Prashant Aswani

Prashant Aswani ‎- Revelation - 1998 - Virtuoso Records

Guitar virtuoso PRASHANT ASWANI just wants you to listen to the music. And as you will soon discover, his music speaks volumes for itself. In the studio and as a live musician, Prashant's voice on the guitar is one of a kind. Fans and fellow musicians alike seek him out in hopes of duplicating his technique and tone, but its winning combination is inimitable. Audiences are mesmerized by his unique groove and the skill, passion and spontaneity with which he plays. A guitarist of Prashant's caliber is a rare breed. Prashant is about to prove with his latest release why he is truly a triple threat - as a player, a writer, and this time around, as a producer. His soon-to-be unveiled third CD, the aptly titled "Time", reflects the maturity and the authority of a musician who has come into his own. He has spent countless hours in the studio, writing and recording material for "Time", which he promises will be both an update of the jazz-influenced progressions and ethnic melodies that are his trademark, as well as a return to the hard-hitting, aggressive style that won him rave reviews when he first burst onto the scene in 1998. Music, it seems, was inside of him from Day One. His father, an avid follower and sometime singer of classical Indian music, would play music and take him to concerts while he was still in his mother's womb. So it was only natural when Prashant picked up the tabla, an Indian percussion instrument, when he was 8 years old. "I loved it," he recalls of those days. "What kid doesn't love banging on drums? But I realized that I didn't understand music until I started studying it." Playing the tabla gave him an understanding of music and a solid sense of time and rhythm. Prashant was bitten by the guitar bug when he was 11 years old, when he bought his first album, AC/DC's "Back In Black". Listening to Angus Young, Prashant knew then that he had to become a guitarist. At 13, he got his first guitar and spent the entire summer figuring out scales and playing AC/DC and Ozzy Osbourne songs. He never took lessons, but played everything by ear, imitating the sounds he heard on the radio. After playing in bands all through high school, Prashant headed for the world-renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. It was during his time at Berklee that he first met guitarist Greg Howe, who became his producer on both "Revelation" and "Duality", his first two CDs. Prashant's first album, "Revelation", released in 1998, is a heavy, rhythmically aggressive set, a mix of Indian rhythms and memorable melodies. The album is hard core, raw but palatable, with the beginning qualities of sophistication. "I was young when I did this album," Prashant says. "Working on this record taught me how to structure my soloing and my compositions and even my life." "Revelation" was well-received by the guitar community, and the success of the album brought Prashant overseas. He moved to Italy and spent almost 2 years promoting his album and conducting guitar clinics all over Europe and Asia. Following his stint in Italy, Prashant moved back to the U.S. to work on "Duality", his second album. It was released in 2000. His efforts this time yielded a more sophisticated sound - a fusion of jazz harmonies and Indian melodies, with a more progressive influence in the arrangements. "I really love the melodies on this album," Prashant says. "The energy and the emotion that went into those solos is nuts. I am blown away by the outcome." With his reputation as a highly skilled, versatile guitarist, Prashant has spent much of his time since finishing "Duality"" focused on broadening his already impressive repertoire. He has successfully played almost every genre of music imaginable, from mainstream rock, pop and soul to the more eclectic fare of the international music scene. Prashant has recently toured with a variety of recording artists - he completed a sold out tour of Japan with R&B songstress Christina Milian and performed at the Billboard Music Awards with pop idol Justin Timberlake and played on the albums of respected veteran musicians such as Howe and keyboardist Darrell Diaz. He's also traveled the world conducting guitar clinics on behalf of his endorsers, namely ESP Guitars, Peavey Amps, Dimarzio Pickups, Levy's Leathers, Spectraflex Cables, and Dean Markley Strings. Prashant has lent his chops, over the last couple of years alone, to nine albums worldwide, among them: Greg Howe's latest two CD's, "Ascend" and "Hyperacuity"; Diaz's project, "Devotion", which also features jazz legend Herbie Hancock; a 2001 Jeff Beck tribute CD featuring other well-known guitarists; and an Indian fusion project with world-renowned bansuri (bamboo flute) player Ronu Majumdar. Not missing a beat, Prashant now turns his attention to his next endeavor, the highly anticipated "Time". With two accomplished albums and a slew of other projects under his belt, what kind of inspiration can we draw from him this time around? "I put my heart and soul into 'Revelation'. 'Duality' is about blood, sweat and tears," he says. "The work and the motivation that's behind 'Time' is deeper than even that. Music is my world, it's the way in which I function. And when the music is right, the time is right." The time is now. "Time" is here. © http://www.prashantaswani.com/

