Nonviolenze (Italian for non-violence) is both an artist and an artistic trademark. The man behind the project is Texas resident Shri Baratan. As an artistic trademark of Ahimsa Creations, Baratan presents a music production corporation that integrates Music, Art & Poetry. As an artist, Baratan presents his ideas behind the project on his latest album Ghosts of War.
While judging just by this brief description, it might sound like a ‘standard’ singer/songwriter fare, Baratan goes beyond the standard concepts. He obviously has a wider range of inspirations here, from the names you might expect, like Joni Mitchell, to more prog-oriented artists like Pink Floyd and Jethro Tull. He often veers even to the more melodic side of jazz guitarist John McLaughlin, including his Eastern influences.
That is all evident in Baratan’s vocal excursions that veer anywhere between jazz-stylists like Al Jarreau and Leon Thomas, and his guitar-playing style that certainly goes beyond the usual singer/songwriter strumming. In both of these respects, he is reminiscent in some ways of cult guitarist/singer/composer Robbie Basho.
As the title certainly indicates, Baratan’s personal ideas are reflected in the lyrics. As he puts it:
“Nonviolenze’s repertoire facilitates a peaceful pathway to a harmonious society through nonviolence in thought, word and deed”.
To complete the artistic journey, Baratan usually makes a painting that accompanies each song he writes and then he presents them during his live shows. Hopefully he will be able to use them again soon.
Overall, what Baratan has created with Ghosts of War is an engaging musical/lyrical experience (and visual, for those that have a chance to see it), that goes beyond what is usually considered as the music of a singer/songwriter.
