autorickshaw is “Four Higher”
As They Launch Second CD

Toronto, May 17, 2004… autorickshaw releases Four Higher, their eagerly anticipated second recording, with a CD launch concert on Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 8:30p.m. Tickets for the concert to be held at Hugh’s Room, 2261 Dundas Street West, are $14 in advance, $16 at the door. Tickets or dinner reservations are available by calling 416-531-6604. Information is also at www.autorickshaw.ca

Produced by the group’s Artistic Directors Suba Sankaran and Ed Hanley,
Four Higher features Vedic chant, South Indian classical music, and lyrics
that range from the divine to the playful, with jazz-infused musical acrobatics.

The CD impressively reflects autorickshaw’s ongoing commitment to
combining Eastern and Western musical styles. Listeners will hear unique
arrangements of traditional South Indian classical songs, funky jazz tunes,
and original compositions written by group members.

Four Higher’s 11 tracks reflect the diverse cultural and music backgrounds
of the group’s members. Suba Sankaran’s rich vocal harmonies and powerful technique expertly blend with Ed Hanley’s rhythmic tabla improvisations while Rich Brown’s funky bass playing successfully compliments Debashis Sinha’s energetic percussion playing. Guest performers George Koller, Dylan Bell, Kevin Fox and Tom Lillington also bring their own artistic ability and cultural influences to the CD’s overall sound.

Aptly named, Four Higher reflects the considerable talent of autorickshaw’s
four key members, Suba Sankaran, Ed Hanley, Rich Brown and Debashis Sinha, and the four guest musicians featured on the album, George Koller, Dylan Bell, Kevin Fox and Tom Lillington. Four Higher also plays with the words “For Hire” seen on the back of every three-wheel autorickshaw in India.

“Vocalist and pianist Suba Sankaran emanates ribbons of sound, deftly traversing the continuum between traditional South Indian classical and jazz,” writes Andrew Craig, “I encourage you to note Ed Hanley’s discovery of the funk potential in his tabla, or bassist Rich Brown’s remarkable emulations of the South Indian quarter-tone melodic ornamentation system called gamakas, on a Western fretted instrument! Deb Sinha expertly navigates the netherworld between drum kit and percussion, yielding to neither and creating a very personal sound that anchors the ensemble. The sparing application of jazz harmony allows space for each voice to be heard distinctly, a technique which is as Baroque as any Bach invention.

autorickshaw continues to lend credence to the argument that fusion is truly its own style. Such worthy projects ultimately enable us to see our sameness in our diversity. Likely as you listen, you like me will find that while the sounds may seem exotic, our capacity to feel beauty in these expressions is universal.”