Noshir Mody

“A top-notch jazz and fusion guitarist, Noshir Mody composes picturesque originals that are impossible to classify as anything but high-quality modern jazz…
"
Scott Yanow, Author of 11 books including The Great Jazz Guitarists, The Jazz Singers, Jazz On Film and Jazz On Record 1917-76



“…This is surely the direction jazz is headed for in the 21st Century & beyond… waves of passion will invade your thoughts and bring you the peace that only jazz can bring…"

Dick Metcalf, Improvijazzation Nation Magazine



“…High art, as far as I’m concerned, one of the year’s stand-out cuts so far, within a CD that doesn’t brazenly demand re-listening but instead seduces. You’ll be tossing it into the player again and again without even realizing it."

Mark S. Tucker, Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange


“Noshir Mody’s newest album expands minds; musical horizons”
Dodie Miller-Gould, Lemonwire.com

“…Noshir’s involvement and dedication to producing music with true power is total, and his players are all cut from that same cloth; this is music that will stand the test of time – and survive.”
Dick Metcalf, Contemporary Fusion Reviews

“…A piece such as “The Next Chapter" flows like a stream for nine minutes, while on the sixteen minute “India" Mody has his guitar chords chime like bells and Uchida’s cymbals sashay the groove along like a spring breeze. A delicate ride cymbal taps along during “A Pearl Discovers the Oyster" and Mody’s solo beams across like a rainbow at sunset, just before the panoramic “To Be In Your Thoughts" closes this journey with optimistic notes of joy. As fresh and cleansing as a summer rain!"
George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly

“…this group gets to stretch out both individually and collectively in spirited and spiritual fashion."
Scott Albin, JazzTimes

“…The album is fine example of impressionism with a distinctive style and an intriguing improvisational approach. The compositions and the musicianship, particularly Mody and Staaf, is first rate and as a whole Stories from The Years of Living Passionately is involving and engaging."
Karl Ackermann, All About Jazz

“Self-taught Bombay guitarist Noshir Mody has assembled a magnificent array of musicians to record a deeply personal, sonically rich and beautifully produced album…"
Phil Jackson, Acid Dragon Magazine

“…Whatever you’ve ever dug is in the mix here from Shakti to smooth jazz to Paul Horn to Paul Winter to Pall Mall. Kicking it out with a quartet of like minded pros on a mission to serve it right and tight, Mody is out to make the world a smaller place. First rate stuff that sounds like world beat for a nu generation of jazzbos…"
Chris Spector, Midwest Record     -

Noshir Mody – A Burgeoning Consciousness
By
Dick Metcalf, editor, Contemporary Fusion Reviews

Noshir Mody fresh uplifting guitar-led jazz sextet Noshir Mody – A BURGEONING CONSCIOUSNESS: I’ve reviewed Noshir’s masterful guitar work before, most recently in issue # 143, and this new aural adventure will get even higher marks… songs like “Precipice Of Courage" will reveal a whole new horizon in the way music is heard and perceived in the future… (the links may not work right now, as this isn’t slated for release until 11 May, 2018, but they will be turned on just before that date)… so, in the meantime, here’s a visual representation of them playing “Consequence of the Uninitiated" in live mode…



As you can hear (and see), Noshir’s involvement and dedication to producing music with true power is total, and his players are all cut from that same cloth; this is music that will stand the test of time – and survive. Noshir’s stellar guitar work is very strongly complimented by Mike Mullan: Alto/Tenor Saxophone, Benjamin Hankle: Trumpet/Flugelhorn, Campbell Charshee: Piano, John Lenis: Bass and Yutaka Uchida: Drums

The most striking part of Noshir’s music is the magical momentum created for you… after a long percussion intro, right at about the 2:35 mark, on the marvelous “Weaving Our Future From The Past“, they take you ever upwards and out into the stratosphere… every instrument counts, and the grooves will dig down deep inside you – & make you MOVE!

There was no doubt in my mind when I listened to the opener, “Secrets In The Wood And Stone“, that it would be my pick of the six (long) songs offered up for your aural and spiritual enhancement… this is (without qualification) the best jazz composition I have listened to (yet) in 2018.

I give Noshir and his totally talented cast of players a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ" (energy quotient) rating of 4.99 for this superb musical adventure. Get more information on Noshir’s website.

Rotcod Zzaj - by Dick Metcalf, Contemporary Fusion Reviews

Noshir Mody - A Burgeoning Consciousness
By
Dodie Miller-Gould

Bombay, India-born Noshir Mody has had an interesting foray into creative music since moving to New York City in 1995. The guitarist has released recordings as a solo artist and as part of ensembles. His solo album, “In This World With You," and his release with a trio, “Union of Hearts," and his quintet’s “Stories From the Years of Living Passionately," all showcased Mody’s impressionistic and creative approach to expressing himself. He has also played with The EthniFusion Rock Ensemble and The EthniFusion Jazz Ensemble. Mody’s varied experiences have led to his latest release, “A Burgeoning Consciousness." The album will be available March 11, 2018.

