Neel Murgai: Harmonic Infinity Loops
In a unique solo performance, Neel Murgai uses overtone singing with electronic looping and daf (frame drum) to create lush droning soundscapes and primal rhythms. Subtly shifting chords, raga, tala and texture are deconstructed and reassembled in improvisational flights of fancy. The music may induce a psychedelic experience as listeners are washed in an ocean of tones. This performance represents Neel's latest work in a diverse musical practice as he celebrates his 20th year in NYC.
Neel Murgai is a sitarist, daf player, overtone singer, composer and teacher from Brooklyn, NY. He is a co-founder and co-artistic director of Brooklyn Raga Massive a raga inspired musician's collective. Neel has studied sitar for 23 years, currently with his guru Pundit Krishna Bhatt. Overtone singing Neel learned from Batuvshin of the Buriyat performance group Uragsha and from Timothy Hill of the Harmonic Choir. He is a graduate of Goddard College's MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts program. Neel has performed around the world with numerous artists from varying disciplines including, Bill T. Jones, Cyndi Lauper, Wyclef Jean, Andre DeShields, Karsh Kale, Vijay Iyer, Daniel Bernard Romain, Dana Leong, Ellen Stewart, Laraaji, Yuerba Buena, Baba Israel, Raz Mesinai, Mission on Mars, Akim Funk Buddha, Loren Conners, Louis Bellogenis and Cosmo Vinyl. He has performed at venues ranging from the Lincoln Center and Kennedy Center to Late Night with David Letterman to jazz clubs such as the Blue Note and at festivals around the U.S including Art Wallah, Arts Plosure, Masala! Mehndi! Masti! and many others. Neel played in the orchestra for Disney’s musical theater adaptation of “The Jungle Book” directed by Mary Zimmerman. Neel has composed music for many film, TV, video, theater and dance projects including the features, “The Yes Men Fix the World", which premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival and "A Decent Arrangement" starring Shabana Azmi. His music has been featured in the BBC series, “Holiday’s in the Danger Zone", and TBS programs, “Women of the Ink", and “Spotlights".
Join us on the third Sunday of every month for Me, Myself, and Eye: 440 Gallery’s avant-garde music series curated by Michel Gentile. Suggested donation $10.