Danjam Orchestra bassist Justin Gray just returned from 6 months of intense studies in Kolkata, India where he studied traditional North Indian Classical Music with his Guru, Shantanu Bhattacharryya on and off for the last 6 years. Justin was studying this ancient art form in the most traditional format in order to learn not only a new musical language, but also to understand its deep rooted philosophies. In addition to studying, Justin maintained a rigorous performing schedule including gigs with his Guru, the Monsoon Trio, and the Kolkata Symphony Orchestra.
Justin performs this music on the fretless electric bass and the acoustic bass, and is one of the first artists to do so in this traditional format. He has also designed a new instrument, inspired by the fretless bass, which is called the Bass Veena and has been received internationally as a new instrument in the Indian Classical and Indo-Jazz genres! We are thrilled to have him back and look forward to hearing how his studies influence his playing. You can check out Justin’s music here:
www.justin-gray.com
www.monsoon-music.com