Sandeep Chowta

Matters Of The Heart

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With 'Matters Of The Heart', acclaimed film
composer Sandeep Chowta revisits songs that
were conceived at different points in his life but
were never quite finished.

Accompanied by a stellar line-up of legends and modern-day greats, this album redefines a genre with fresh sounds. Seven years in the making, Matters of The Heart is Sandeep's artistic magnum opus - a culmination of a life-long dream to have his music read and re-interpreted by his childhood heroes and contemporaries in their own unique way. The scope of the album was always ambitious, to create new, unheard soundscapes by filtering Sandeep's cinematic vision through the distinct musical styles that each of his many collaborators brought to the table. The result is an aural journey that begins close to the heart and travels to diverse musical destinations. Matters of the Heart is written, composed and produced by Sandeep Chowta and is a tribute all the people, all the events in love and in sadness that have triggered the writing process and acted as catalysts in making the music.

In the words of the late John Lennon, "You may say I am a dreamer. But I'm not the only one." Matters of The Heart is a testimony to all my dreams being fulfilled. I used to dream all the time about meeting all these great musicians. I never thought a day would come when I would meet them and make music with them too. They say that every album has its own destiny. I would think the same has happened with this record. It was 8 years in the making. And when it was ready for release in 2009, destiny took over. Matters of The Heart is a celebration of life's moments through music. Do listen to the album and celebrate with me.

Testimonials

"Sandeep's talent is timeless. My various collaborations with him reveal that fact. He has a unique sense of rhythm and melody, and a special skill to bring the right people together to interpret his music. It is a thrill to be a part of this exceptional project."

Virgil Donati

"I was so honoured to be invited by Sandy to take part in his landmark recording. He composes some of the most beautiful music I've ever heard so my biggest challenge was to simply do it justice. I'll cherish the experience for the rest of my life and be eternally grateful to him for it."

Brett Garsed

When I recorded my first album "Touch" with my friend the great keyboard player Daniel Goyone in 1978, we had no idea of the impact that this album would do among musicians. I still receive Email from people that said that they were inspired by this album. It is true that we decided to make an album with string arrangement even that we never had any lessons on orchestration!

I guess when you're young you don't have any fears :)

Sandeep told me that he was also inspired to become a composer listening to that album, I was really touched when he said that. Sandeep is such an amazing composer arranger!

Anyway, I thought that it was an honour to have Sandeep asking me to produce one of his beautiful songs.

"The Waiting" was recorded at Gigi's Studio in Laguna Niguel with whom I considered the greatest musicians of our generation, the amazing Patrice Rushen on piano, my Italian/Australian Pal the fantastic Frank Gambale and on drums another Italian/Australian Pal the incredible Virgil Donati.

It's always easier to produce music with great musicians. Their main purpose is not to show off but to find ways to make the music sound better :)

DISK 1

First Track: Matters OF The Hart.
Sandeep knows how to create a great atmosphere with a great groove and a beautiful melody. Naveen's flute is mesmerizing and Sandeep's fretless bass keyboard is totally convincing :)

Track 2: Angels In The Desert.
One of the greatest flute players Dave Valentin glides over Sandeep's magic carpet of sound and Tom Schuman's keyboard.

Track 3; Close Your Eyes.
One of my favorite compositions, the melody is so beautiful, just like a beautiful Indian woman. Pt. Vishwamohan Bhatt Veena takes you to up in the sky. Jimmy fretless Bass is wonderful. The all rhythmic section takes you on the ride.

Take 4: Red Drop of Love. Reminds me of the early Jobim. Great guitar playing and solo, Dave Grusin didn't lose his magic touch, such great taste! Perfect rhythmic section feel.

Take 5: No Degree of Separation.
What a great band! Only the best I guess, with one of my favorite bass player Jimmy Johnson. Killer guitar and piano solos. It doesn't get better than that.

Take 6: Your Temperature Takes me Place.
Beautiful piano arrangement by RusselFerrante and the very tasteful playing of Jimmy Haslip makes the tune float in mid-air.

Take 7: Dichotomy Love.
Reminding us of Sandeep's Indian heritage with the fantastic violin playing of Deepak Pandit. Frank Gambale showed his versatility sounding a little bit like George Benson:) Finishing with the magic fingers of Otmaro on the electric piano.

Take 8: Tribute.
Beautiful sound of Eric Marienthal soprano on that dreamy composition. I like the double feel with the trading solos at the end. Great groove from Ric and Dave as expected:)

Take 9: Love is On The Run.
Another beautiful composition brilliantly interpreted by Mitch and Miriam.

DISK 2

Track 1: Every Night is a Lonely Night.
The strings at the beginning show the great movie compositional skills of Sandeep. Great Fretless melody, piano and guitar solo.

Track 2: Akira.
I love this tune. Sandeep plays the best fretless bass on keyboard. He really sounds like a bass player:)

Track 3: Amy! You Never Let Go.
In my opinion, one of the greatest fretless bass player. Amazing solo! Frank smoking solo Great piano bass and drums combo.

Track 4: Solitude
I love the acoustic bass intro. Back to the Jobim feel with Ricardo's tasty guitar:)

Track 5 Happiness is a chemical reaction.
I am glad to hear Sandeep playing his guitar. He sounds wonderful. We forget that he is a guitar player after all:-)

3 great guitar players on the same tune! Mitch's piano solo doesn't take any prisoners:) Brandon Fields sounds so beautiful on top of that perfect rhythm section. Great solo that really sings.