“A Burgeoning Consciousness" by Noshir Mody

Even if Mody’s album was titled something else, most listeners would get the impression of a broadening mindset or horizon just from hearing the opening song. The track has a certain gravitas without feeling overbearing. The album overall appears to be a brief set of six songs, however, upon closer inspection, audiences would find that the songs themselves are anything but brief. The songs’ running time range from just under 10 minutes to more than 15 minutes. Clearly, there is nothing here that is rushed and traditionally packaged. Audiences looking for flash will not find it on “A Burgeoning Consciousness." But, a lack of “flash" does not mean a lack of style, talent or creativity.
The other aspect of the album that potential audiences should notice is a lack of title track. It is as though each song is allowed to contribute its own ideas to the soundscape.

The players on this release are Mody on guitar, Mike Mullan on tenor and alto saxophone, Benjamin Hankle on trumpet and flugelhorn, Campbell Charshee on piano, John Lenis on bass and Yutaka Uchida on drums.

“Secrets of the Wood and Stone" by Noshir Mody

Probably one of the greatest achievements of this song is its ability to evoke nature, movement, and consciousness without sounding like stereotypical New Age jazz. The soundscape is rich with saxophone. The horn sound seems to dominate the song, but it doesn’t merely make notes in an unfeeling way. Instead, the music that is created sounds like the movement of clouds across the sky. It is as though listeners are invited to think another way.

“Reconciling Loss" by Noshir Mody

Poignant guitar notes sound almost lonely as they play at the beginning of the song. The notes are alone in the soundscape until the saxophone joins in. The timbre of the guitar sound changes just a bit. The song’s arrangement has elements of rock fusion, pop, and jazz. Mody has discovered ways to arrange songs so that the instruments have a conversation of sorts, and that is what happens on “Reconciling Loss."
There is a gentleness, a beauty that elevates the song beyond stereotypes of smooth jazz or New Age jazz, but that allows it to retain its mind-opening quality. Halfway through, a traditional jazz piano motif strikes up, complete with high notes that tinkle clear against the civilized thunder of the upright bass and drums. In addition, the guitar weaves itself into the mix of sound. For a song that refers to loss, the song sounds joyous in the middle, until almost the end, wherein poignant notes not just of the guitar, but of flugelhorn, too, play against an increasingly quieting soundscape. It is then that listeners can remember that this is a song about loss.

Mody’s “A Burgeoning Consciousness" is full of beauty and thoughtful arrangements. Listeners might not be looking for jazz with such big themes, but the way such ideas are presented here, they might not mind them. - by Dodie Miller-Gould, Lemonwire.com

NOSHIR MODY/A Burgeoning Consciousness: Originally an ethno fusion guitarist, Mody now goes for lengthy, soundscape jazz that's hard to pigeon hole but easy to like. Skillfully crafting this new outing, Mody doesn't let things ride off the rails but he doesn't make drippy, gift shop music either. He finds the sweet spot where real muso ears will appreciate his guitar excursions. A tasty outing throughout, it certainly sates the need for something out of the ordinary but not to way out. - Review by Chris Spector, Editor and Publisher - Midwest Record

14th Annual Jazz Instrumental Album Nominee

Record Label: Self-Released
Home Base: New York
Genre: Fusion (Jazz/World/Rock)
Category Entered: Jazz Instrumental Album
Work Submitted: Album – Stories from the Years of Living Passionately
Artists Featured: Noshir Mody (compositions, guitar), Tsuyoshi Niwa (soprano saxophone), Carmen Staff (piano), John Lenis (bass) and Yutaka Uchida (drums)
Label: Noshir Mody (Self-Released)

Who are your influences?: Too many to mention everyone, but here’s the short list – Trilok Gurtu, Joe Zawinul, Miles Davis, John McLaughlin, Ulf Wakenius, Pat Metheny, Al Di Meola, Keith Jarrett and Zakir Hussain.

Describe your nominated work: As the title of the album Stories from the Years of Living Passionately suggests, the compositions are experiences from my life that have manifested themselves in music. I feel pretty blessed that I am able to conceive the music in a moment of inspiration and have the musical skill to mold that moment of inspiration into a finished work of art.

Did you use any unusual effects or instruments in this recording?: The electric guitar was run through my pedal board which has a couple of custom reverb/delay patches to simulate ambiance but other than that all the other instruments were tracked acoustically.

Were there any happy accidents while in the studio, or did everything go as planned?: Every time we make music I have no preconceived notions of how things are going to turn out – whether in the studio or at a gig. There are sections that are written and sections that are intentionally left open which allow for those moments of magic or “happy accidents”.

How did you raise the funds for this project? How long do you expect it will take to recoup your out-of-pocket recording expenses?: This is my third self-funded album in the last 7 years. Before each album there is a period of meticulous organization for funds, personnel and logistics. Many times I fall short and we put out an album with only the resources that were available. Sometimes I have to be ok with that as it gets the music out into the world to connect with others. With each album I have noticed an increasing awareness and appreciation for my music so even though these albums and projects are a labor of love for me I do hope to reach a critical mass in the near future, which will allow me to recoup expenses.

Why did you choose to submit this work to The IMAs?: Since I am an independent artist I typically submit my work to the IMAs. It feels great to be recognized for Jazz Instrumental Album, especially considering the other outstanding albums that are competing in the same category.

What’s your definition of success and how will you know when you’ve achieved it?: Success to me is not a milestone, it’s a process. I consider the ability to execute one’s vision while harmonizing with one’s environment as success. Too often I have seen agendas coerced, which may eventually materialize goals, but fracture relationships. It’s hard to build upon anything achieved in that manner since you have already paved the way for your decline.

