Linda Louis

Kolkata, Jun 17 (UNI) The young percussionist-cum-music composer is not for freaky style and funky beats but he knows his basics well and sticks to it.

''Deewana kiye sham kya jadu dala'', one of the best compositions by Abhishek Basu brings in a mood of Indian classical music fused with 'qawali' and jazzy instrumentation, which Basu calls his type of 'World Music'.

His music is a true blend of what the world of music has evolved into today.

Basu's version of blend music is not what would strike us as typical modern age music. It definitely has the 'jazzy overtones and funky beats mixed with melody, but it is a type in itself.

He believes in what his Guru ''Bickram da'' said, ''Stick to the basics, Abhishek, never loses the touch of the real music that will keep you going on the right path.'' Speaking to UNI, Bickram Ghosh said, ''Abhishek has potentials, he is a very talented boy and I am sure he will do quite well.'' ''The fact that he did not have any one in his family to guide and inspire him and that he does not come from a family of maestros has nothing to do with his talent and his capability as an artiste and will not stop him from accomplishing what he wants,'' said Bickram Ghosh, when asked about how he would balance himself in an industry where most of his contemporaries have a strong backing from family members.

In an interview with UNI, Abhishek made an interesting revelation about one of his works, ''Soul Mate'', from his recent album.

Tanhai ke is shishe se azad kar de mere pyar ko, ai sajana....

was inspired from his own life, which had such an impact on his soul that he cracked the noise of the world of music, created by the new pop singers of today, with his music that can today be considered revolutionary.

A dedicated musician, an ardent follower of his Guru's words, a creative composer and an energetic performer, Abhishek has found his niche in the modern world of music.

From his childhood, Abhishek grew up under the supervision of his Gurus Bickram Ghosh and Pandit Shankar Ghosh, who nurtured him as their own child and taught him the beats and the ragas which nobody in today's world can never imagine.

Abhishek as a boy, spent most of his time in his Guru's house.

His mother, Alo Basu, would call up his Guru's number to ask where her son was, and would always be assured of his presence in their house. His dedication, talent and love for music encouraged his Gurus to pour their expertise into him. Today, he proudly speaks of how he grew up in their doting care.

''My son, who was always so naughty patiently listened to the ''dhakis'' at our family puja pandal and waited eagerly till they finished, because then he will take the sticks and play the ''dhak'' the ''dhakis'' he used to urge me to ''Buy him a Tabla or something'', Mrs Basu said.

In yet another interview with UNI, internationally acclaimed Santoor player Tarun Bhattacharya talked highly of this young talent.

''Abhishek is among the few artistes in this era, who has a lot of creativity and dedication, who I believe has the potential of climbing to the top in this industry with his talent, perseverance and a keen sense for what the audience loves to hear,'' says the famous Shata-tantri Veena (Santoor) player.

''He is among the few who know how to remain well rooted to the basic form of music,'' Tarun Bhattacharya added.

In his new album ''Searching for Nirvana'', he gave form to his multi-faceted talent that was nurtured not only by his Gurus, but also encouraged and supported by his parents, who despite negativism from all quarters gave their son what he craved for - a tabla and his Guru.

Bickram Ghosh can now boast that he has created an artiste, who can not only follow the fresh, youthful trend set by him but also generate good, meaningful music, which has the strength of striking a sharp distinction with the modern head banging music.

UNI