By Subhash K. Jha,
Indo-Asian News Service
Mumbai : If all goes well, the sound of the Indian dhol will rise and swell in the US. Composer Aadesh Shrivastava has teamed up with Grammy award winning Haitian rapper Wyclef Jean for a song and used 60 dhols in the score.
“Wyclef, who has sung with Shakira in ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ has asked me to contribute to his solo album. I’m composing and arranging the strings and rhythms. I’ll be billed the co-producer of his album,” Shrivastava told IANS.
The Wyclef track with Shrivastava is called “Immigration”.
“Things are really moving fast here. I want to introduce the Indian dhol worldwide. I’ve used 60 dhols for Wyclef’s albums, along with as many violins.”
The composer has been stationed in the US for the last three weeks.
“I wasn’t in Mumbai for Abhishek’s (Bachchan) wedding. But Amitji (Amitabh) is like my guru. He sent me his best wishes for my endeavour. We’re bonded by our mutual love for music. I want Amitji to release my album with Wyclef Jean when it is released in October.”
Shrivastava says that Wyclef has worked with a whole host of big American singers.
“Wyclef has worked with the likes of Norah Jones and Shakira. He has also done songs with Michael Jackson including ‘Billy jean’. While I’m partnering him in one track, I’m arranging several other tracks for him.”