Guitarist and composer Rahul Mukerji strikes instrumental jazz fusion gold with his 2026 album Mridhangit. A collaborative effort in the finest sense of the word, Mridhangit finds the guitarist in the company of some excellent backing musicians.

Mridhangit is a globally hybridized creation involving a range of musicians from all over the world. Rahul further defines the album as Bridging Distances in Uncertain times: A Collaborative Journey across Continents. The uncertain times no doubt refers to the pandemic with its isolationist tendencies, a period which propelled Rahul to focus his energy on music while connecting with other musicians.

Among the musicians Rahul chose for the album are Praveen Sparsh, the esteemed South Indian percussionist and Leo Margarit, drummer of the progressive metal band Pain of Salvation. Other notable artists include Ruben Rubio, Chaplin and musicians from across the globe. The new album was tastefully co-produced by Bruce Ng.

Mridhangit begins mysteriously with the appropriately titled “Mr. Sinister”. The song has Indian music touches, but I would say it’s more prog instrumental.

“Bheja Fry” is next and when the Tabla comes in balancing Rahul’s guitar attack, you know you’re home. Rahul’s balance of fusion and modalities comes into focus on this track.

“Twelve Ganeshas” takes the album into the sublime direction of giants like Larry Carlton and George Benson. Interestingly, the mood of the song is breezy and golden, hardly a trace of heavy jazz.

Rahul delves deeply into progressive jazz fusion on album highlight “Enjoymaddi”. The jazzy drumming of Leo Margarit melds perfectly with Rahul’s guitars and the deft piano work of Chaplin. The song is cradled by Maciej’s warm upright bass.

“Mridhangit” features percussion and Konnakol from Praveen Sparsh who paves the way for the band to enter with the solid drums of Leo Margarit.

“Kalli Penn” is Santana inspired from the days with organist Gregg Rolie. Rahul keeps the spirit of fusion’s roots alive, and it serves as a great focal point for the lineup of musicians.

“Funky Pakora” continues the fun energy of “Kalli Penn” and sounds inspired by the 1970s era fusion of Al DiMeola and Janne Schaffer. Rahul’s guitar attack is unique and very high energy in and of itself.

“Dushtan” is the single from the album. The addition of the violin enhances the intensity of this instrumental piece influenced by world music elements.

In “Rahu Ketu”, you can almost feel the urgency of Rahul’s guitar driven forward by this talented band. The guitar choruses are quite magisterial, giving the track an interplanetary glow.

“Four Seas” is another fine showcase for Chaplin and Praveen. The song picks up steam with Leo’s drumming balancing out the overall low-key intensity.

“Mutabor” concludes the album showcasing some mournful Duduk. Almost elegiac in feeling, “Mutabor” achieves a mysterious fade out into the sunset.

All in all, Mridhangit is a spectacular guitar-fusion masterwork that crosses instrumental music borders with finesse.