Debashish Bhattacharya

October 01, 2009

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             Guitar maestro Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya is one of the world’s phenomenons who created a unique Trinity of Slide Guitars. Each takes the slide guitar to new heights of sublimity. First of his invention is the Chaturangui, a 24-string hollow neck guitar, followed by the 14-string Gandharvi, which holds the longest glissando and the Anandi, a 4-string slide Ukulele, played at the end of a performance. All three combine aspects of the western guitar with elements of traditional Indian instrument.

Born to musician parents Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya, a child prodigy, was initiated into Indian classical singing, but was drawn to the guitar because of the ability to emulate the human voice by using the slide. The highly innovative mind of Debashish has given the Hindustani Slide Guitar a new dimension. The Maestro belives the Trinity of Guitars is the ultimate form of Indian Slide Guitar. Debashish hopes this would be the driving force for Indian Slide Guitar in the years ahead. The origin dates back to the 1930’s, when Hawaiian Musician Tau Moe introduced the lap steel guitar to India. Debashish met Tau Moe and honoured and performed at his presence in 2004 at Laie. The rest if history.

Past performances of Debashish have include john McLaughlin and his latest incarnation of Shakti, Bob Brozman that resulted in the album Mahima. Led Kaapana, Martin Simpson are the others.

Having studied under Maestro Ustad Ali Akbar Khan ( Sarod ), Pandit Ajoy Chalraborty (Khayal, Vocal) and the legendary Pandit Brij Bhushan Kabra, the Godfather of Indian Classical Guitar, there really is no way to describe this astonishing musician short of seeing him live.

The uncanny ability of sliding like a voice and mesmerising tantrakaari Ang put Pandit Debashish Bhattacharya as a leading slide guitarist of the world. This extremely personable and gifted artiste takes us on a timeless journey through the history of Indian Classical Music, bringing it into the 21st century, with detours into the Blues and Hawaiian music as well.

His work has earned him president of India award in 1984, The Asiatic Society Gold Medal in 2005 and BBC Planet Award for World Music in 2007.

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