buzz bahdur horizontal life this is guitarist/composer/producer roy venkataraman's first album under the studio production name of buzz bahdur, released on his new label 'carter bench music'. the album shimmers with ambient grooves, jazz fusion journeys, heavenly synthesized textures, otherworldly soundscapes, downtempo grooves, late night chill out moods and gorgeous ambient trumpet/ flugelhorn/ synthesizer and guitar solos. buzz, who originates from bombay, india and now lives in new zealand, is one of the most unique south asian voices to emerge in the last few years. he is typical of this new generation of artists fluent in multiple genres of music like jazz, funk, reggae (having worked with bob marley’s wailers band),hip hop, new age, blues, downtempo etc. his experimentation and eclectic influences create a very personal, rich and diverse sound that does not fall under any specific genre. the album balances intricate ensemble writing with picturesque melodies and superb improvisations by some of the worlds top jazz artists including adam holzman, rachel z, randy brecker and jay rodriguez. buzz is a naturally gifted composer/programmer of 21st century new sound."horizontal life" is a bed of sensual delights including "trance migration" with a cool ambient feel, indian sufi flavors and floating, dreamlike guitars. "tilly" is mysterioso down tempo with sexy muted trumpet, guitar and sax. definitely after midnight! "new world bliss" is a beautiful chill out symphonic track with an ecstatic synth solo. the album culminates with "meeting in caracas" a gorgeous orchestral finale/epilogue evoking the summation of many nights of spiritual and physical love as roy's guitar gently weeps and cries with joy. horizontal life is a beautiful journey -- an album of a vast sonic spectrum, heartfelt, inventive, unpredictable and unique. clive stevens(composer/musician) miami, florida,usa