With Cafe Fluid, Naveen Kumar has now officially caught my attention.
His first album, Fluid Grooves [http://www.amazon.com/Fluid-Flute-Grooves-Naveen/dp/B000N68JVI] sated my senses with his absolutely delightful rendition of Jiya Jale (from Dil Se). For those who have not heard of him, Naveen Kumar is an ace flautist and currently is part of Oscar winner, AR Rahman's stellar team of musicians. Naveen Kumar has composed music for music directors across India, and pieces of his work can be heard in various popular Bollywood numbers from movies like Kal Ho Na Ho, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, Dil Se etc. To know more about Naveen Kumar and his work visit http://www.flutenaveen.com/
Cafe Fluid is a must buy/download (for all those pirates out there) for any person who has a ear for music. The album is more in the Lounge genre, and has distinct lines of Carnatic classical influences. Please let that not be a deterrant - for those who are not into Indian classical music - because the man manages to make you groove to all his tunes. The album boasts of an array of top notch musicians, who have formed his team in creating the music in Cafe Fluid. The list includes well-known names like Louis Banks (ace keyboardist and jazz specialist), Matt Cooker (veteran freelance musician and member of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra), Keith Peters (one of India's top bassists and Rahman's favorite!) apart from other equally talented musicians.
Each track hits a different note. Heartflute is soulful, and yet dark in its own mysterious way. However, Sinbad vs. Kerala takes you to an altogether new level. There is something distinctly malayalee about the piece (my untrained ear is not adept enough to put a finger on it!). The track is my favorite in the album, and personally speaking, is the perfect number for a beautiful contemporary dance piece. Tranceflute reminds you of Rahman’s Mr. Romeo. Never Say Goodbye is an obvious take on Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna’s title track, and is inspired from the same.
My personal guarantee on this album. To say the least, avid Rahman fans will absolutely dig Café Fluid. Five stars to this one.