How will you leverage your IMA honors to achieve your career goals?: It’s a great honor to be on a short list of 5 albums in a genre that is typically made up of highly skilled and imaginative artists. I’m excited to share this with fans that support my music and utilize this recognition to further gain visibility among music lovers everywhere.

Who’s sitting in your audience and what makes your fans unique?: I am happy to play for everyone and anyone who is willing to listen – this music is accessible and relevant simply because it is about our time. I love when during our free concerts in Central Park in New York City little kids will jump up and dance and at the same time other listeners are rapt in attention following the nuances of the music. I love that our performances affect people viscerally, that they are moved by the music and the passion driving the musicians delivering it.

What is your guilty pleasure on the road? Any close calls or mishaps while on tour?: I love driving and usually nominate myself on being the designated driver. No close calls that I can recollect.

Are there any songs you wish you wrote and why?: Astor Piazolla’s Milonga del Angel – I am truly swept away by this melody and no matter how many times I hear the song, it continues to stay fresh for me.

What artists are you listening to that would surprise your fans?: The Indigo Girls. I love their albums Rites of Passage and Swamp Ophelia and even after 20 years these are my go to albums when I’m feeling overly introspective.

How do you discover new music? Do you buy music or are you content with streaming?: I scour iTunes regularly and I buy music. I also listen to streaming music on cable, satellite radio and the Internet to discover new artists.

How will musicians make a living if fans continue to expect music to be free?: This is a tough one – I believe fans have always been happy to contribute to their favorite artists. Since today almost anyone can put out an album, the music model is changing to accommodate curated song selection in this vast expanse of content. Unfortunately, instead of having listeners direct their funds to the artist; the model has changed to use the music as bait for product sponsorship. A sponsor pays to connect with your fan to sell them their product while your fan is listening to your music. Fans are being told “free music” however they are probably spending more when they purchase a slew of products that are constantly being hurled at their consciousness. For ad-free music, there is a subscription fee. Either way, the consumer is paying and profits are being made by the parties that are committed to making a profit. So the only sustainable way I can see musicians making money from music is if they have a grass roots cultivated support base with whom they are able to connect and interact with directly. Artists need to be committed to developing their support base. In my opinion, this needs to be as high up there in an artist’s priorities as writing and performing good music.

What don’t fans/audiences understand about the music industry today?: Seek out independent artists and cherish them – it is here that you are most likely to find the artist and his/her art coupled as one. “Art” created for large-scale consumption by the music machine is typically being done to sell you soap, soda, salty foods, so on and so forth.

Are digital singles/EPs vs. full albums the future?: I believe good music will always be the future. Its aggregation is secondary.

Finish this sentence: The music industry is…made up of good and bad – just like everything else.

What do you have in the works for the upcoming year?: I’m really excited about my new project which involves a new ensemble and new musical works – I’m altering the instrumentation and utilizing horns in a dynamic and percussive manner to create an ambiance of textures and layers within the arrangements. I have no idea how all of this will eventually materialize but I’m incredibly energized to be pursuing this goal with wonderful and amazing musicians.

URL: www.NoshirMody.com - Independent Music Awards

In our third online conversation with Mody, the artist gives our online publication updates on what he has been doing, a little more about his personal life, and the gift of his music. Here is what formulated for our delightful spotlight.

Isaac: I would like to ask you for the readers of this online publication who have never heard your music, explain your sound in 5 words:

Noshir: Melodic, narrative, improvisational, engaging and immersive.

Isaac: With respect to musical icons, who would you consider to be your most significant musical influences?

Noshir: Right now I’m very taken up with the work of Trilok Gurtu and Keith Jarrett. It’s always hard for me to narrow down this list to a few names as over the years I have heard and been influenced by a lot of great music and musicians. I seem to have most significant influences during specific periods of my life. When I started playing guitar, Al Di Meola was my biggest influence and then for a while after that, all I listened to was Satriani and Vai. Following that period, I was absorbed in the works of John McLaughlin, Pat Metheny, Zakir Hussain, Joe Zawinul and Miles Davis. More recently I have been intently listening to and enjoying the works of Ulf Wakenius. I don’t think there is any one artist that has been the primary influence on my sound or style.

Isaac: Do you have a favorite song to play from your collection so far?

Noshir: “Under A Starlit Sky” – I love how our performance of this song has matured. I recorded this song on my 2008 solo album “In This World With You” but when the group performs it now – the result is quite explosive, with a big dynamic range and sections that develop in tension and intensity. Performing in these improvisational settings without locking down the arrangements makes the songs appear to have a life of their own. They continue to grow and develop as different musicians and approaches are used in presenting them…

Isaac: I am interested to know who you are listening to at the moment. What bands and artists should we have our ears on right now who you think deserve the spotlight?

Noshir: Currently, I’m engrossed in the albums “21 Spices” by Trilok Gurtu with Simon Phillips and the NDR big band and Keith Jarrett’s “Sleeper” with Garbarek, Danielsson and Christensen. I am also loving Dhafer Youssef ‘s “Abu Navas Rhapsody” and on the singer-songwriter front I am enjoying “The Ash and Clay” by The Milk Carton Kids. Great albums in my opinion, that deserve to be heard and enjoyed.

