Project Title:
Beyond Borders and Barlines

Project partners:
Mangalayatan University, Aligarh, India & Monash University, Melbourne, Australia

Research Center(India):
Department of Visual & Performing Arts
Faculty of Humanities
Mangalayatan University
Aligarh Mathura Highway,
Beswan, Aligarh 202145

1. Title of project: ‘Beyond Borders and Barlines’ (Synthesis of cross – cultural music with special reference to Hindustani   Classical and Australian Jazz instrumental music)

2. Applicant name:  Debasis Chakroborty, empanelled artist of  I.C.C.R

3. Details of Investigator:  Debasis Chakroborty

• Designation: Associate Professor (music)
• Department: Department of Visual & Performing Arts
• Code: MU 0306
• Email : debasis.Chakroborty@mangalayatan.edu.in
• Contact no. +91 9457004184

4. Co-Investigator details (if any): Dr. Robert Burke

• Designation: Associate Professor(Jazz & Popular music)
• Affiliations:   Monash University, Victoria, Australia
• Code (for MU employee only)
• Correspondence address : School of Music, Clayton Campus, Victoria 3800, Australia
• Email : Robert.burke@monash.edu
• Contact no.: +61 990 51332

5. Project description 

• Introduction
• Title: Beyond Borders and Barlines(Synthesis of cross – cultural music with special reference to Hindustani   Classical and Australian Jazz instrumental music)

• This project brings together three of Australia’s finest Jazz musicians, Robert Burke (saxophone), Stephen Magnussen (guitar) and Sam Evans (tabla) with Indian classical virtuoso slide guitarist Debasis Chakroborty in an intensive ensemble music project exploring the cross-cultural potential of improvisation and melody. This two-week collaboration will see the creation and recording of new compositions, public engagement in the creative process through workshops and performances, and an online educational resource of video footage and musician interviews.
• Objectives:

This project explores the intersection of Western Jazz and Indian Classical musical styles, with the aim of refining a potential working model for cross-cultural ensemble collaboration. The artists will build on their previous experience and rapport with Indian classical virtuoso slide guitarist Debasis Chakroborty. Performing on an instrument that is in itself a hybridization of Indian and Western cultures, Debasis has been identified as the ideal musical partner.