An evocative, timeless blend of Indian classical compositions in a contemporary style dedicated to the Spirit of the Ganges River, India.

A studio album including recordings from a boat on the Ganges, celebrates the unique and sacred world of India’s mother river. A river that for a billion people is a source of spiritual healing. Environmentalists whose critical work to save the Ganges from her rapid decline have inspired the creation of this music – which will feature in the score to the upcoming documentary film Holiwater.

Composed for the Sarod and performed by Pandit Vikash Maharaj with Electronica by Tom Bailey ( International Observer/The Thompson Twins) the album explores a cinematic soundscape produced for the legendary live show – The Holiwater Project – created by film maker Andrei Jewell.

Tabla by Prabhash Maharaj with percussion by James Pinker and vocals by Dr Revati Sakalkar accompany these lush melodies from Varanasi – the holy river city of Shiva and heart of North India’s ancient musical tradition. Lauded by critics and audiences alike as “haunting” and “mesmerisingly beautiful” this music is as timeless as the river herself. Purchase of the music will help support the ongoing work of the project.

Downloads also available through other selected online stores soon.

CD Album due out soon on Amazon.

visit www.holiwater.com to find out more about the project.
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Holiwater: Installation and performances
19 September – 4 October 2009

Holiwater, a two-week installation embracing photography and film, classical Baul singing, electronic music, and breathtaking live performances, opens at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery this month.

The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery in New Plymouth is the sole host for the Holiwater performances in New Zealand on 2 and 3 October.

A collaboration between New Zealand filmmaker Andrei Jewell and international musicians, the Holiwater Project entertains and engages on both an arts and action level across world-wide audiences.

The installation of film, photography and music culminates at the Gallery, on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 October, with captivating public performances conceived to bring the experience of the river to the audience. Indian Baul singers will perform accompanied by live percussion and electronic music beds, within an environment of reflective video projection.

The Bauls of Bengal connect music, spirituality and nature. Their ecstatic path of music is a way of life, which is central to their community and traditions.

The Holiwater Project brings together a cinematic vision of the Ganges river. The project’s upcoming Holiwater feature length documentary is a film inspired by the Baul tradition whilst threading together leading Indian visionaries and environmentalists to consider consciousness as a source of spiritual and scientific wisdom. The project’s intention is a celebration of consciousness as a state of harmony with nature, where we are all connected. Water thus becomes a powerful metaphor and visceral element to illustrate our connection to each other and the Earth as a living, breathing being. The Baul’s tradition is one that celebrates nature while venerating water as the source of all life.

Holiwater curator and Govett-Brewster Art Gallery Director Rhana Devenport says the Project evokes questions relevant to all of us. “With water quality an ever growing concern in New Zealand and Taranaki, Holiwater’s focus on this global issue through traditional mystic singing, contemporary sound and visual environments are indeed important and timely.”

Also showing at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery this spring is Nalini Malani from 10 October to 29 November.

Album & Documentary – Release June ’07