Isaac: Since you write your own music; where do you draw inspiration from when you write songs and what’s your favorite part about the process?

Noshir: My inspirations come from living life. Nothing out of the ordinary, the simple but meaningful moments – I’m sure all of us encounter them – moments of love, loss, laughter, conflict, imagination, hope, etc. It’s magical for me when subsequently melodies or harmonic progressions with varied rhythms appear, as if on their own, and recreate the sentiment of that moment – I love that part of the process.

Isaac: If you could go open up for any artist on tour right now who would it be?

Noshir: Sharing the stage with Trilok Gurtu or Zakir Hussain would be amazing-

Isaac: So, what’s your favorite thing to do when you aren’t writing/producing/playing etc?

Noshir: I love the process of discovery – be it through meeting people or travelling or being introduced to new cultures and cuisines. I guess I would be seeking out venues for new experiences.

Isaac: Now for our non-music question: Name five things you can’t live without?

Noshir: In no particular order…love, loved ones, purpose, sustenance and art.

Isaac: What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into when you are performing or on the road that you can let us in on?

Noshir: Oh this is going back many years – I was inebriated and took the stage at a producer’s showcase and I have no idea how the rest of the night developed.

Isaac: Knowing what you know now, would you do it again?

Noshir: No. I was much younger and had just gone through some tough circumstances and looking back I guess it was a pathetic play for attention. I got none and in fact ended up alienating people more than attracting any sympathy or empathy.

Isaac: If you were not performing, what do you think you would be doing professionally and why?

Noshir: I actually stopped performing and recording for almost seven years. Even though I was successful professionally, it somehow did not feel right. There was a void. I have a background in engineering and I’m good at it so that’s an obvious choice – however not having music as a means to express myself would present a pretty dull existence for me.

Isaac: What’s your motto or the advice you live by?

Noshir: At this stage of my life I try to keep it simple – use your common sense and be compassionate.

Isaac: Ten years from now you will be….

Noshir: ….still persevering to make great, thought provoking art.

Isaac: As a sendoff, tell us about one of your greatest moments as a performer.

Noshir: I have had many moments as a performer that have been very meaningful and memorable to me but I don’t really think of any of them as my greatest moments. One special moment that I can recall is after one of my shows with the quintet, at a jazz club in midtown Manhattan, a very distinguished looking lady approached me to thank me for the show and to take a picture with me. She turned out to be an ambassador to the United Nations and as her friend took the picture, she informed me that she was going to put that picture up on her wall, right next to the one with her and Chick Corea. That made my day.

Official Website:
http://www.noshirmody.com/

Official Facebook Music Page:
https://www.facebook.com/NoshirModyMusic

Ist Interview with our publication:
http://www.juniorscave.com/Noshir-Mody.html

2nd Interview with our publication:
http://blogs.juniorscave.com/2012/01/25/noshir-mody-part-2-2/ - Junior's Cave, Isaac Davis Jr.

Stories from the Years of Living Passionately
Noshir Mody

A review written for the Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange
by Mark S. Tucker

What first indicated to me that this was likely to be an unusual disc was noting that Stories from the Years of Living Passionately contains only five tracks, all of them long, giving plenty of elbow room to each member of the quintet to stretch out and paint a mural rather than a confine themselves to a canvas hung in an out of the way corner of some sonic museum. From the outset, I caught many flavors and influences: Chuck Mangione, Oregon, Bob James' best, Gabor Szabo, the CTI label outflow effect on modern jazz, and many other ingredients. Like Pat Metheny's earlier catalogue, there's a distinctive Chautauqua mode happening here (a 'Chautauqua' is a 19th/20th century adult education process heavily involving lectures and the arts), a sonic form of story-telling combined with travelogue, a feeling of moving along landscapes.

Guitarist Noshir Mody's an interesting player and composer, on the performance side not at all bombastic, in fact kind of a quiet version of a Jeff Beck, a cat first famed for his unorthodox 'flash' playing, where colorations are far more important than the blinding dexterities common to the rock world and which accounted for the evolution into his landmark, the stunning Blow by Blow release. But 'flash' isn't the proper term here, as Mody employs a gentle but engrossing set of narratives, structures, and limnings weaving into the tapestry of the group effort…and in his work, the group is all-important, the united effort not just the intriguing commentaries within. Tsuyoshi Niwa plays a very Paul McCandless-esque soprano sax as pianist Carmen Staaf whirls slowly through the atmospherics, ably abetted by bass (John Lenis) and drums (Yutaka Uchida) rising and falling like ocean waves, eddying as though breezes speaking with the earth.

My favorite cut? A Pearl Discovers the Oyster. The attentions to florid pastorality gain a sharper more laconic edge in this track, and every square inch is filled with cerebral brush strokes, each stave and measure devoted to novo-baroque explication, instrument flowing to instrument, solos abounding but every particular wrapped up in an ecstatic package with shaded night lurking just beyond the late summer end-of-day atmospherics. High art, as far as I'm concerned, one of the year's stand-out cuts so far, within a CD that doesn't brazenly demand re-listening but instead seduces. You'll be tossing it into the player again and again without even realizing it.

