“Memories of Empathy” by Samir Bodhi
Album review by New Age CD and New Age Notes Radio Staff
This is the 2nd EP release from Indian composer, guitarist, and producer, Samir Bodhi. The album’s title, “Memories of Empathy,” hints at the central theme that runs through the music—a deep exploration of human emotions and the great power of empathy.
The EP is inspired by Samir’s belief that the gap between the “haves” and the “have nots” is widening, and that through people’s self-absorption, empathy for our fellow humans is diminishing to a distant memory. Samir Bodhi’s compositions on this EP evoke a wide range of feelings, opening the heart and allowing listeners to delve into the complexities of the human condition.
Here we have 6 tracks and about 34 minutes. The music is a richly textured, rhythmic collection with an “East meets West” kind of vibe. Three tracks are co-produced by David Vito Gregoli and Samir Bodhi (“Heaven So High,” “Compassion,” “Indifference”), and the other three tracks are co-produced by guitarist/bassist Sanjoy Das (“Have and Have Nots,” “Affinity,” “World of Empathy”).
The EP opens with the melodic “Haves and Have Nots,” which is an engaging vocal track. Madhumita Chatterjee and Supriyo Dutta both have truly beautiful voices, which make this track quite special. Following is “Heaven So High.” The co-production by Samir and David Vito Gregoli is stellar. The santoor performance by Sandip Chatterjee is wonderful. This is a very uplifting song on many levels.
“Affinity” features vocals and santoor once again. It’s a flowing, melodic song, with a great beat and is rooted in Indian rāga. For those who do not know, rāga is “an array of melodic structures with musical motifs, considered in the Indian tradition to have the ability to ‘colour the mind’ and affect the emotions of the audience.” This is a great track and in perfect keeping with the album’s theme.
“Compassion-Karuna” is truly lovely. For those who do not know, “karuna” is a Sanskrit word used in both Hinduism and Buddhism. It is translated to mean: “Any action that is taken to diminish the suffering of others.” It can also be translated as “compassionate action.” In these philosophies, it is believed that all humans are capable of showing compassion for one another. Indeed. Another great song and a perfect fit.
Madhumita Chatterjee gives us another outstanding vocal in “Indifference.” There is a sweetness here that gently invites us all to remember that we are all connected.
Closing out the album is one of my favorites here. “World of Empathy” features the haunting horn performance of Partha Paul. Dreamy jazz piano by Louis Banks makes this extra memorable. A fabulous close.
“Memories of Empathy” is more than just an album/EP—it is a deeply personal and introspective journey. Samir Bodhi’s music has the remarkable ability to touch the depths of the soul, awakening dormant emotions, fostering a sense of connection, oneness, and compassion. Through his talent and artistic vision, Bodhi reminds us of the power of music to heal, uplift, and unite us in our shared humanity.
Releasing July 14, 2023, get it here as well as on all streaming services: https://samirbodhi.com
Pre-order a CD now from Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/y88u3tdm
Stream the album here: https://samirbodhi.hearnow.com/memories-of-empathy
Public relations/media requests:
Beth Hilton
The B Company
[email protected]
Credits: Musicians:
Sanjoy Das – Guitar, Bass
David Vito Gregoli – Synth, Piano, 6 & 12 String guitars, Bass, Fretless bass, Irish Bouzouki, Mandolin, Dumbek, Accordion, Cello, Sarangi samples, 808 drums, Gondola sounds
Samir Bodhi – Nylon Guitar, Ableton
Partha Paul – Synth, Saxophone, Rhythm Programming
Sandip Chatterjee – Santoor
Subir Ray – Indian flute
Joydeb Nandi – Tabla
Louis Banks – Electronic Piano
Recording
Goutam Basu – Studio Vibrations, Kolkata (India)
David Vito Gregoli – Sound Painter Studios, Los Angeles (USA)
Samir Bodhi – Rishov Studios (Madhumita Chatterjee’s vocals), Los Angeles (USA)
Mixing
Lonnie Park – Barncastle Studios, Ithaca (USA)
Mastering
Todd Boston – Spatial Sound Studios, Portland (USA)
Album artwork & Website
Rick Sarkar – Aress Communet, Kolkata (India)
