Zeshan B's 'Vetted' (Out 4/7 via Minty Fresh) Combines Southern Soul With Traditional Indo-Pakistani Music

Chicago soul singer Zeshan B has announced his debut album 'Vetted,' set for release April 7th via Minty Fresh. Featuring Zeshan Bagewadi -- a first generation Indian-American, Muslim, and Chicago native -- on vocals and harmonium, the record narrates, through the prism of his parents' immigrant experience, tales of injustice, unrequited love, urban despair and youthful ecstasy.

'Vetted' was recorded at the legendary Ardent Studios in Memphis, TN, and was produced by Lester Snell (Isaac Hayes, Al Green, Mavis Staples), with backing by multiple generations of Memphis session legends including guitarist Michael Toles ("Shaft"), bassist David Smith (Buddy Guy), drummer Steve Potts (Booker T. and the MGs) and backing vocalist Kameron Whalum (Bruno Mars).

Born to Indian Muslim immigrants, Zeshan Bagewadi's musical identity was formed at the junction of two different worlds. His parents' love for the sounds of their native land gave him a deep exposure to Indo-Pakistani music -- film, folk and classical alike. However, his father, having been one of the few journalists in India to cover the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s and 70s, was immensely fond of Black artistic expression. As such, Zeshan grew up with the sounds of his father's blues, soul, and R&B collection as well.

These two worlds collide on this new album. Zeshan pours his heart out on 10 tracks and in 3 languages -- English, Urdu and Punjabi. Tempestuous soul arias, urban love dramas, Memphis blues, and civil rights anthems are performed with an idiomatically Indian feel -- blaring tanpura and harmonium exist alongside hard grooves, delicate strings, and riveting horns.

Zeshan B recently appeared on WNYC's The Takeaway, discussing the message behind his radical cover of George Perkins' "Cryin' In The Streets" and his own participation in the Black Lives Matter Movement. Listen here: http://bit.ly/2mL0tpD

And watch the protest-heavy video for "Cryin' In The Streets" here: https://youtu.be/ZdtzzQjbCio

Zeshan Bagewadi has performed for President Obama and alongside the likes of Mos Def, A Tribe Called Quest, Rakim, and Aasif Mandvi. He will be announcing a Chicago album release show and additional gigs soon.

Tracklist:

1. Lonely Man

2. I'm at the Breaking Point

3. Ain't No Love (in the Heart of the City)

4. What Now

5. Meri Jaan

6. Cryin' in the Streets

7. Hard Road to Travel

8. Prove It To Me

9. I'll Keep Wanting You

10. Ki Jana

11. You Don't Miss Your Water

More info on Zeshan B:

http://www.zeshanbagewadi.com/

https://www.facebook.com/zeshanbagewadi/