Track List:
The Next Chapter
Beckoned by Mercury
India
A Pearl Discovers the Oyster
To Be in your Thoughts

All songs composed by Noshir Mody.

Edited by: David N. Pyles
Copyright 2014, Peterborough Folk Music Society.
This review may be reprinted with prior permission and attribution. - Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange (Mark S. Tucker)

****RINGER OF THE WEEK****
Noshir Mody: Stories From The Years of Living Passionately

by George W. Harris • June 5, 2014 •

Never heard of this guy before, but after taking in this album, I’ve got to find out more about him. Where’s he from? Where’s he been? Who are his influences? No matter, as guitarist/composer Noshir Mody lets the laundry out to dry on this fantastically fascinating album with Tsuyoshi Niwa/ss, Carmen Staaf/p, John Lenis/b and Yutaka Uchida/dr on five tunes that stretch out, but not because of mindlessly indulgent solos, but because the musicians are simply following the music along. A piece such as “The Next Chapter” flows like a stream for nine minutes, while on the sixteen minute “India” Mody has his guitar chords chime like bells and Uchida’s cymbals sashay the groove along like a spring breeze. A delicate ride cymbal taps along during “A P earl Discovers the Oyster” and Mody’s solo beams across like a rainbow at sunset, just before the panoramic “To Be In Your Thoughts” closes this journey with optimistic notes of joy. As fresh and cleansing as a summer rain! - Jazz Weekly (George W. Harris)

Stories from the Years of Living Passionately-- Noshir Mody
By Scott Albin

The self-taught guitarist Noshir Mody was born and raised in Bombay, India, where early on he was inspired by Indian classical music, Al DiMeola's Elegant Gypsy, Bollywood soundtracks, and prominent rock and jazz guitarists. Since coming to New York in 1995, Mody has led a trio as well as the EthniFusion Rock Ensemble and the EthniFusion Jazz Ensemble. After his previous two solo and trio recordings, Mody this time broadens his sonic palette with a quintet that includes soprano saxophonist Tsuyoshi Niwa, pianist Carmen Staaf, bassist John Lenis, and drummer Yutaka Uchida. Mody's five originals reflect emotions engendered by some of his personal experiences, and with tracks ranging in length from over nine minutes to over 16 minutes, this group gets to stretch out both individually and collectively in spirited and spiritual fashion.

The opening of "The Next Chapter" combines Mody's vigorous, echoing strums with Niwa's laid back soprano tones. The unison guitar-soprano melody is lyrically uplifting and generates a soaring and passionate Niwa solo, an harmonically rich two-handed venture by Staaf, and Mody's glowing, sensitive statement. Staaf's forceful chords then back Uchida's vibrant outburst, which is succeeded by a different but equally compelling look at the theme. Lenis and Uchida's stalking rhythmic framework throughout is a vital key to this selection's allure. The feeling and resonant sound of Lenis' unaccompanied intro to "Beckoned By Mercury" is remindful of masters such as Jimmy Garrison and Dave Holland, and perfectly sets the stage for the optimistically yearning theme, again winningly delivered by Mody and Niwa. Niwa's solo features his full-bodied soprano timbre, fresh ideas, and logical flow. Mody's improv reveals Indian influences and nimble constructs and runs in the manner of Pat Metheny. Staaf once more plunges deeply into the tune's harmonies, with tantalizing lines and impactful chordal sequences, graced by Mody's delicate enhancements. Lenis and Uchida maintain separate yet cohesive rhythmic streams that are again not to be overlooked.

"India" was spurred by "the extreme nostalgia" for his homeland that Mody felt the day before he became a United States citizen. Staaf's prelude, with its drone-like left hand and spurting phraseology establishes a mood recalling Indian music. Uchida and Lenis' loping pulsations support Niwa and Mody's rendering of the floating, reverent theme and the subsequent solos. Mody's takes on a sitar effect in its ringing, crystal clear sound, but his blues-tinged formations are more jazz oriented than not. Niwa's reaches a hearty crescendo, while Lenis crafts a highly thematic and expressive improv. Staaf achieves ecstatic levels owing to her impressive technical skill and sincere emotionalism. Uchida's explosive presentation is elevated by the contrapuntal dissonant vamping of Mody and Staaf. "A Pearl Discovers the Oyster" is a piece that begins, like "The Next Chapter," with Mody's urgent strumming, which yields to a staccato swaying head from guitar and soprano over a 5/4 beat. Staaf's rhapsodic solo is followed by Mody's compelling journey that ranges from contemplative to rapturous. Lenis again stands out with his penetrating intonation and assured technique, both utilized to convey a most lucid, topical message. Staaf and Mody create another provocative aural springboard for Uchida's rumbling assertions prior to the reprise.

