All Terrain Guitar

Genre-Busting Songs, Pulsating Rhythms, and a 21st Century Guitar Statement on Prasanna’s “All Terrain Guitar,” Out August 5

When asked to describe his creations, Prasanna cites two legendary composers, Illayaraja and Frank Zappa, known for bringing together diverse musical influences to develop a style that is personal and beyond category. Embellishing each song is his guitar signature replete with traditional microtonal slides and inflections – called gamaka – that snake their way across rich aural landscapes with a warm, emotive quality that closely resembles the human voice.

A follow-up to his previous solo albums, the Carnatic-rock Jimi Hendrix tribute Electric Ganesha Land (2006) and the highly acclaimed jazz-fusion album Be the Change (2004), All Terrain Guitar is his most adventurous album to date. Joining the guitarist on ATG are Shalini Lakshmi and Natalie John (vocals), Vijay Iyer (piano), Dave Douglas (trumpet), Rudresh Mahanthappa and David Binney (saxophone), Mike Pope and Bill Urmson (bass), and Rodney Holmes and Mauricio Zottarelli (drums), whose dynamic musical interplay shines throughout.

Tracks range from the jazz-inspired gush of fresh air “Springtime in New York” (an International Songwriting Competition-winner), to the manic, in-your-face solo rock guitar “Lava,” to “Nap of the Earth,” a Carnatic raga statement underneath an urgent, repeated DJ-inspired drum beat. Then there’s the upbeat Latin-tinged “Final Approach” with its relentless energy and bounce; and “31,” with its ornate Indian melodies and foot-stomping rhythms creating a visceral and theatrical experience.

Contrast is a theme that runs throughout All Terrain Guitar. “Pinch Pennies in Monaco” juxtaposes Shalini’s unique and evocative Carnatic singing against some wild thrash-metal riffs, big drums and bass, and a scorching saxophone solo; and Natalie John’s melodic scatting lends a softness and cyclical rhythm to the throbbing, riff-based hard-rocker “Electron Dance.” On the R&B/Brazilian-inspired “Song for the Wind,” Shalini’s operatic vocals float alongside guitar and trumpet before careening towards a hard-edged saxophone and drums finish; and the airy album-closer “The Keyword is Love” brings the unlikely pairing of reggae and raga together to celebrate the simplest and most universal of themes: love.

With each composition, Prasanna’s diverse and distinctive styles wind their way into a cohesive mosaic. “I feel that All Terrain Guitar has the soul to touch people in a simple, direct, and powerful way,” he says. “Coming out with a new record is always exciting because it gives me a chance to welcome new listeners to my world and reconnect with my fans, who continue to inspire me. I am eager to make a bond as we ride the terrain together. For me, the keyword is love… and some sustained feedback on the overdrive pedal.”

About Prasanna

For more information on Prasanna, please contact Erin Cook, Jensen Communications, erin@jensencom.com or 626-585-9575