MICHAEL MESSER’S MITRA: Mitra is a unique musical trio and a true musical friendship.
A unique fusion of blues slide guitar, Hindustani classical slide guitar and tabla rhythms.
Michael Messer’s Mitra – nominated in the ‘Best Group of 2017’ category in the ‘Songlines 2017 Music Awards’
Michael Messer’s Mitra (pronounced ‘meetra’) is a trio comprising British blues innovator and slide guitarist, Michael Messer, Hindustani slide guitar maestro from Mumbai India, Manish Pingle, and London-based tabla master, Gurdain Singh Rayatt.
This is more than another meeting of musicians from different cultures, this is a band with a successful album and its own unique sound; an exhilarating and highly accessible fusion of blues and Hindustani classical music. With vocals, slide guitars and tabla, these three musicians from opposite sides of the globe create a fascinating musical journey, running from the banks of the Mississippi, via London to Mumbai and the Ganges delta.
The album, Call Of The Blues, was released in February 2016 and was immediately picked up by the blues and world music media, getting worldwide radio airplay and press coverage in more than 40 countries, and hitting #1 in the iTunes Blues Chart. 2016 also saw Michael Messer’s Mitra with two successful UK tours, including shows at the Bush Hall in London and Musicport Festival.
Line-up:
Michael Messer – Vocals, Slide & Lap Steel Guitar
Manish Pingle – Indian Slide Guitar (Mohan Veena)
Gurdain Rayatt – Tabla