The closing "To Be In Your Thoughts" contains an enlightened, uplifting theme played lithely by Mody and Niwa. The soprano saxophonist's tender but fervent solo is in contrast to the leader's more refined and reflective one. Lenis' heartfelt effort is bolstered sensitively by Staaf's varied accompaniment, and the recap only reaffirms the loving nature of this track as a whole. - JazzTimes (Scott Albin)

Self-taught Bombay guitarist Noshir Mody has assembled a magnificent array of musicians to record a deeply personal, sonically rich and beautifully produced album. The touch of all the lead instruments: guitar, piano then soprano sax on 'Beckoned By Mercury' is astonishing but better is still to come in the centrepiece of the album, the 17 minute long 'India' in which the subtlest of lead lines are brought alive by the telepathic interplay between double bass and drums/percussion. This one track is worth the price of admission alone but there are four others to enjoy. Noshir's influences come from Indian classical music, Al Di Meola, Pat Metheny and rock and he has groups called the EthniFusion Rock Ensemble and the EthniFusion Jazz Ensemble. - Acid Dragon Magazine (Phil Jackson)

Noshir Mody: Stories from The Years of Living Passionately (2014)

By KARL ACKERMANN, Published: March 31, 2014

A random sampling of Stories from The Years of Living Passionately could easily leave the impression that this is a hybrid of cool jazz, classical and world music. Even that broad an assumption would not be a comprehensive representation of Indian born Noshir Mody's complex, multi-layered collection of original music. A self-taught guitarist, he can invoke playing styles as diverse as Lee Ritenour, Pat Metheny or John Abercrombie yet his distinctive sound reveals no particular adherence to a form of playing or composing. Stories from The Years of Living Passionately comprises of pieces that are frequently reflective but with a force that resurfaces throughout the collection.

Mody's finely-tuned quintet greatly benefits from the presence of pianist Carmen Staaf. The 2009 winner of the Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Pianist Competition, she has performed as a guest soloist with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra under Wynton Marsalis, and has worked with bassist Henry Grimes, trombonist/composer Bob Brookmeyer, and saxophonist George Garzone. Drummer and Japanese native Yutaka Uchida received noteworthy marks as leader on Living Together (Self-produced, 2007). Bassist John Lenis is no stranger to global guitar jazz having performed on Nobuki Takamen's Live at the Iridium (Summit Records, 2010). Rounding out the group is relative newcomer, saxophonist Tsuyoshi Niwa.

Stories from The Years of Living Passionately consists of five long pieces, the shortest being just under ten minutes. Mody allows each to unfold at a leisurely pace but the layers created by the quintet—individually and collectively—maintain and peak interest as the narratives play out. Opening with "The Next Chapter" Niwa's soprano gives way to a head-turning Latin infused romp from Staaf after which Mody picks up the theme, further improvising on it. Much of the early going on Beckoned by Mercury" is a showcase for Niwa's technical capabilities but again, it is Staaf, whose lyricism and percussive effects emboldens the piece. The common thread in the first two pieces is Uchida's ability to direct the action flawlessly while maneuvering through multiple themes and tempos.

Staaf's classically influenced opening to "India," the sixteen-plus minute centerpiece of Stories from The Years of Living Passionately sets the stage for impressive performances all around. Mody's virtuosity and a fine Lenis solo precede a slightly discordant reset as multiple diversions appear unexpectedly. The album is fine example of impressionism with a distinctive style and an intriguing improvisational approach. The compositions and the musicianship, particularly Mody and Staaf, is first rate and as a whole Stories from The Years of Living Passionately is involving and engaging.

Track Listing: The Next Chapter; Beckoned By Mercury; India; A Pearl Discovers The Oyster; To Be in Your Thoughts.
Personnel: Noshir Mody: guitar; Tsuyoshi Niwa: soprano saxophone; Carmen Staaf: piano; John Lenis: bass; Yutaka Uchida: drums.
Record Label: Self Produced - All About Jazz (Karl Ackermann)

NOSHIR MODY/Stories from the Years of Living Passionately: This jazzbo guitarist who is a native of India that transplanted to the big apple in the mid 90s shows how serious he is about letting the whole, wide world be his influence. Whatever you’ve ever dug is in the mix here from Shakti to smooth jazz to Paul Horn to Paul Winter to Pall Mall. Kicking it out with a quartet of like minded pros on a mission to serve it right and tight, Mody is out to make the world a smaller place. First rate stuff that sounds like world beat for a nu generation of jazzbos. Hot stuff, even when they play it cool.


CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
Midwest Record - Midwest Record (Chris Spector)

NOSHIR MODY
Stories From The Years Of Living Passionately

A top-notch jazz and fusion guitarist, Noshir Mody composes picturesque originals that are impossible to classify as anything but high-quality modern jazz. Born in India and having moved to the New York area in 1995, Mody has a thoughtful style, an attractive tone on the guitar, and his own way of creating and building up solos.

Stories From The Years Of Living Passionately features Mody with an excellent quintet that includes Tsuyoshi Niwa on soprano, pianist Carmen Staaf, bassist John Lenis and drummer Yutaka Uchida. The guitarist’s five originals, which are fully explored (only one piece is under 11 minutes long), bring out the best in the musicians.

The songs are as colorful as their titles. “The Next Chapter” has some playful soprano sax, fine solos for piano and guitar, and a rhythmic section that builds in power and tension as it progresses before cooling down for the closing melody.

“Beckoned By Mercury,” which starts with unaccompanied bass, has a pretty melody played by soprano and guitar in unison. Mody’s guitar playing on this piece is a bit exotic a la Gabor Szabo while pianist Staaf hints a little at Chick Corea. This melodic original deserves to be covered by other musicians.

“India” is a laidback but rhythmic piece in which Mody displays some intriguing chord voicings. The performance is nearly 17 minutes long but the groove and the solos are so irresistible that the time passes quickly.

