Galitcha

Galitcha is a Canadian ensemble that integrates music with a strong North Indian footprint overlaid with influences from Western folk and jazz, and instrumentation from around the world. From heartfelt devotional and love songs to compelling lively dance tunes and stories from their travels across the globe, Galitcha (meaning "tapestry") takes audiences on a musical journey from one end of the emotional spectrum to the other. The songs are mainly sung in Punjabi, Urdu, and Hindi with explanations in English and/or French. Vocalists Kuljit Sodhi, also on dolki, and Linsey Wellman on saxophone, flute, and oboe; Shawn Mativetsky on tabla, dhol, and percussion; and Matt Smith on slide and acoustic guitars and mandolin create a culturally diverse Canadian sound. As Coleman (Spike) Barkin, producer at The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City, wrote about Galitcha's August 2004 concert on his stage, "It was an evening of love. Galitcha is that rare blending of superb musicianship and emotional connection.