Nitin Sawhney

Asian and Western sounds blend mellifluously—often to a trip-hop beat—in English guitarist/ pianist/composer Nitin Sawhney’s multifaceted catalogue. Born in 1964 and raised by Indian parents in Rochester, Kent, Sawhney experienced constant racism growing up, and he studied law in Liverpool before relocating to London, where he’d pursue what became a deeply inclusive musical vision. Following a jazz foray, Sawhney self-released his fusion-forward debut, Spirit Dance, in 1993. His stylistic palette steadily expanded to include flamenco, blues, soul, and Western classical compositions on more than a dozen releases, including conceptual albums ruminating on race, terrorism, and religious dogma (see especially 2015’s Dystopian Dream). Yet optimism prevails in Sawhney’s luscious strings, lovely melodies, and collaborations with celebrity guests such as Paul McCartney, Imogen Heap, and Anoushka Shankar. Sawhney began accepting orchestral commissions in the 2000s and has also scored some 50 films. His parallel paths can be appreciated on two 2021 releases: the eclectic studio album Immigrants and the ambient delights of his score to The Colour Room.