Chris Rael CHURCH OF BETTY

1996, Shanachie Records: Rael met Najma Akhtar at the Contemporary Indian Music Festival in Vienna in 1993. A longtime fan, he proposed that the two collaborate on a contemporary reinterpretation of classic Hindi film songs by the great S.D. Burman. Eventually, several songs by Burman's son, R.D. Burman, were added. Composer Brian Woodbury and Church of Betty percussionist Jonathan Feinberg collaborated on the arrangements. The project drew the interest and support of David Byrne (who mixed a song) and bansurai flutist Steve Gorn, who records with Chris to this day. Recorded in London, New York and Maryland, this album soars, marking a highpoint in both artists' work. ORDER HERE