Our Song of the Day comes from “global folk collective” Mishra, joined by Indian classical vocalist Deepa Shakthi (formerly Deepa Nair Rasiya). You may recall that Mishra released their debut album, The Loft Tapes in 2019 (reviewed here), followed by Reclaim in 2021. In his review of that album, Johnny Whalley described Mishra’s music as bristling with vibrant energy, declaring it “enthralling and, like any adventurous music, capable of transporting your mind to new and exciting places.” With their latest single, Devil’s Nine Questions, they most certainly do just that.
We’re told that Mishra and Deepa discovered the traditional source material for the song in Alan Lomax’s American Folk Song collection. Taking the form of a conversation between a woman and the Devil who wants to ensnare her with riddles, they have infused this American folk song with Indian grooves on tabla and calabash, reimagined its melody through the lens of the Indian raga Shivranjani, and morphed the dialogue at the heart of its narrative into an exchange of vocal styles in English and Hindi/Urdu.
It has one of catchiest openings I’ve heard in a long while, slipping straight into a groove courtesy of Kate Griffin’s cello banjo (a unique instrument hand-made by luthier “Slim Jim” Heasell) with Alex Lyon’s clarinet lending the opening an almost vintage tropicalia edge. Collier’s calabash and John Ball’s tabla are bang on with Joss Mann-Hazell’s intuitive bass driving the groove, while Deepa Shakthi’s enthralling vocals are nothing short of breathtaking. The interplay between her and Kate sounds so natural. Nothing here feels contrived, I take my hat off to them all for such a great single.
The notes explain that Deepa’s last lines in the piece veer from traditional/original lyrics with the phrase “Sahib teri bandi haan” borrowed from Sufi poet Hazrat Shah Hussain’s poetry, in which the central female character of the poem declares “Master (Lord) I am Yours!”. It’s a great finale and also our Song of the Day. Outstanding.
Kate Griffin’s single artwork is a depiction of the Devil inspired by masks from the Kathakali dance tradition of South India. While Deepa and Kate worked together to include traditional elements such as the colours and prominent moustache, the face has a feminine feel contrary to the traditionally male performers of Kathakali dance, reflecting Mishra’s drive to place women at the forefront of their artistic output.
Mishra and Deepa Shakthi have confirmed a UK tour in April this year, with dates listed below.
Mishra and Deepa Shakthi Tour
Fri 31st March | Bath | Rondo Theatre
Sat 1st April | Southampton | God’s House Tower
Sun 2nd April | Swansea | Taliesin Arts Centre
Fri 7th April | Glastonbury | Assembly Rooms
Sat 8th April | Penzance | The Acorn
Thurs 13th April | Nottingham | Squire Theatre
Fri 14th April | New Mills | Spring Bank Arts
Sat 15th April | Sheffield | The Greystones
Evening Concert & Daytime Family Show with Concerteenies
Sun 16th April | Manchester | Stoller Hal
More here: https://www.mishramusic.co.uk/