Bickram Ghosh’s fusion music album, Rhythmscape 2.0, was recently presented at the Tolly Club’s Fir Pavilion by Eternal Sounds and the Calcutta Heritage Collective (CHC). Rhythmscape 2.0, which includes seven new tracks, was formally unveiled at the event, marking the 25th anniversary of Bicikram Ghosh’s fusion album and the band Rhythmscape. The album is available on the Kolkata-based music label Eternal Sounds. Utsav Parekh, Gaurang Jalan, and Mayank Jalan represented Eternal Sounds at the event.

With Rhythmscape, Bickram Ghosh is back after 25 years to reinvent the very sound he invented.

A magical new sound and an equally captivating live performance experience were introduced to the world in 2001. Twenty-five years ago, Bickram Ghosh began his signature project, Rhythmscape, which would go on to create history. Bickram made the decision to stay in Bengal despite the various demands of the business; instead, he stayed in Kolkata and formed the highly regarded band Rhythmscape.

Rhythmscape is a pioneer of an experimental musical genre that has inspired generations to follow the path of fusion music, and it has performed on major stages all over the world. Rhythmscape, which skillfully combines Indian classical percussion with contemporary arrangements, international musical influences, and cutting-edge production techniques, focuses on rhythmic improvisation, melodic emotion, and the art of storytelling.

Rhythmscape 2.0, a modern follow-up to Bickam Ghosh’s groundbreaking original work, marks his return. This new album captures the journey of his artistic life over the past 20 years, his development as a performer, and his vast experience performing on international stages while maintaining the essential essence of the original Rhythmscape. Rhythmscape 2.0 demonstrates how rhythm is always changing, spanning genres and generations. The idea that rhythm is a universal language that can bridge cultural, emotional, and audience demographic gaps is at the core of Rhythmscape 2.0.

Over the course of his more than thirty-year career, Bickram Ghosh has worked with many Grammy-winning musicians, performed on famous stages on six continents, written music for movies, and put out albums that are difficult to classify into a single genre. He is one of the few Indian classical percussionists who, despite being based in Kolkata, has become well-known throughout the world. Bickram has composed for Bollywood, World Music, and Classical Crossover genres. He has also had a significant impact on a new generation of percussion artists as a teacher and mentor. His dedication to conserving and revitalizing Bengal’s rich cultural legacy is further demonstrated by his position as a Cause Ambassador for Calcutta Heritage Collective.

A fascinating discussion about the development of Bickram Ghosh‘s fusion music with cultural activist Nandita Palchoudhuri during the album launch event attracted a lot of attention.

“The journey of Rhythmscape has seen many new additions—such as the inclusion of various new instruments in this album and the incorporation of Hip-Hop in the music videos. Even though singles are popular right now, Rhythmscape is a collection of many different feelings, so it was just not possible to convey that essence in a single song. I hope Rhythmscape keeps growing and reaching new heights,” said Bickram Ghosh.

A great album to add to your collection.

Priyanka Dutta