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Noshir Mody

Noshir Mody, an esteemed composer, guitarist, and producer, continues to make significant contributions to the world of music. Born in Bombay, India, Mody's passion for music was evident from an early age. He immersed himself in the rich tapestry of Indian classical music and was heavily influenced by his cultural roots. As he grew older, his love for jazz, progressive rock, and other genres led him to explore new horizons and develop his own unique style.

Mody moved to the United States at the age of twenty-two and successfully sustained a career in both music and technology. As a self-taught musician, he refined his skills on the guitar and immersed himself in the vibrant New York City jazz scene. Over the years, Noshir Mody has crafted a distinctive sound that melds the intricate textures of Indian classical music with the improvisational elements of jazz and the emotive power of progressive rock. This eclectic fusion of genres reflects not only Mody's personal journey but also the universal language of music that transcends cultural boundaries. His innovative approach has earned him a loyal following and critical acclaim from industry experts and peers alike.

Mody's latest album, "A Love Song," is a captivating collection of contemporary instrumental jazz that pays tribute to love and life. The album highlights Mody's extraordinary ensemble, featuring Benjamin Hankle on Flugelhorn, Campbell Charshee on Piano, Yuka Tadano on Double Bass, and Ronen Itzik on Drums. The title track is further enriched by the soulful, warm vocals of Kate Victor, adding a special touch to the already exquisite sound. Comprising five unique tracks, "A Love Song" reflects various aspects of Mody's journey through the pandemic, showcasing the virtuosity and musical chemistry of his ensemble. The musicians demonstrate an understated elegance, expertly balancing between expressive solos and tight-knit ensemble work.

Mody's body of work spans multiple albums, each one showcasing his unique ability to tell a story through music. His discography as a leader includes his solo guitar album "In this World with You," his trio recording "Union of Hearts," and his quintet, sextet, and septet ensembles on "Stories from the Years of Living Passionately," "A Burgeoning Consciousness," and "An Idealist's Handbook: Identity, Love and Hope in America 2020."

Mody's exceptional talent has also led to his involvement as a featured artist on the GRAMMY® Award winning album 'Sakura' (Best Global Music Album), further cementing his reputation as a versatile and accomplished musician.

As a guitarist, Mody is known for his exceptional technique and soulful playing. His proficiency on the instrument allows him to traverse complex musical terrain with ease, making him a sought-after collaborator and performer. Over the years, he has shared the stage with numerous accomplished musicians such as Atilla Engin, Adam Armstrong, Dan Jordan, Dan Willis, Masa Takumi, Charu Suri, Mark Weinstein, and Bob Magnuson, among others.

Noshir Mody: Stories from The Years of Living Passionately

Read "Stories from The Years of Living Passionately" reviewed by Karl Ackermann

by Karl Ackermann
March 31, 2014

A random sampling of Stories from The Years of Living Passionately could easily leave the impression that this is a hybrid of cool jazz, classical and world music. Even that broad an assumption would not be a comprehensive representation of Indian born Noshir Mody's complex, multi-layered collection of original music. A self-taught guitarist, he can invoke playing styles as diverse as Lee Ritenour, Pat Metheny or John Abercrombie yet his distinctive sound reveals no particular adherence to a form of ...

“A top-notch jazz and fusion guitarist, Noshir Mody composes picturesque originals that are impossible to classify as anything but high-quality modern jazz…” Scott Yanow, Author of 11 books including The Great Jazz Guitarists, The Jazz Singers, Jazz On Film and Jazz On Record 1917-76

“…This is surely the direction jazz is headed for in the 21st Century & beyond… waves of passion will invade your thoughts and bring you the peace that only jazz can bring…” Dick Metcalf, Improvijazzation Nation Magazine

"Your mind will flicker back and forth between the sum and its parts, and then you'll relax and hear the whole sound wash over you complete, especially as each of these epic tunes reach a thrilling climax." Marc Phillips, The Vinyl Anachronist

“…High art, as far as I’m concerned, one of the year’s stand-out cuts so far, within a CD that doesn’t brazenly demand re-listening but instead seduces. You’ll be tossing it into the player again and again without even realizing it.” Mark S. Tucker, Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange

“…A piece such as “The Next Chapter” flows like a stream for nine minutes, while on the sixteen minute “India” Mody has his guitar chords chime like bells and Uchida’s cymbals sashay the groove along like a spring breeze. A delicate ride cymbal taps along during “A Pearl Discovers the Oyster” and Mody’s solo beams across like a rainbow at sunset, just before the panoramic “To Be In Your Thoughts” closes this journey with optimistic notes of joy. As fresh and cleansing as a summer rain!” George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly

“…this group gets to stretch out both individually and collectively in spirited and spiritual fashion.” Scott Albin, JazzTimes “…The album is fine example of impressionism with a distinctive style and an intriguing improvisational approach. The compositions and the musicianship, particularly Mody and Staaf, is first rate and as a whole Stories from The Years of Living Passionately is involving and engaging.” Karl Ackermann, All About Jazz

“Self-taught Bombay guitarist Noshir Mody has assembled a magnificent array of musicians to record a deeply personal, sonically rich and beautifully produced album…” Phil Jackson, Acid Dragon Magazine

“…If expressive melodies and harmonies can be said to serve as metaphors for that moment of inspiration, Mody’s music makes the case. The album is the pudding’s proof…” Jack Goodstein,  Blogcritics.org

“…Behind his guitar the sound is youthful and loving, and we are treated to a great mix of impressive musicianship.” John Shelton Ivany, JSITop21

“…Whatever you’ve ever dug is in the mix here from Shakti to smooth jazz to Paul Horn to Paul Winter to Pall Mall. Kicking it out with a quartet of like minded pros on a mission to serve it right and tight, Mody is out to make the world a smaller place. First rate stuff that sounds like world beat for a nu generation of jazzbos…” Chris Spector, Midwest Record

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