Vetted: The Harmonium-Wielding Chicago Soul Singer Zeshan B

Soundcheck | Aug 17, 2017

Chicago-based soul singer Zeshan B takes on deep cuts from 1960s and 70s soul gems, as well as groovy, bluesy gospel-infused originals, sometimes in English. But, he also sings in Urdu and Punjabi, which is only natural, since Bagewadi’s parents are immigrants from India. (Other pertinent facts: he is a trained opera singer, he plays harmonium, and his earliest singing was in a mosque.)

Zeshan B’s sound is wholly reminiscent of the Stax Records sound, with classic horn arrangements recorded in Memphis, yet updated a bit to include Indian folk music and Bollywood influences, as some songs feature the traditional reed organ, the harmonium. The debut record, Vetted, was produced by the legendary Lester Snell (Isaac Hayes, Al Green, Sam & Dave, Mavis Staples.) The virtuoso soul singer Zeshan B joins us to perform some of his music, live in the studio. 

Web Extra: Zeshan B - Cryin in the Streets

Here's the video (not same performance of Web Extra):

 

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