Asha Puthli Asha Puthli

sampled by Aboriginals

"From her early days raised as a youth in Bombay, Asha
Puthli initially trained in Indian classical music and
opera, but over time gravitated towards contemporary
western pop, upon discovering talents like Nat King
Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, and Dusty Springfield. After
making a name for herself in her native country, she
found her way to New York, where she happened upon
John Hammond of CBS Records. Hammond would
introduce Puthli to the avant-garde legend Ornette
Coleman, who utilized her unique vocal stylings on his
1971 record Science Fiction. Her work on the album
earned widespread praise, and though it didn't lead to
further work in the United States, it did bring her a
record contract in Europe.
In 1973, Puthli released her self-titled debut through
CBS, which would not see release in the US, but was
subject to widespread critical acclaim and fascination
throughout Europe. Asha Puthli was produced by Del
Newman, who had done arrangements and production
for Elton John's famed album ""Goodbye Yellow
Brick Road"", of which Puthli was a professed fan, and
featured a cover image heavily inspired by the glam
aesthetics of groups like T. Rex, David Bowie, and
Queen. These aesthetics would also blend into the
music itself, an 8-song collection featuring renditions of
songs by George Harrison, J.J. Cale, Bill Withers, and
others, plus one original by Puthli herself.
Asha Puthli is a remarkable work of its time, for its
daring amalgamation of pop sensibilities, jazz
sultriness, and experimental weirdness. A sensuous
work of jazz / disco fusion that pre-dated Donna
Summer's slick, and eccentric works."