The tribal region of Arunchal Pradesh in India might not be the first place you think of when looking for guitar’s ‘next-big-thing’, but Takar Nabam – already named in Guitar Player Magazine’s ‘Top Five Guitar Players in India’ in 2020 – is absolutely at the forefront of innovative, convention-defying guitarists with his deep, instinctual understanding of both his instrument and his voice. Nabam demonstrates a deep respect and foundation in the musical traditions of his own culture whilst mixing in elements of contemporary blues and roots greats such as John Mayer, Tom Minsch, and slide supremo Derek Trucks.
Nabam’s 2018 album, ‘This Home, That Home’, garnered rave reviews, including featuring on Apple Music’s ‘Top Ten Indian Releases’ and Rolling Stone’s ‘Top Ten Summer Songs’; Nabam now returns with his new single ‘Ashes’. Born from Nabam’s collected life experiences, and mixing up all of those guitar-playing influences, ‘Ashes’ is a deep, meaningful, and mellow track that never lacks in power, authority, or lyrical poetry. Betraying Nabam’s deep understanding of blues and rock, but with a clear jazz and eastern tinge too. It’s a beautiful, gentle track which is at the same time expressive, calming, and uplifting. We’re looking forward to hearing more of Nabam’s new work later this year.
Check out the video for ‘Ashes’ on YouTube, and look Takar Nabam up on Apple Music or Spotify.
Review by Alex Holmes