“A Pearl Discovers The Oyster,” which is played in 5/4, gives each of the musicians (other than Niwa) an opportunity to solo including Uchida who takes some fine drum breaks. The closer, “To Be In Your Thoughts,” is peaceful but lightly danceable. As on the other performances, the sound of the ensembles is atmospheric.

While the music on Stories From The Years Of Living Passionately would make for an ideal soundtrack for one’s thoughts, a close listen reveals plenty of dynamic interplay, an original group sound, and superior musicianship. It is highly recommended.

Scott Yanow, author of 11 books including The Great Jazz Guitarists, The Jazz Singers, Jazz On Film and Jazz On Record 1917-76 - Scott Yanow

Impressionism is a powerful and nebulous word in art. The range of an impressionist is directly related to his his/her exposure to different styles within their art form. All this considered it’s not surprising that Noshir Mody is something of a virtuoso. The Bombay-born guitarist is self taught, growing up with the divergent sounds of Bollywood Rock, Indian classical music, and the hot and cool jazz stylings of Al DiMeola. Moving to the United States in 1995, Mody immersed himself in the many currents of jazz. Mody combines his varied musical roots with his unschooled, original guitar style to create moments of magic on his album Union Of Hearts. With the help of bassist Daniel Foose and drummer Kim Garey, Mody offers up nine original compositions in varying times, tempos and moods.

Mody kicks things off with the jazzy waltz “What Is Love?”, a spritely and subtle number with pointed energy. Mody’s melodic and technical styles on this track will sound familiar to fans of Dominic Miller. “Swirl” is a bit more mundane, but still retains a quiet, reserved beauty. “Spread Your Wings” is a dreamy affair, with bursts of energy that quickly resolve back into the landscape. Mody’s touch here is brilliant, and the composition has an organic feel that is palpable. “My Wish For You” is a mid-tempo Bossa Nova in the style of Gabor Szabo. Mody sprinkles the track with inspired subtleties, but then fills the space with too many at times, where they become more of a distraction than anything else.

“A Stubborn Man” is full of quiet energy, starting out large and in charge and becoming more lyrical as the song progresses. This is a very pretty work, full of quiet grace. On “Belonging To You”, Mody engages in lazy, lyric reverie. The song is a beauty, a moment of magic. “Union Of Hearts” alternates between quiet energy and passive beauty, drawing as close to pure dinner music as Mody ventures on the album. It’s a nice, gentle sound with enough energy to draw your attention from the background. “Onset Of Summer” is a bit bland but solid in composition, but works as a quiet lead-in to the closing track. “Schwabacher’s Landing” is a mid-tempo jazz number that runs the midline through the genre. No chances are taken here, as if Mody looks to prove his mainstream credentials before saying good night. It’s well-written, and the trio fashions an easily digestible sound here.

Noshir Mody runs the gamut from the well-known to the experimental on Union Of Hearts, swapping genres, time signatures and styles as easily as a society maven swaps hats. The end result is an interesting and unusual trip through his muse that never rests and never stops evolving. Union Of Hearts is a tremendous introduction to an inspiring guitarist whose creative range is still not fully known. Union Of Hearts is a portent of things to come. Noshir Mody is an artist you will want to follow over time. - Wildy Haskell

Artist / Group Name: Noshir Mody

CD Title: Union Of Hearts

Year Released: 2011

Genre: Fusion

Record Label: Independent

Record Label Website: Noshir Mody

Artist / Group Website: Noshir Mody

Artist's Instrument: Guitar

Tracks: 1. What is love? 2. Swirl 3. Spread your wings 4. My wish for you 5. A stubborn man 6. Belonging to you 7. Union of hearts 8. Onset of summer 9. Schwabacher's landing

Musicians: Noshir Mody: Guitars Daniel Foose: Bass Kim Garey: Drums

Review #1: Various Reviews

Where to buy/listen?: CDBaby

Union Of Hearts by Noshir Mody

Noshir Mody, a guitarist with his own unclassifiable style and distinctive sound, recently released Union Of Hearts, a trio CD with bassist Daniel Foose and drummer Kim Garey. Comprised of Mody's nine originals, Union Of Hearts is filled with music that is often introspective and relaxed but full of inner fire.

The same thing can be said for Noshir Mody's style. A technically skilled virtuoso guitarist, Mody prefers to build up his solos slowly and thoughtfully, using space dramatically and making every sound count. On Union Of Hearts, he makes unusual time signatures (“Swirl” is a floating ballad in 7/4 time while “Union Of Hearts,” which is in 5/4, has the feel of Indian music) sound effortless. He creates such atmospheric pieces as “What Is Love?” which is a jazz waltz, the peaceful but quietly heated “Spread Your Wings,” a medium-tempo “My Wish For You” which recalls the Hungarian guitarist Gabor Szabo, and the upbeat closer “Schwabacher's Landing.” Each selection leads logically into the next piece, the telepathic interplay between the three musicians make the players seem to think and sound like one, and Noshir Mody carves out his own place in modern music.

