“A quintet of masterful musicians repeatedly bridged the gap, wowing the audience with their dynamic interplay and pure skill... A truly astounding masterclass in the art of musical fusion” (Ambient Light)
"The highest stratosphere with regards to complexity and musical intensity" (Stuff)
“Bringing together musical influences from different sides of the world to create something fresh and unique and reinforce the notion that music knows no borders... One of those rare ensembles that transcend into the sonic stratosphere" (Bret McKenzie)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Receiving a standing ovation from a full house at the New Zealand Festival of the Arts in 2020, Shades of Shakti are an intercultural group of musicians bridging the gap between traditional Indian music and jazz. Inspired by Ravi Shankar's East Meets West and John McLaughlin's famous 1970s Shakti project, Shades of Shakti are a soulful juggernaut of mind-bending compositions and improvisations, their music combines intricate fast energetic melodies, virtuosic rhythms, and hypnotic sonorities. Their collaboration aims to bring communities together and celebrate human diversity through music.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The musicians:
Basant Madhur (India) is a much-respected artist of classical Indian music. Born into a family of musicians, he studied under Pt. Pawan Kumar Verma and is an approved Indian Radio & Television performing artist. He moved to New Zealand in 2002.
Justin Firefly Clarke (NZ) is a respected guitar virtuoso of many stripes. Seven years in Berlin saw Justin gain repute as a lynchpin for fusing different musical languages, winning numerous awards for these collaborations in festivals across Europe.
Tristan Carter (NZ) is an extremely talented and versatile violinist who has worked with Atlas Ensemble in Amsterdam, traditional musicians in Bangalore, and taonga pūoro musicians of Aotearoa. He currently composes and dances with Java Dance.
Sargam Madhur (India/NZ) is an extremely talented young up-and-coming sitar player based in Auckland. She is the daughter of Basant Madhur, and has been studying traditional Indian music her whole life.
Thomas Friggens (NZ) a powerful and virtuoso drummer who straddles multiple musical worlds effortlessly and has been an integral member of premier percussion group, Strike, as well as numerous Wellington ensembles such as Sulco d’Alma and Bazurka