Take 6: Waiting
When I recorded my first album "Touch" with my friend the great keyboard player Daniel Goyone in 1978, we had no idea of the impact that this album would do among musicians. I still receive Email from people that said that they were inspired by this album. It is true that we decided to make an album with string arrangement even that we never had any lessons on orchestration!

I guess when you're young you don't have any fears:)
Sandeep told me that he was also inspired to become a composer listening to that album, I was really touched when he said that. Sandeep is such an amazing composer arranger! Anyway, I thought that it was an honor to have Sandeep asking me to produce one of his beautiful songs.

"The Waiting" was recorded at Gigi's Studio in Laguna Niguel with whom I considered the greatest musicians of our generation, the amazing Patrice Rushen on piano, my Italian/Australian al the fantastic Frank Gambale on guitar and on drums another Italian/Australian Pal the incredible Virgil Donati.

It's always easier to produce music with great musicians. Their main purpose is not to show off but to find ways to make the music sound better:)

Take 7: The Idea of Being in Love.
We have on this album a collection of the best bass player. Sandeep loves fretless bass for sure:-)

Great trumpet solo and again Mitch piano always exiting. I love Brian bass solo too.

Take 8: Now and Then.
The whole album is the who's who of the Jazz Fusion. Great interaction with Scott and Jay through the whole tune. The ending gets into heavy Jazz Fusion with Guitar Bass and Drums. Like if the musician needed to release some energy:-)

Bunny Brunel

"Working with Sandeep on "Matters Of The Heart" was a great experience. His music is rich, lush and challenging, the production impeccable, and what can I say about the cast of fellow players? It is always wonderful to be surrounded by the best. When do we start on the next one?!?!"

Chuck Loeb

"Since getting to know Sandeep a little I've come away with the distinct impression that with everything he does, it's all about the experience. Whether it's on the grand scale of organizing a concert event, directing a video, writing and arranging music or something as simple as cooking or planning a meal, with Sandeep it's all about the experience. His driving force is for the experience to be profound and memorable. I'm sure this is something you'll be able to hear in "Matters of the Heart" and I think this is something we can all learn from in the things we do and the choices we make."

Gary Willis

"Sandeep is a musical wizard! An immensely talented artist. He is always a joy to be around and to work with!"

Jeff Richman

"For me, it was a wonderful experience to work with Sandeep Chowta on this very beautiful recording! He is a passionate composer and has a brilliant sense of motion & harmony. This recording is picturesque and I felt his personal emotional expression throughout... "

Jimmy Haslip

"I can only describe working with Mitch Forman (on the track 'Love is on the Run'), as being akin to a painter being presented with the finest canvas and oil paints with which to work. Mitch, who plays with such great sensitivity and emotion, together with Sandeep's innate sense of composition, allowed me to create a vocal arrangement straight from my heart. I think we can all agree on this - Sandy's long awaited project, is truly a work of art and most certainly.... a 'Matter of the Heart'."

Miriam Stockley

Mitch Forman

"I would like to thanks Sandeep for asking me to play on this fine recording. It's always a thrill to be asked to play with such a great cast of musicians; wonderful is not the word..."

Ric Fierabracci

"Sandeep is one of the nicest people i ever met, a very talented musician, composer, arranger producer, guitar player, keyboardist and a great friend. His music is very inspired, he writes beautiful and soulful melodies. I am very happy he invited me to be a part of his project and that we had a chance to meet and become friends. We met first through an internet connection between Mumbai and Rio(mySpace) and then personally when we both were in LA for a few days. He has become a soul brother and i am sure everyone that gets to know him feels this way. He also, very generously gave me a beautiful guitar that i love. Thank you Sandy! "

Ricardo Silveira

"We are at a wonderful place in history when the former barriers of time, distance and culture are no longer an impediment to musical collaboration. Music as the universal language has never been more evident than on this beautiful project. Working with, and becoming friends with Sandeep has been such a pleasure; Being included amongst such a stellar cast of world class musicians is quite an honor. Thanks, Sandy!"

Scott Ambush

"Matters Of The Heart was my first association with Sandeep Chowta. When I recorded for him, we hadn't met yet, but I worked with his producer in Los Angeles, Mitch Foreman, who's a good friend of mine. It was really nice of Sandy to give me complete freedom on the track, and even kept my crazy solo at the end which was pretty out of character for the record. I finally got to meet Sandy when he brought my band to India, and after hanging out with him there and in LA, he's become a dear friend. I hope our collaboration together continues to produce quality music."

Scott Henderson

"Sandeep Chowta has single handedly expanded my social, technological and musical worlds! He taught me more about his culture by introducing me to some of the most amazing musicians and other gifted people of India. He also gave me a clearer understanding of how to record and produce incredible sounds using the latest components and virtual studio technology plug-ins. I'm just so glad that I was able to keep up with his level of excellence. But it all comes down to the finished product, which is appropriately named "Matters of the Heart". This musical compilation is a beautiful sonic portrait of Chowta's personality, spirit and inner being. Thank you Sandeep, for sharing your heart with me."