Sanjay Divecha's new album features a collection of guitar solos

Deccan Herald

21-06-2025

Noted jazz guitarist Sanjay Divecha released his latest album on June 1. Titled 'Leela', it is a collection of songs from Divecha's solo guitar repertoire. The album has been in the making for about five months. .Divecha has been a jazz guitarist and composer for 35 years. Though he initially trained to play the sitar and learned Hindustani classical music, he picked up the guitar at age 15 and never looked back. 'I grew up listening to everything from Hindustani classical to Western classical, which my dad would play at home,' shares the 63-year-old. He would listen to music played on the radio, as well as music from films, and genres such as rock and folk music from Europe and America. .In 1987, Divecha moved to Los Angeles to learn jazz. He spent 15 years in the USA. During this time he played a variety of styles of music, from Afro-Cuban to Brazilian. When he returned to India in 2003, he learned Hindustani and Karnatik music all over again. 'My music involves and incorporates many sounds and different styles from all over, not just India, but also the world,' he says..A confluence of music and craft.Divecha leads three diverse ensembles — Sanjay Divecha & Secret, MERKABA, and the Sanjay Divecha Trio. Sanjay Divecha & Secret uses the classical and folk traditions of India and various Indian languages, mixed with global sounds. The ensemble's albums represent Divecha's cultural identity. MERKABA's music is all rock, soul and blues based, with some jazz influences. However, he is most known in India for his jazz ensemble, The Sanjay Divecha Trio..Divecha's compositions are generally about people and musicians who have left a mark on him or places that have inspired him. This is visible in 'Leela' as well. The opening song of the album 'When mountains meet the sky', was inspired by his trips to the Himalayas, and 'For Tom' is a tribute to Brazilian musician Antonio Carlos Jobim, fondly known as Tom. Recording the music of 'Leela' has been one of the most fulfilling experiences for him, shares the Mumbai-based artiste..While Divecha does spend a lot of his time on stage and in rehearsals, he also finds time to give private lessons and hold guitar workshops. He believes that the best way to nurture talent is to have enough platforms for musicians to express themselves, especially for a genre like jazz that is niche and comparatively less popular in India.