Born and raised in Bombay, India, Noshir Mody was self-taught on guitar, which partly accounts for his unique sound. Also a factor is that he grew up hearing a wide variety of music, everything from Al DiMeola's Elegant Gypsy to Indian classical music, rock to music from Bollywood. After he moved to New York in 1995, Mody was fully exposed to jazz, put together his own trio, and played regularly in local clubs. His open-minded approach to music could be heard in two groups that he led: the EthniFusion Rock Ensemble and the EthniFusion Jazz Ensemble. His 2008 solo guitar recording In This World With You put the focus on his impressionistic playing and cinematic originals.

With the formation of a new trio and the release of Union Of Hearts, Noshir Mody is poised to make a major impact on contemporary music. His group has the ability to create lengthy but melodic improvisations on his songs that bring listeners along on a musical travelogue. Union Of Hearts is a giant step forward in his musical journey. - JazzReview.com

Although a guitar virtuoso, Noshir Mody has a quiet sound and a relaxed approach. His improvisations build up slowly but purposefully, expressing deep emotions at a low volume. Both his unclassifiable style and his ability to let his music play him rather than the other way around display his openness to a wide variety of music. Born and raised in Bombay, India, he heard many different styles of music, was impressed early on by Al DiMeola's Elegant Gypsy, and spent time playing rock covers. Self-taught on the guitar, Mody moved to the United States when he was 22 in 1995 where he was fully exposed to jazz. His 2008 recording In This World With You was a set of often cinematic guitar solos.

Since then, Noshir Mody has formed his own trio which on Union Of Hearts includes bassist Daniel Foose and drummer Kim Garey. During this set of nine originals, the interplay between the musicians is quite impressive. Foose's accompaniment and occasional bass solos sound like an extension of Mody's guitar while Garey's tasteful drums are felt as much as heard.

The guitarist's selections form a type of suite, with one piece leading logically to the other. Many of the titles have to do with love such as the mysterious opener “What Is Love,” the floating ballad in 7/4 time “Swirl,” and the melodic and relaxed “Onset Of Summer.” Other highlights include the introspective “Spread Your Wings,” a medium-tempo “My Wish For You” which has Mody's chord voicings being a little reminiscent of Gabor Szabo,” and the Indian-flavored “Union Of Hearts” which is in 5/4 time. The upbeat “Schwabacher's Landing” closes the highly enjoyable and soothing set.

Union Of Hearts grows in interest with each listen. Its rich melodies, quietly joyful vibes and subtle creativity make it well worth exploring.

Scott Yanow, Author of ten books on jazz including The Jazz Singers, Jazz On Record 1917-76 and Jazz On Film - LA Jazz Scene

In This World With You

Guitarist Noshir Mody has long been interested in blending together not only jazz
with rock but Western music with that of the East. In 1999 he founded both the
Ethnifusion Rock Ensemble and the Ethnifusion Jazz Ensemble. In 2008 after a trip to
Alaska, he was inspired to compose the pieces that comprise his first solo album, In
This World With You.

Performing 11 unaccompanied guitar solos, Noshir Mody creates music that is both
picturesque and cinematic. Sometimes the structures are simple but his expert use of
repetition, his ability to logically build up solos, and his high musicianship make
the music full of subtle surprises. Certainly the wistful but hopeful “Harlem,” the
bluish “Under A Starlit Sky” and the haunting “Remember The Fireflies” will stay in
one's memory long after they are finished listening to his CD. The swinging “In This
World With You” proves to be a perfectly fitting closer.

One selection leads logically to the next, giving In This World With You the feeling
of a suite or even a colorful travelogue. The music is always thoughtful and takes
its time without necessarily going in predictable directions. And throughout this
set, Noshir Mody displays a strikingly original tone and a fresh improvising style,
two qualities that are always welcome in the jazz world.

In This World With You is well worth several listens. Noshir Mody shows a great deal
of potential and his future projects will certainly be worth following closely.

Scott Yanow, author of ten books including The Jazz Singers, Trumpet Kings, Swing, Jazz On Record 1917-76 and Jazz On Film - Los Angeles Jazz Scene

Haddaway's “What Is Love” may have been fun to dance to in the 80s, but it didn't touch on the actual question itself. Contrast that with Union of Hearts' opening track of the same title, which is instead c ool and moody... maybe even a little dark. It sounds like a true rumination by a musician who understands something about the question ‘what is love?’. It's a first sampling of the musical depth of each and every song on the CD.

Part of that depth lies in Mody's creative and unexpected melodies. It's simply highly refreshing to not know 12 bars into the song where it will end up. Sometimes he does satisfy the ear with something you might expect, but then often he instead chooses to surprise you.

“My Wish for You” really shows off that aspect of his writing, as well as his 'conversational style'. He speaks clearly through the instrument. He'll hit on an idea, and then almost mumble it back to himself, and then continue on with natural fluidity to the next motif. Listen carefully and you'll know if what he's saying is happy or bored, or melancholy. I have not enjoyed a smooth jazz album this much in a while. The genre abounds with talented players and songwriters and arrangers, but many of the recordings wind up lacking in substance in spite of all of the talent involved. Union of Hearts, on the other hand, is real music that just happens to be smooth. You won't want to miss the thought-provoking mellow available to you in aural fashion on this remarkable album.

4.5/5 STARS

Key Tracks- What Is Love, My Wish for You, Belonging To You

Donny Harvey- MuzikReviews.com Staff - MuzikReviews.com