The Three Seas – An Indian Australian super group!

Arts & Entertainment Sound

Staff Writer
March 11, 2023

Image: The Three Seas. Image: supplied

By CHESTER RIMES

When Anthony Albanese was in India last week he stressed numerous levels of co-operation and exchange between Australia and one of the world’s rising super powers. One thing he touched on was an increasing cultural exchange between the two countries and what better example could you get than the Indian/Australian ‘super group’, The Three Seas.

This unique ensemble, comprising two Australian and three Indian musicians has been together for well over a decade and during that time have toured extensively throughout Asia, India and the UK. Surprisingly their Australian shows have been few and far between but fortunately this is about to be remedied as they embark on an extensive local tour in March and April, playing a variety of venues from concert halls to intimate clubs.

The group fuse West Bengal and Himalayan folk song with contemporary sounds from Sydney and Kolkata. Soaring Baul vocals and majestic sounds from North Indian traditions intertwine with Bengali beats and the deep groove of the baritone saxophone in what Songlines magazine described in 2022 as a “Bermuda Triangle of electro-dub, funk and Hindustani music”.

In 2009, Sydney composer and saxophonist Matt Keegan travelled to India in search of new experiences and sounds. It was in the beautiful town of Santiniketan in West Bengal where the ensemble first met. The unique combination of their distinct cultural backgrounds and instant musical rapport quickly established the energetic and uplifting musical alchemy of The Three Seas.

The group is fronted by dynamic Baul singer Raju Das, who’s full-hearted voice and radiant stage presence is accentuated by his mastery of the khamak and its danceable rhythms. Darjeeling-born singer and multi-instrumentalist Deo Ashish Mothey contributes soulful vocals and sound effects in a Himalayan style and also plays an array of West Bengali stringed instruments including the dotora and esraj, producing intricate and mesmerising riffs. Drummer Gaurab Chatterjee from Kolkata is a member of Bengali rock giants Lakkhichhara and wonderfully fluent in traditional West Bengali folk percussion beats and feels.

A Three Seas concert is like no other – bound to lift you out of your seat and have you heading for any dance space that is available. Spiritual jazz, rock, dub reggae and traditional North Indian instruments (the khamak, dupki, estraj and dotora) all combine alongside tribal rhythms and intricate bass lines to create a totally joyous experience.

Over a unique fourteen-year partnership, The Three Seas have released three albums and whilst in the UK last year recorded their fourth studio album ‘Vimana’, at Peter Gabriel’s renowned Real World studios, under the guidance of producer Sarathy Karwar (Ninja Tunes, Leaf). The release of the 11-track project which includes original compositions, arrangements of Baulgan, Buddhist chants and a Bollywood classic is eagerly awaited.

The Three Seas play the Riverside Theatres at Parramatta this coming Sunday 19 March with a special early evening concert from 4pm as well as an end of tour party at Lazybones on Friday 14 April.