(On top) Jaya Seal Ghosh with designer Agnimitra Paul at Hushh (Above) Mayor Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, Simon Wilson with Bickram Ghosh at the launch

What: Launch of Bickram Ghosh’s new album Drum Invasion.

Where: Hushh, E-407, City Centre.

When: Night of November 29.

The event: It was a real beat bonanza at the Salt Lake restaurant done up with candles for the occasion. The select audience was treated to a live jam session by Pete Lockett and Bickram Ghosh. The music was an eclectic blend of Indian and western sensibilities. As the sounds resonated in the winter air and the vocals added to the musical mood, the guests nodded in appreciation.

“Pete and I share great chemistry,” smiled Bickram after the performance. “With my initiation into Indian music and influences, it was only but natural that I perform in the city,” added Pete.

Drum Invasion, said Bickram, puts more focus on “rhythm than melody”. The album draws inspiration from Indian folk, jazz, hip-hop and western classical. While tracks Krishna and Megha have strong folk influences and earthy rhythmic interludes, The Tribe Of Zeba and Sacrifice are all about tribal sounds. Then there is Tabla Naad, where the traditional tabla has been blended with sarangi. Hands and Sticks is a jam session with Bickram and Greg Elis on the drums.

Spotted: Bickram’s wife Jaya Seal Ghosh, British deputy high commissioner Simon Wilson, German consul-general Gunter Wehrmann, honorary consul of Netherlands Balkrishna Dalmia, industrialists Harsh Neotia and Sanjay Budhia, dancer Priti Patel, painter Shuvaprasanna, designer Agnimitra Paul, actor Arindam Sil....

Sip ’n’ bite: The dinner spread offered Cream of Seasonal Vegetable Soup, Jalepeno and Corn Fitters, Chicken Shredded with Pepper, Skewers in Chilli Lime Sauce, penne tossed in spicy tomato sauce, garlic, chilli flakes, basil and more.