Acknowledgement of Country

The Tree Seas

Be transported into the supernatural world of The Three Seas, an international, cross-cultural ensemble fusing West Bengali Baul music and Himalayan folk song with contemporary sounds from Sydney and Kolkata. Soaring vocals and majestic melodies from North Indian folk traditions are combined with Bengali beats and the deep groove of the baritone saxophone in an energetic, uplifting musical alchemy that radiates joy.

Making its UK live debut and delivering its trademark joyful fusion of Australian jazz, West Bengali rock and Nepalese folk music, The Three Seas will feature at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival before embarking on a tour England.

The Three Seas is led by Australian composer and saxophonist Matt Keegan, who visited India in 2009 in search of new experiences and sounds. In Santiniketan, a township renowned for its literary and artistic heritage, Keegan was introduced to astounding Baul singer and virtuosic khamak player Raju Das; Himalayan multi-instrumentalist, folk singer and poet Deo Ashis Mothey; and drummer Gaurab Chatterjee from Bangla rock giants Lakkhichhara. The ensuing jam session lasted long into the night. The core ensemble’s live line-up is completed by Sydney-based electric bassist Brendan Clark, who has performed and recorded with a multitude of leading contemporary and jazz acts.

The musicians’ 13-year collaborative project is founded on a deep love of their craft, a mutual respect for their distinct and diverse cultural origins, and a shared passion for creating songs that resonate universally. Soaring vocals and majestic melodies from North Indian folk traditions are combined with Bengali beats and the deep groove of the baritone saxophone in an energetic uplifting alchemy.