Debashish Bhattacharya

Raga might be synonymous with sitars, but the slide guitar has also staked out a place for itself in the pantheon of Indian classical music. The instrument was first popularised by Brij Bhushan Kabra, but it was his student, Debashish Bhattacharya, who unleashed its full potential. Bhattacharya created instruments of his own – what he dubs the 'Trinity of Guitars' – in order to expand the sonic range of the guitar and incorporate the drones that are a key part of Raga music. He's since collaborated with the likes of Indo-jazz guitarist John McLaughlin and Okinawan sanshin player Takashi Hirayasu, but is just as apt to join forces with his brother, tabla virtuoso Subhasis Bhattacharya. After making an impressive debut here last year, the sibling duo are returning for a one-off Tokyo date, which the promoters have proclaimed a veritable 'Raga Odyssey'.