Tuesday, March 31, 2009

The singer sings his song

Ershad Kamol

•   Part 1
•   Part 2

Many consider him one of the best guitarists and composers in the subcontinental rock music arena. The power of the delicate riffs of his unique style -- what he calls as 'AB style' -- can move anybody. His music, much like his flamboyant style, has changed with the age. From rock to metal to alternative, his variations seem endless. Ayub Bachchu has attained enormous popularity both in Bangladesh and India.

Because of his ability to produce 'aggression' and long 'sustained notes', like that of a violin, Bachchu has stirred audiences in Kolkata and Delhi in India at the fusion concerts with renowned classical musicians such as tabla player Vikram Ghosh, drummer Nandan Bagchi and a French band, Richard Atlegan.

Even though he started out as a rock musician, Bachchu has eventually branched out to the more mainstream side of music. Nevertheless, he has made major contributions to the development of Bangladeshi rock music.

He has been playing guitar for the last 26 years. And for five years he used to play five hours everyday at Hotel Sonargaon. In those days he used to improvise, based on the works on legendary guitarists like Jimi Hendrix, Joe Satriani, Carlos Santana and Richie Blackmore, who are his inspirations.

He has his own band named LRB. Simultaneously he has released 12 solo albums. Moreover, he composes music for other solo singers.

In the interview with The Daily Star Online, Ayub Bachhu talks on his upcoming albums and a talent hunt project initiated by him. He also tells the story of his growing up as a musician, his likings and disliking.