FYC BEST GLOBAL MUSIC PERFORMANCE
Noshir Mody VṚṢṬI
Vṛṣṭi (वृष्टि, pronounced vru-shtee) is a Sanskrit word for rain, a cleansing and sacred force in Indian culture. From its first notes, the piece evokes the stillness of a sky about to open — guitar harmonies shimmer like the first drops, and the bansuri enters with a breath of anticipation. As tabla rhythms emerge, the soprano saxophone soars into dialogue with the bansuri, weaving through the bass’s steady undercurrent. The ensemble swells into a downpour that cleanses, uplifts, and transforms.
GRAMMY®-nominated artist Noshir Mody has brought together an extraordinary ensemble to breathe life into Vṛṣṭi. Matt Geraghty (2× Latin GRAMMY® nominee, bass) is a boundary-pushing producer and composer whose work documents and uplifts diverse musical traditions. Alongside him is tabla virtuoso Dibyarka Chatterjee, son of the esteemed global tabla master and founder of Chhandayan, Pandit Samir Chatterjee of the Farrukhabad gharana, carrying forward one of India’s most respected tabla lineages. Completing the ensemble are two equally distinctive voices. Rasika Shekar, an internationally acclaimed flautist, vocalist, and composer, has performed with icons such as John McLaughlin, AR Rahman, and Shankar Mahadevan, and was featured on the GRAMMY®-winning album Divine Tides. Arun Luthra, one of New York’s premier saxophonists, is the creator of the groundbreaking Konnakol Jazz Project, blending post-bop jazz with the rhythmic language of Indian classical music and performing his work on stages worldwide.
In essence, Vṛṣṭi goes beyond its literal meaning, encapsulating the interconnectedness of nature, the divine, and human experience. The music flows as rain does — stillness giving way to movement, dialogue to release — leaving the listener with a sense of reflection, renewal, and awakening.
Why the world needs music like Vṛṣṭi right now?
In a world marked by division, noise, and constant acceleration, music like Vṛṣṭi offers a vital counterbalance — a reminder of our shared humanity. Rooted in the sacred symbolism of rain as a force of cleansing and renewal, Vṛṣṭi weaves together diverse traditions and voices to create a space for stillness, reflection, and transformation. It is in these spaces that empathy grows, where cultural boundaries dissolve, and where listeners are invited to reconnect with themselves and with one another. Works like Vṛṣṭi remind us that art is not only about beauty, but about healing, understanding, and fostering unity in a fractured world.
🎶 Featured Artist Spotlights for Vṛṣṭi
Matt Geraghty
2× Latin GRAMMY®–nominated bassist, producer, and composer whose cross-cultural projects, documentaries, and collaborations amplify underrepresented voices and preserve diverse traditions across the globe.
Dibyarka Chatterjee
Tabla virtuoso and son of the esteemed global tabla master Pandit Samir Chatterjee, Dibyarka has performed at Carnegie Hall, the United Nations, and Lincoln Center, bringing Farrukhabad gharana traditions into dialogue with global music.
Rasika Shekar
Internationally acclaimed flautist, vocalist, and composer, Rasika has performed with legends such as John McLaughlin, AR Rahman, and Shankar Mahadevan, and was featured on the GRAMMY®-winning album Divine Tides.
Arun Luthra
Renowned New York saxophonist, composer, and educator, Arun is the creator of the Konnakol Jazz Project and a pioneer in fusing post-bop jazz with Indian classical rhythm traditions.
Credits
Composed & Arranged by Noshir Mody
Noshir Mody – Guitar
Matt Geraghty – Bass
Dibyarka Chatterjee – Tabla
Rasika Shekar – Vocals, Bansuri
Arun Luthra – Soprano Saxophone
Produced by Noshir Mody
Mixing & Mastering Engineer: Brian Sargent (Aberrant Sound, MA)
Tracking Engineer: Alex Conroy (Bunker Studio, NY)
Tracking Engineer: Rick Lotter (Good Dog! Studio, CA)
© ℗ 2025 Noshir Mody. All Rights Reserved.
About
Noshir Mody, a GRAMMY®-nominated artist, is acclaimed for his innovative fusion of musical styles, creating rich narratives that resonate with emotional depth and artistry. Born and raised in Mumbai, India, Mody moved to the United States at the age of twenty-two. As a self-taught musician, he honed his guitar skills and immersed himself in the vibrant New York City jazz scene. Over the years, he has crafted a distinctive sound that melds the intricate textures of Indian classical music with the improvisational elements of jazz and the emotive power of progressive rock. This unique fusion reflects his personal journey and highlights the universal nature of music, transcending cultural and stylistic boundaries.
Mody’s latest single, “Vṛṣṭi (वृष्टि),” draws from the Sanskrit word for rain — a cleansing and sacred force in Indian culture. The composition unfolds like a meditative journey, moving from stillness to reflection, renewal, and transformation. To bring Vṛṣṭi to life, Mody assembled a world-class ensemble of master musicians: Matt Geraghty (2× Latin GRAMMY® nominee, bass), tabla virtuoso Dibyarka Chatterjee, internationally acclaimed flautist and vocalist Rasika Shekar, and saxophonist Arun Luthra, known for his groundbreaking Konnakol Jazz Project. Together, they weave Indian classical traditions, jazz improvisation, and global soundscapes into an expansive narrative that speaks to the human experience.
Mody's body of work spans multiple albums, each showcasing his ability to tell a story through music. His discography as a leader includes the solo guitar album In This World with You, the trio recording Union of Hearts, and larger ensemble projects such as Stories from the Years of Living Passionately, A Burgeoning Consciousness, An Idealist’s Handbook: Identity, Love and Hope in America 2020, A Love Song, and Abstractions.
Known for his exceptional technique and soulful playing, Mody’s proficiency on the guitar allows him to traverse complex musical terrain with ease, making him a sought-after collaborator and performer. In addition to his work as a composer and guitarist, he is a respected producer, taking a hands-on approach in the studio to ensure every detail aligns with his artistic vision.
Noshir Mody’s journey through the world of music is a testament to his unwavering passion, dedication, and innovation. By seamlessly blending his cultural heritage with contemporary genres, he has created soundscapes that resonate with audiences across the globe. As he continues to break new ground with works like Vṛṣṭi, Mody’s evocative melodies and captivating performances promise to leave a lasting impact on the musical landscape for years to come.