Revelation, by California guitarist Prashant Aswani, features a dizzying display of high-tech rock fusion playing on nine electrifying instrumentals. Produced and engineered by the legendary Greg Howe, Aswani trades solos with Howe on 'Nevin Terrace', 'Lead Boots' and 'Hiding Under the Covers'. Revelation also showcases Aswani's versatility of musical style, flawless technique and singing tone, especially on 'Seven' and 'Blizzard'. Above all, Revelation melds quality songwriting with Aswani's futuristic approach to guitar technique - a formidable combination. ©http://www.prashantaswani.com/

These new tracks were produced by Aswani and George Black, while original tracks were produced and engineered by the legendary Greg Howe. Aswani trades solos with Howe on "Nevin Terrace", "Led Boots" and "Hiding Under The Covers". Revelation: Fully Loaded also showcases Aswani's versatility of musical style, flawless technique and singing tone, especially on "Seven" and "Blizzard." Above all, the album melds quality songwriting with Aswani's futuristic approach to guitar technique--a formidable combination. © 2002-2013 AbstractLogix http://www.abstractlogix.com/xcart/product.php?productid=23339

I was on MySpace a few months ago and came across this artist / musician / guitarist Prashant Aswani. I think I was checking out Steve Vai’s page or Satriani’s page on Myspace and clicked on Prashant’s picture on the message board. His music loaded and man was I floored! Why haven’t I heard of this guy? I was kind of ticked at myself that I hadn’t heard of him before now! “Prashant is the thinkin’ man’s guitarist!” His arrangements are definitely mind expanding. As for the guitar playing…. If you like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Jeff Beck, Eric Johnson, Mike Stern, Al Dimeola, then this is the music for you. Prashant was bitten by the guitar bug when he was 11 years old, when he bought his first album, AC/DC’s “Back In Black”. Listening to Angus Young, Prashant knew then that he had to become a guitarist. At 13, he got his first guitar and spent the entire summer figuring out scales and playing AC/DC and Ozzy Osbourne songs. He never took lessons, but played everything by ear, imitating the sounds he heard on the radio. As y’all know me… Yes! I did it… I emailed Prashant and asked what could I do to get us both more exposure for Guitarz Forever.com. He said he had an album coming out in a couple of months and was wondering if I would give it a review and maybe an interview when it was ready. I said, I be honored too! After playing in bands all through high school, Prashant headed for the world-renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. It was during his time at Berklee that he first met guitarist Greg Howe, who became his mentor and would later go on to be his producer on both “Revelation” and “Duality”, his first two CDs. Prashant was so determined to take lessons from Howe that he would take a bus 8 hours to Howe’s studio in Pennsylvania for a 4 hour lesson, and then take the bus 8 hours back to school. It was well worth it. Prashant credits Howe for first showing him the importance and the necessity of structure and discipline. (If this freakin’ guy ain’t dedicated, then I’m a monkey’s uncle). A few months later, Prashant was true to his word and sent me his New Album Revelation: Fully Loaded. So… I unwrapped the nicely looking cd package ( artwork was done nicely) and popped the disc into my cd player. Wow! From the first note to the last note I was totally in guitar heaven. The songs arrangements twist and turn, pull you from left to right, and then rollercoaster your mind (and yo ass) to highs and lows over again, and again, and again. His lead guitar work is dazzling, soulful, with great hooks and with melodic and memorial rhythmic riffs. Simply said, Prashant Aswani is one of the hottest independent guitarists out there today. In the studio and as a live musician, Prashant’s voice on the guitar is one of a kind. Fans and fellow musicians alike seek him out in hopes of duplicating his technique and tone, but its winning combination is inimitable. Audiences are mesmerized by his unique groove and the skill, passion and spontaneity with which he plays. A guitarist of Prashant’s caliber is a rare breed. I’ve been listening to this new album “Revelation: Fully Loaded” for about a week now. I think I’m on my third time listening to it and I’m finding it more and more enjoyable to listen to! I heard things that I had missed the first two times around. Prashant covers a wide area on genres (aggressive acid music). Greg Howe produced tracks 1 thru 9, played some solos, and helped with the bass programming. George Black produced 10 thru 12 and mastered the whole album. Alex Evens plays bass and on drums is Joey Heredia. These guys are one tight outfit. The percussion and bass playing is bon appetite, and leaving you wanting more. Music, it seems, was inside of him from Day One. His father, an avid follower and sometime singer of classical Indian music, would play music and take him to concerts while he was still in his mother’s womb. So it was only natural when Prashant picked up the tabla, an Indian percussion instrument, when he was 8 years old. “I loved it,” he recalls of those days. “What kid doesn’t love banging on drums? But I realized that I didn’t understand music until I started studying it.” Playing the tabla gave him an understanding of music and a solid sense of time and rhythm. And, rhythm is what this guy has got…. Lots of it! One of his most soulful songs is “Hiding Under The Covers.” Wow! The guitarz in this were really done well. Al Dimeola comes to mind on this one. The first song “Seven” come out of the gate strong. Cool percussive crunchy rhythmic playing gets you into a hypnotic groove right away. Then, in mid-stream Prashant sets you up for a light feel progression with a really cool lead motif. The bass playing on this is outstanding. Very funky for sure. Like I said… Prashant really likes mixing things up within each song. The solo on this tune is flawless. You can’t stop bobbing your head and playing air guitar listening to the stuff! There are also a lot of jazz elements on this album too. If you dig folks like Mike Stern, Steve Lukather, Frank Gambale, and Stanley Jordan, etc. You will also definitely get your groove on listening Prashant’s melodies and arrangements. What do you expect from a Musician’s Institute GIT Instructor anyway? By the way… Prashant has been featured in Guitar Magazine – March, 1999 (review and article), and Guitar Magazine – August, 1999 (2 page interview) One song the really pulled at me was a Zep / Sabbath inspired song called “Switch”. Killa vibe on this one. Prashant really let’s this song breath which shows maturity in his playing. Prashant does a call and response pentatonic lead arrangement with the guitarz on this. He does some awesome riffin’ back and forth between the channels (you know…cuttin’ headz). The main melody line is very hippy-ish sounding with the wah-flanged induced sliding drone chord progression that is very mesmerizing and dark.. This album has twelve songs on it, and every song has something to offer. That’s hard to keep up when you are dealing with instrumental albums. You can’t be repetitious! Ya got to keep shaking things up! This is a great album for you fitness nuts out there. Listening to Prashsant’s music will help give you that little push across the finish line. Kick-ass for video gamers too! Turn down that awful, dreadful background music and put on this album. Prashant’s music guarantees to take you to that next impossible level. On scale from 1 to 10 for an all instrumental album… I give Prashant Aswani’s new album – Revelation: Fully Loaded a Rezounding “10”. Until Next time, Riffmaster – from Riffmaster’s album review of Prashant Aswani’s Album – Revelation: Fully Loaded. © Riffmaster http://dinell2.wordpress.com/2010/06/17/rock-guitarist-prashant-aswanis-pedalboard-pics/ [N:B: This review is based on the 2007 bonus track CD issue]

