Music Diaries: My Journey with Ebony & Ivory by Avik Ganguly

As we almost near the end of World Music Day 2020, I couldn't have left without one blog post. This one goes out to Avik Ganguly for "My Journey with Ebony & Ivory." The name sounds intriguing, doesn't it? Well, I thought the same at first and thus had to listen to it the moment it got released on Spotify. I can proudly call myself a follower of Avik's works since a long time now and this has to be one of his most soulful works till date. 

My Journey with Ebony & Ivory can also be termed as Bengal's first-ever solo album of a pianist. The eight instrumental tracks in the album, well, speak what the heart wants to say. Released today itself, each of these tracks caught my attention right when I heard them and it goes without saying, I needed to get a quick chat with Avik before the day ended. So, here's to you and here's to Avik's journey...

Why is the album titled "Ebony and Ivory"?

Avik Ganguly- Piano is the main instrument I play and all the compositions are based on that. So ebony and ivory means black and white, and in this case, the Black and White Keys of my piano. So it's called "MY JOURNEY WITH EBONY & IVORY"

What made you think of this album during such testing times?

Avik Ganguly- Yes, it is a tough time, especially for those in the entertainment industry. Still, people who know me they know that most of the time I am thinking ahead and not living in the present. In this case, there is no exception. I planned this album in October 2019 and here it is. 

During this time, however, I'm spending time with family, practising, learning, and planning my next moves.

Which is your favourite track off the album? Is there a special mood or tone that you want to leave off this album? 

Avik Ganguly- That's very tough for me to say. I created them and each one of them is very very close to my heart and has a story behind. Still, if I have to choose one, I'll go for Doubt Hunt. It has many dynamic colours and changes, it's about killing the fears and doubts inside. 

A few days back we saw a collaboration with you and so many other keyboardists. How was that experience? 

Avik Ganguly- I still can't believe that this kind of jam never happened before in the state, might be the first in India, and even when I searched YouTube, there was not a single one, so might be the first-ever. 

When I planned this jam, I just called up or messaged them about this and all of them showed so much enthusiasm and positivity, I can't explain. I am so happy to take the initiative and take the entire responsibility to put the videos and audios together. Finally, the response we got from everyone was unbelievable. Hopefully, there will be more Keyboard Jams with or without me. The jam is on my Facebook timeline or you can simply YouTube "HOW WE C IT"

What next,  then?

Avik Ganguly- Some financial support, some work, shows which will pay my bills. Every musician is struggling to manage and so am I. Just eagerly waiting for the things to be normal.

 But in December 2020, there will an album/ep. It will be just Me, Moonlight and My Piano.

Avik Ganguly's project VEDATRONICS, in the year 2019, also got honored by the Dada Saheb Falke Jury Award. He can also be seen in various solo, duo, and bands which has only made him sharpen his skills over the years. In the meantime, let us give it for this expressive and soulful album My Journey with Ebony & Ivory. 

You can listen to it on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/album/0jYC7EqVYPulYcPz3SyGbk?si=AzND8jXrRaejKVp_mmM4Zw