Kohima, August 31 (MExN): Treekam, an international music collaboration of India, UK and US, was released today.
Treekam is an immersive, all-instrumental sonic journey that fuses the intricate grammar of Carnatic ragas with the earthbound soul of Naga tribal chant-inspired guitar work, wrapped in expansive global soundscapes.
Crafted with cinematic precision and spiritual depth, Treekam is not just an album—it’s an invocation of ancestral voices through modern strings.
The album is co-produced by Sandeep Chowta and Arpito Gope and was released under the Namma Music label.
The Artists
Abhay Nayampally (Guitar, India) brings the precision of Carnatic music into the emotional language of strings. A senior disciple of the late Mandolin Vidwan U. Srinivas, Abhay has performed globally alongside acclaimed Indian classical and jazz musicians. His self-titled solo Carnatic guitar album (2021) reached the No.1 spot on iTunes and Apple Charts in India. He has also made his mark as a film background scorer with award-winning work at the Delhi International Film Festival.
Arenlong (Guitar, Nagaland) channels the oral chant traditions of his tribe into a percussive, soulful guitar style. Known for multiple national and international guitar competition wins, including the Strandberg Guitar Contest (2020), he is also a recipient of the TaFMA Award (Nagaland). “Our chants are not melodies. They’re memories. I tried to play from that place,” said Arenlong Longkumer.
Jerrod “J-Rod” Sullivan (Drums, USA), known for his roots in gospel, R&B, and jazz, brings dynamic sensitivity and groove to the album. Currently a member of Janet Jackson’s touring band, he has also worked with Jeffrey Osborne and the 4 Korners.
Seb Read (Bass Guitar, UK) adds depth and cohesion with his subtle tone and rhythmic grounding, while jazz fusion legend Tom Schuman (Keyboards, Spyro Gyra, USA) contributes his signature fluidity on the track Swan Song.
Credits
Abhay Nayampally (Guitars and Keys), Arenlong (Guitars and Keys), J Rod Sullivan (Drums), Seb Read (Bass), Tom Schuman (Keyboards), Mengu Suokhrie and Nagaland folkloric (Vocals). Album produced by Arpito Gope and Sandeep Chowta. Mixed and mastered by Vikram Ghatpande and Sandeep Chowta. Guitar tech for Abhay’s guitar by Alwyn Fernandes.
