Riley G gets in the groove on latest album
JAZZ artist Riley Giandhari recently released his new album, A Groove For
The Nation, with the vision of it being his gift to South Africa.
Giandhari, 25, of Queensburgh, Durban – and better known as Riley G – said the jazz fusion collection of songs marked his debut album.
“A Groove for the Nation is my message of hope to the world and especially our beloved country that no matter how dark the days seem, we should remain positive, work hard, be patient and respect one another.
“Together we can uproot every evil that has captured our nation. I hope the music will uplift the soul of this beautiful nation,” said Giandhari.
“I decided not to stick with a specific genre. All the songs have a different feel and are of a different genre. Anyone who listens to my album will find something that they like, or can relate to.
“Each song started with a short musical phrase and the idea grew from there into a complete piece. I booked musicians and artists, who I enjoy working with, and their artistry took the music to another level.
“The inspiration for the name came about because of the diverse music that is on the album.”
Giandhari’s earliest musical influences were at home. As a child he used to watch his father, Pravin, play the drums in church.
He started playing drums at age four and said he knew that one day he would like to be involved in music.
“My early influences were The Chick Corea Electrik Band, T-Pain, Led Zeppelin, Byron Cage, Michael Jackson, Caseopia, Timbaland and Debra Killings,” he said.
In 2013, while studying music at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Howard College, he learned how to play the piano and began composing music.
“The last six years have been an amazing journey as I have composed a lot of pieces and each year my writing style develops into something new.”
In 2018, he performed at the Royal Golf Country Club with jazz legend Hugh Masekela.
“It was an honour performing with one of the pioneers of South African jazz. Apart from his music, his humility struck me the most. I learnt a lot from him in the short time we played together.”
It is this eclectic influence in music that led to the variety of creativity on his debut album. It features a number of genres like jazz, pop, soul, house and dance.
He also features a number of South African and international musicians on the album. His father also sings on one of the tracks.
Giandhari said he composed a lot of music over the past few years and planned on releasing them in 2020.
“I plan on submitting my music to all the radio stations as well as uploading it online. I also enjoy producing for many musicians and artists, so I will continue doing that.
“I am always looking to collaborate with new artists. Nothing is confirmed yet, but anything can happen.”
Giandhari offered a few words of advice to up and coming musicians: “Always do what you love and be yourself. Learn as much as you can. Respect and appreciate all styles of music.
“Music can heal, so in order to be a musician or artist, you have to be responsible at all times.
“There will be a lot of obstacles, challenges and pressure from all sides, but remain humble, be teachable and stay true to who you are. There will never be another you.”