the Hindustani language, Saath-Saath also serves as an attempt to deconstruct the notion of what ‘Indian’ or ‘Chinese’ music means, removed from the superficial divisions of nation states.

Presented as an exhaustive double album, divided between the Shanghai and Hong Kong incarnations of the group, Re/Semblance represents a clear effort to fuse words and music from both cultures on a deeper level. Both the Indian and Chinese performers contribute original compositions, with lyrics in Hindi, Mandarin, Cantonese, Tarana, Tamil, Marathi and Kannada. Pieces by pipa player Zhang Yi are a particular highlight – providing some of the most melodically addictive moments of the album, and his playing effortlessly replicates the ornaments and phrasing of Hindustani music – a rarity for his instrument. Vocalists Bindhumalini, Omkar Havaldar, Rutuja Lad and Zhe Lai beautifully navigate the many languages represented, and Kedarnath Havaldar’s tabla cycles tie the whole album together. The second disc is largely based around the poetry of Cantopop lyricist Chow Yiu-Fai, whose spoken verses punctuate the compositions. Kimho Ip’s sparkling yangqin, as well as Sameer Havaldar on harmonium, provide welcome harmonic depth, creating necessary variety between each piece. Totalling 108 minutes of music, Re/Semblance: Saath-Saath is a lengthy, multifaceted work, which will reward multiple listens with its depth and richness.