Broken Rhythms

Broken Rhythms is the fifth track on 21 Spices, a studio album by percussionist Trilok Gurtu, drummer Simon Phillips, and the NDR Bigband. The composition spans 4 minutes and 15 seconds and exemplifies the album’s fusion of Indian classical rhythms with contemporary jazz and orchestral arrangements.

The album 21 Spices released on February 25, 2011, under the German label MIG in CD format. Gurtu contributed as the primary composer and percussionist, blending traditional Indian instruments with Phillips’ drum kit and the NDR Bigband’s brass and woodwind sections. The tracklist features nine original compositions, with Broken Rhythms serving as a mid-album highlight characterized by syncopated grooves and layered improvisation.

The collaboration marked Gurtu’s continued exploration of cross-genre fusion, following his work with artists such as John McLaughlin and Joe Zawinul. Phillips, known for his tenure in rock and progressive jazz ensembles, provided dynamic drum patterns that complemented Gurtu’s konnakol-inspired percussion. The NDR Bigband, a Hamburg-based collective, expanded the arrangement with harmonic depth and textural contrast.

Critical reception of 21 Spices noted its intricate rhythmic interplay and the integration of Carnatic music elements within a large-ensemble setting. The album’s production emphasized live recording techniques to capture the spontaneity of the performances. No additional details about the track’s specific recording sessions or alternate versions are publicly documented.