L.A. based guitarist Prashant Aswani displays killer playing and great compositional skills on this high-tech instrumental rock fusion debut album. Over the last few years Prashant has guested on many albums including the Great Greg Howe’s "Ascend" and "Hyperacuity. Greg Howe plays on 4 tracks on the album, and great credit is due to bassist Alex Evans for his terrific playing. “Revelation” is HR by A.O.O.F.C. Prashant is a phenomenal guitarist who really needs to be heard by a bigger audience. Buy his "Sonically Speaking" album and promote real music. N:B: In 2007 this album was released as “Revelation: Fully Loaded” with three bonus tracks [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 94.2 Mb]

TRACKS

1 Seven 5:41
2 Seclusion 4:32
3 65 Pushups 3:36
4 Nevin Terrace 4:56
5 Led Boots - 4:19
6 Blizzard 3:30
7 Hiding Under The Covers 5:01
8 Data 3:55
9 Full Throttle - Greg Howe 6:06

All tracks composed by Prashant Aswani except Track 5 by Max Middleton, and Track 9 by Greg Howe

MUSICIANS

Prashant Aswani - Guitar
Greg Howe - Guitar [1st Solo] on Track 4: Guitar [2nd Solo] on Tracks 5, 7: Guitar [Right Channel] on Track 9
Alex Evans - Bass
Kevin Vecchione - Bass [Solo] on Track 8
Joey Heredia - Drums

SHORT BIO

Prashant Aswani was captivated by music at a young age. He began taking tabla lessons at the age of 8 years old, which helped him develop a strong sense of rhythm. By the time he was a teenager, his interests had migrated toward the guitar, and he had begun lessons. In his thirteenth year, he played in an area talent show, and dazzled his hometown audience with his original composition. Later, he was selected to play in his high school’s jazz ensemble, which he would stay in throughout his high school career. From high school, Aswani crossed the country to go to Boston’s distinguished Berklee College of Music. In his sophomore year, he was honored by the faculty at Berklee by being selected to play at the infamous “Guitar Night,” as one of seven of the best guitarists in the school. Later, he won the highly competitive Bay Area’s Best Guitarist competition. In 1995, he met Greg Howe and began taking lessons from him. In 1998 and 1999, Prashant released his debut album in Europe and Japan, entitled Revelation. Produced by Greg Howe, the album received critical acclaim by guitarists and jazz fusionists everywhere. In the summer of 2000, he released another Howe-produced independent effort, entitled Duality. Prashant has also guitar duty with Howe on Howe’s latest released, Hyper Acuity, as well as some previous releases. Prashant keeps busy performing at guitar seminars, as well as endorsing products and giving interviews with guitar magazines worldwide. © http://www.xtrememusician.com/info/artists/profiles/6566.html