Slide Guitarist Debashish Bhattacharya Performs Tonight at Arts Centre Melbourne

Grammy Award nominee and virtuoso lap slide guitarist Debashish Bhattacharya who is known for his pioneering virtuosic style, will make his Australian debut playing one night only at Arts Centre Melbourne Fairfax Studio tonight, July 16, 2014.

Bhattacharya made his debut at the age of four on All India Radio, after first strumming a guitar at age three when his father gave him a full size Hawaiian lap steel guitar. As a prodigy musician at age nine, Bhattacharya left his parents for ten years to study under the pioneering Indian slide-guitar Brij Bhushan Kabra. After many years of tutelage at age twenty, he was awarded the President of India Award for winning the National Music competition of All India Radio.

Known as a genius classical guitarist, having toured with the likes of accomplished musicians including Zakir Hussain, John McLaughlin, Jerry Doughlas, Bob Brozman and Martin Simpson, Bhattacharya became increasingly accomplished and known around the world as he refined the artistry and creativity of his guitar playing skills.

In 2009, he was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Traditional World Music Album for his album Calcutta Chronicles.

Performing with his brother Subhasis Bhattacharjee on Tabla and Sukanya Bhattacharya on vocals, this virtuosic trio will perform North Indian (Hindustani) classical songs with a twist at Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre Melbourne before travelling to the Adelaide Guitar Festival.

Bhattacharya is well known for his ability to improvise, which is a hallmark of Indian Raga Music. He has introduced a new playing style, combining thumb and index finger and written a syllabus on Indian Classical Guitar, the first of its kind, which includes technical terminologies and abbreviations.

Originally inspired by his experiences playing the Hawaiian lap steel guitar, Bhattacharya lays the Hindustani slide guitar across his legs and glides around the metal bar to create fluid, almost vocal melodies. The additional strings (and lack of frets) allow him to transition easily between notes, whilst creating a sound that resonates and remains attuned to his Calcutta home.

Inventor of the "trinity of slide guitars", considered a feat in Indian classical music, Bhattacharya's originally designed guitars were christened Chaturangui (a 24 -string lap guitar), Gandharvi (a 14-string lap guitar) and Anandi (a 4-string lap steel ukulele).

Arts Centre Melbourne presents Debashish Bhattacharya at Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio at 7.30pm Wednesday July 16 2014. For more information about Arts Centre Melbourne visit artscentremelbourne.com.au or phone 1300 182 183. Become a fan of Arts Centre Melbourne on Facebook or follow @artscentremelb on Twitter.