Silence is Bliss

Although he is best known for his work on some of Indian cinema's most celebrated soundtracks – including AR Rahman's sensational ‘Bombay Theme’ – Naveen Kumar's Silence is Bliss is his seventh album in a decade. As with his previous work, Kumar has recruited masters of Indian music to help set the stage for his own flute playing. The title-track is a triumph, with three musical giants framing the soothing tones of Kumar's flute beautifully: Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, creator of the mohan veena (Indian classical slide guitar); the famous percussionist Sivamani; and distinguished tabla player Ojas Adhiya. ‘Journey of Truth’ is another exceptional piece, with ever more intricate ornamentations and a piano that builds in a foreboding crescendo.

The rest of the album is full of surprises, with covers of a 1990s Tamil song and ‘Ave Maria’ side by side, and it ends with a playful spin on Bellini's ‘Vaga Luna’ and an ode to nature that features the up-and-coming Shillong Chamber Choir. While these are pleasant enough, however, it is only ‘Song of Praise’ that manages to regain the captivating quality of the opening tracks. Nevertheless, Kumar's talent is undeniable: if the album as a whole is not exceptional, it is certainly enjoyable.