MUMBAI: Released today, the three song EP titled Prayers, features a collaboration of multi-GRAMMY award winning singer, songwriter and producer Joe Walsh and preeminent classical Sarod virtuoso and composer Amjad Ali Khan joined by his sons Aman Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash who are both established and talented Sarod players. 

Sonically the difference between rock and roll and classic Indian music could not be bigger - and it was exactly that which compelled them: what would happen if they came together and let their instruments do the talking? The result is music that is truly collaborative, and unlike any Joe has ever created, infused with a spiritual feel, and fittingly titled Prayers. 

The two first met while Joe was visiting India. After playing together at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai Joe invited them all, Ustad Amjad and his two sons Ayaan and Amaan, to come to Los Angeles and record with him to see what they could create together.  This EP is the result of the second of those sessions, which took place in Joe’s home studio in Los Angeles during 2020. In addition to The Khans, Ustad and his incredibly talented sons Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, Joe asked some of his friends and members of the Los Angeles music community to participate including :Jim Keltner, Davey Johnstone, Michael Thompson, Nathan East, Stewart Copeland, Joe Vitale and Lee Sklar.  

"The time I spend in India is always transformative,” Joe explained. “My first visit delivered “India” which was on Analog Man.  Subsequent visits stirred within me a deeper curiosity for Indian instruments and their music. In spending time with the maestro, himself, Amjad, I was excited to see how my instrument and his could work together.  We were both blown away.  It was one of my life's most treasured experiences. It was as if our souls united in a symphony of shared love for music in its purest form. The music we created was stronger than our individual abilities.  It was a spiritual experience to play with the Khans. Everyone there in those sessions was elevated as a result of this collaboration and that's why we play music.  It's those moments we chase as musicians." 

These three songs, “Healing Love”, “Goddess” and “Hope (We Shall Overcome/Hum Honge Kamyab)” are the discourse between their instruments, a kind of meditative exploration on the nature of sonoral divinity, drawing from the great unique treasures of their own artistic traditions, as well as finding common ground at both the cellular and cosmic levels of two musical traditions, which are often held to be radically different. Through this process of creating and recording, their aim was to preserve the essence of musical traditions that flow into each other without artistic compromise. 

"By the time I got to work on these tracks in the studio we were in complete lockdown pandemic mode," continued Joe.  "The more time I spent with this music the clearer it became that these tracks had healing properties and needed to be shared as a gift.  So, in honor of all the frontline workers who continue to be of such incredible service and courage to us all during these horribly challenging times I’m donating my proceeds to IntraHealth International, whose vital work for healthcare workers around the world aligned perfectly. With our gratitude and with love to them all please enjoy Prayers”

“It has been such a pleasure and an honor to work on this album with my dear friend, the legendary Joe Walsh,” remarked Amjad Ali Khan. “Across cultures, as artists we can understand and appreciate each other and thereby trying to heal this divided world, and what better way is there to achieve this ideal than through the joy and spiritual nourishment that music brings”.

We were in the company of legends. It was a blessing to just be there, observe and learn. To be a part of the process was truly an unreal experience for which we only have the deepest gratitude. Musicians and listeners of music have been communicating with each other across all barriers through this 'vibration of music' from time immemorial - Amaan Ali Bangash 

This was the most unique, uplifting musical journey I ever had! To be in the company of two gurus and icons of music was a priceless gift. Blessed and honored to be a part of it. I thank the universe that this happened. An obvious connection featured in this album is that the Sarod and guitar are both leading plucked stringed instruments of their respective traditions but yet so very diverse! - Ayaan Ali Bangash

“We are so thrilled and grateful to Joe and Amjad for their generosity,” says Polly Dunford, president and CEO of IntraHealth International. “Their gift is going to make health workers around the world safer as we battle this pandemic today and build a healthier future for tomorrow.”

PRAYERS, CREDITS AND THANKS:

Recorded in Los Angeles

Engineered by Bruce Sugar

Electric guitar: Joe Walsh

Sarod: Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash

Vocal: Ustad Amjad Ali Khan

Tabla: Satnam Ramgotra

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan and Ayaan express their gratitude to Joe and Marjorie Walsh for all their love and support for the project.

Joe would like to thank the following musicians who participated in the sessions from which these three tracks were created:

• Nathan East: Bass

• Lee Sklar: Bass

• Abe Loboriel: Bass

• Jim Keltner: Percussion

• Stewart Copeland: Percussion

• Ed Roth: Keyboards

• Michael Thompson: Keyboards

• Joe Vitale: Keyboards

• Davey Johnstone: Guitar