Together in Love and Separation

Indian classical singer Chandra Chakraborty is joined by London-based singer Saskia Griffiths-Moore in an album that explore themes of love and loss in both Eastern and Western culture. There is some serious support behind this album: Arts Council funding, launch at the Royal Albert Hall etc, and this is audible in the production, which is top-notch, if a little heavy on reverb. The performances of everyone involved are impressive too; from Chakraborty’s impeccable gliding vocals to Griffiths-Moore’s country-style delivery. The remarkable auxiliary musicians must receive some praise also: Amith Dey on keys, harmonium and backing vocals; Yamin Chowdhury on tabla and John Wood on guitar.

However, despite these attributes, it must be said that the most interesting thing about this album is the East/West pairing and not necessarily its product. I can’t speak for the Indian side of things but the Western song selection is a little obvious and tired, comprising ‘Country Roads’, ‘Scarborough Fair’, ‘Wild Mountain Thyme’… The arrangements are soothing but never adventurous and the overall effect is a little saccharine. It just feels like some undeniably very talented musicians missed an opportunity to do something truly great.