Orient Express, Friday 10 July, 22:00 CET.
More than a decade after their acclaimed debut, a new album by Jonny Greenwood, Shye Ben Tzur and The Rajasthan Express has been released: Ranjha. This time, the recordings took place at Greenwood’s studio in England. In addition to Radiohead guitarist Greenwood, The Smile drummer Tom Skinner was also part of the collective.
When combining different styles and influences, the result is sometimes greater than the sum of the parts. This is certainly true of the collaboration between Greenwood, Israeli composer and poet Shye Ben Tzur, and The Rajasthan Express from India. That collective comprises around twenty musicians, including Qawwali singers, percussionists and a six-piece horn section.
In 2015, they recorded the album Junun together at the 15th-century Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. The album’s title means something akin to madness or obsession, and this subsequently became the name of the project. A beautiful documentary about the recording sessions was also released at the time, clearly showcasing the remarkable chemistry between the musicians. That same energy could be experienced live a year later during their performance as the closing act of Le Guess Who? 2016—a concert that remains etched in the memories of the many attendees.
The sound of Ranjha is somewhat tighter and more controlled than the recordings made amidst the raw dynamics of the fort. However, Western chord structures and recording techniques still blend seamlessly with Indian ragas. The enthusiasm that made Junun so special can be felt once again.
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