Anomaly Jasdeep Singh Degun

• 1Anomaly04:27
• 2Veer06:24
• 3Translucence04:04
• 4In Search of Redemption05:42
• 5Sajanava04:24
• 6Enigma 7.506:29
• 7Undertow03:59
• 8Rageshri03:09
• 9Ulterior Motives04:18
• 10Nadia04:54
• 11Mahogany21:30
• 12Redemption (reprise)04:39
• Total Runtime01:13:59

Info for Anomaly

Lie back. Surrender to the undertow. Feel yourself floating away. "Anomaly" showcases exceptional musicality, improvisation, composition and collaboration that is rooted in the ancient repertoire of raags — the frameworks used in the improvised performances of Indian classical music — yet influenced by Jasdeep’s sparkling, contemporary flair that will charm purists and newcomers alike.

Jasdeep’s creations are an exercise in collaboration: culturally, sonically, and emotionally. His extraordinary artistry and innovative approach to composition mixes a new vision into both Indian classical and contemporary Western music.

Submit to the beauty and sorrow, the poetry and power, of the sitar – that plucked string instrument with the long neck, pear-shaped gourd and origins in the courts of the Maharajahs of medieval India.

Marvel at the astonishing prowess of Jasdeep Singh Degun, who is steeped in the North Indian classical tradition – indeed, in the musical traditions of the Indian subcontinent — and proudly born, raised and based in Leeds, north of England. “My language is music,” says Degun. “Music is where I come alive.”

Anomaly is not just any debut album. It is a project that showcases an almost preternatural musicality, a way with technique, improvisation, composition and collaboration that will dazzle purists and newcomers alike.

A work whose twelve tracks range from inspired sitar solos and duelling sitar and guitar to all stops out cinematic journeying. Music rooted in the ancient repertoire of raags, the frameworks used in the improvised performances of Indian classical music, and delivered with contemporary flair.

Soothing. Healing. Energising. Bringing us closer to ourselves.

“Each track tells a story of my life, and each has something that makes it distinct,” says Degun, 30, sitting at home in a room dotted with instruments: piano, guitar, tabla hand drum and a sitar custom made in India by the Rikhi Ram company, sitar makers for the likes of George Harrison, Vilayat Khan and Ravi and Anoushka Shankar.

“Growing up in England I’ve soaked up different influences,” he continues in his earthy, good-natured way. “I’ve studied Western classical music. I appreciate composers like Mahler and Mozart and film composers like A. R Rahman and John Williams. I’ve done studio sessions for artists such as Guy Chambers and Cerys Matthews and have written, arranged and produced music for orchestras, big music productions and contemporary classical ensembles.

“Sometimes I’ve compromised.” A smile. “Here I had free rein to get my vision across.”

Jasdeep Singh Degun, sitar, programming
Ashwin Srinivasan, flute
Aisling Brouwer, piano
Elizabeth Hanks, cello
Eric Appapoulay, bass
Glenn Sharp, guitar
Ian Burdge, cello
Kaviraj Singh Dhadyalla, santoor
Upneet Singh, tabla
David McEwan, programming

Mixed by James Turner and David McEwan
Mastered by Nick Watson at Fluid Mastering
Produced by Jasdeep Singh Degun and David McEwan

Jasdeep Singh Degun
Jasdeep's dynamic performance experience spans a wide range of prestigious and high-profile venues across the UK and abroad, including Buckingham Palace in 2011 for HRH Prince Harry as part the BBC2 documentary Goldie's Band: By Royal Appointment. In 2012, Jasdeep performed at the United Nations opening of the Amphitheatre in Doha, Qatar, in a production lead by the film composer Vangelis.

In 2015, Jasdeep performed live on BBC2 accompanying kathak finalist Vidya Patel on the BBC Young Dancer 2015 Grand Final, and accompanied the legendary Donovan at his Shram-Rock concert at the Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool. That same year, Jasdeep was featured on Shri Sriram's (Badmarsh and Shri) album 'Just A Vibration', alongside the Yorkshire based Hammonds Brass Band, which launched at the EFG London Jazz Festival 2015.

In 2017, Jasdeep had the honour of performing alongside Ustad Dharambir Singh and Roopa Panesar at a concert commemorating the life and legacy of the Late Maestro Ustad Vilayat Khan. Jasdeep was also lucky to perform on the main stage of the prestigious Darbar Festival alongside the kathak dancer Dheerendra Tiwari. The concert was also broadcasted on Sky Arts in December 2017.

2019 saw Jasdeep showcase music from his debut album, Anomaly, at a sell out performance at the Purcell Room, Southbank. The concert was attended by many eminent musicians including Nitin Sawhney, Anoushka Shankar and Smt. Sukanya Shankar, Swati Natekar, and Pandit Sanju Sahai.

Jasdeep has worked with musicians and producers such as Guy Chambers, Cerys Matthews, Melanie C, and Vangelis as a regular studio session musician. Jasdeep continues to push the boundaries of Indian classical music in the UK as well as developing his unique versatility as a promising young artist.

As a British-born composer, Jasdeep has developed a well-rounded sense of musicality and sensitivity towards not only Indian Classical music but many other different styles and genres. He has gained a rich experience in collaborative work across art forms and has regularly accompanied and created music for prolific dance pieces.

The Royal Albert Hall hosted Jasdeep at the 2014 BBC Proms, showcasing his own original compositions based on Indian Classical music and, in 2016, Jasdeep was commissioned by zer0classikal to write a concerto for sitar and string quartet, titled The Bridge.

2017 was a particularly fruitful year as Jasdeep not only wrote the soundtrack to the independent short film 'Taraash', and directed the music for the production 'India's Children: Partition' (commissioned by Opera North and South Asian Arts-uk), but also directed and performed in the production of 'George Harrison: The Story of The Beatles and Indian Music' at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

In 2020, Jasdeep was commissioned by Opera North to write a new work, 'Arya: concerto for Sitar and Orchestra' which premiered at the Huddersfield Town Hall. The work later went on tour with successful performances at Durham Cathedral, the RNCM, and the Birmingham CBSO to critical acclaim.

This album contains no booklet.