Indialucia - an international musical project by flamenco guitar player Miguel Czachowski, is

at the same time one the first band which has managed to successfully combine the music
of India with flamenco from Andalusia, giving concerts all over the world since 1999.

They are basically a quartet, but there are few more artists that collaborate with us adding beautiful
and unforgettable sounds of bass guitar, flute and piano as well beautiful dance.

Miguel CZACHOWSKI - flamenco guitars, percussion, palmas

Avaneendra SHEOLIKAR - sitar
Sandesh POPATKAR - tabla
Isaac PENA GONZALEZ - cajón, percussion
Michał ŻAK - traverse flute, bansuri
Andrzej KOWALSKI - bass guitar

Biography
Indialucia - an international musical project by flamenco guitar player Miguel Czachowski, is at the
same time one the first band which has managed to successfully combine the traditional music of
India with flamenco from Andalusia, giving concerts all over the world since 1999. The members of
the project include many outstanding musicians from Poland, India and Spain.

Their concert repertoire expresses both the human and musical fusion of these cultures making the
audiences to experience a stimulating blend of the extremely rich cultural traditions. Improvisation
and rhythm are the common elements in both styles and are essential to the continued existence
of this music. Apart of having traditional elements of Indian and flamenco music they enrich the
sound with jazz piano, bass guitar, flute and dance. In 2016 they started touring with the classical
orchestras giving a new dimension of the symphonic music.

They released two award-winning albums, Indialucia and Acatao. Both of them received award as
second best album of the year by Polish Radio. The music was used as a soundtrack for the
American movie The Boondock Saints II.

The group has performed in more than twenty four countries including most European countries,
Asia, and North and South America. The musicians performed on many prestigious stages such as
Lincoln Center (New York), Skirball Center (New York), Eisemann Centre Theatre (Dallas), Herbst
Theatre (San Francisco), Lisner Auditorium (Washington, D.C.), The Egg (Albany), Harris Theater
(Chicago), Royal Albert Hall (London), National Theatre (London), Templo de Debod in Madrid,
Esplanade Theater (Singapore), AKG Hall in Trivandrum (India), Kamaraj Auditorium in Madras
(India), Teatro di Vicenza (Italy), Cemal Resit Rey (Istambul), Philharmony of Kazan (Russia) and
many others.

They has played and recorded with many renowned artists such as Jorge Pardo, Paquito
Gonzalez, L. Subramaniam, Domingo Patricio, Leszek Mozdzer, Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Kavita
Krishnamurti and others.
Discography:

ACATAO – CM Records (2016)

Their second album, Acatao (‘reunited’ in Caló, the old language of Iberian Gypsies), is a
continuation of this innovative project on a world scale, a space for intermingling of musical styles
and instruments, a place of new musical encounters, never seen so far. This music introduces the
listener to the musical culture of southern Spain and different regions of India. The album offers
entirely acoustic sound, many well-known virtuosos of ethnical instruments and vocalists from both
continents, improvisation and – most of all – the energy of the Spanish flamenco and the energy of
the mystic India.

INDIALUCIA – CM Records (2005)

The album expresses both the human and musical fusion of these cultures, which could have had
a common ancestor. Improvisation and rhythm are the common elements in both styles and are
essential to the continued existence of this music. The recordings were made between 1999 and
2004 mostly in India and Spain. Many great artists from the two continents performed. This album
is the result of the years of work, which for the first time demonstrates the common elements of
flamenco and its Indian roots fused into one art form.
Miguel CZACHOWSKI – flamenco guitar player, architect, musical producer, owner of the CM
Records company.
Born in Poland in 1974 in a family of flamenco lovers
where he was raised in a flamenco music environment.
At the age of 12 he began learning to play the guitar.
After initial classical education he took master classes
from flamenco professional players as Rafael Cortés,
Salva del Real and Gerardo Nuñez in Poland and Spain
which made him completely dedicated to flamenco. In
1992 he formed a flamenco group gradually extending
the numbers of the artists from a duo to septet. His
group “Viva Flamenco!” plays contemporary flamenco
mixed with traditional together with influences of Indian
and Jazz music. Performing solo and also with his band
Miguel won first prizes in many Polish folk festivals and
is now leading flamenco player in his country. He has
performed all over Poland as well as abroad (USA, Russia, Spain, Austria, Germany, Italy, France,
England, Belgium, Luxemburg, Holland, Finland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Belarus, Hungary,
Andorra, Romania, Bulgaria, Nigeria, Turkey, Oman, Singapore, Mexico, Colombia and India). For
several years he teaches flamenco guitar and publishes articles and interviews propagating
flamenco music in magazines as “Flamenco International Magazine”, “Jazz Forum”, “Top Guitar”
and “Swiat Gitary”. In 1998 after performing in Italy he was invited to India to teach flamenco guitar
at the Academy of Music and Fine Arts in Nagpur. There he started studying Indian music learning
to play the sitar under the guidance of Avaneendra Sheolikar. His fascination of flamenco and
Indian music inspired him to go back to the roots of the Gypsy music and record the CD Indialucia
which is the fusion of both styles: Flamenco and Indian music. The album was distinguished with
the 1st prize “Best Album of the Year 2005” Wirtualne Gesle and 2nd music critics’ prize at the
New Tradition competition for the “Folk Phonogram of 2005” award. His second album Acatao
released in 2014 got 2nd music critics’ prize at the New Tradition competition for the “Folk
Phonogram of 2014” award.

Avaneendra SHEOLIKAR (India) – sitar

Born in 1969 in a well-reputed family of musicians,
Avaneendra started his initial training at the age of five
with his father Pt. Sudhakar Sheolikar, and then under
an illustrious master of sitar – Pt. Bimelandu Mukherjee.
As a result of his Guru’s brilliant guidance he has
developed a complete mastery over the instrument. The
special feature of his performance is the disciplined
development of the ragas based on melodious and
rhythmical style. The depth of feeling and emotion he
expresses through his music is note – worthy. He has
participated in a number of music conferences in India
and abroad performing in Germany, Italy, Portugal and
Russia. He received numerous awards and honours in
most prestigious musical competitions.
Sandesh POPATKAR (India) – tabla
Born in 1967, he belongs to a family of
musical tradition. His father and first
teacher, the late Pt. Shankarrao
Popatkar, was a renowned tabla artist
of India and had played in national
musical programs on All India Radio.
Currently, he is under the musical
guidance of Pt. Gopalrao
Wadegaonkar of Farrukhabad
Gharana tabla style. In 1986, he
received the prestigious Tal Mani
Award and one year later he started
working at All India Radio in Nagpur. In
1988, he started performing abroad as
a solo artist as well as an accompanist
of all forms of Indian music (vocal,
instrumental and dance). He has
preformed in such countries as
England, Switzerland, Turkey, Austria,
France, Germany, Italy, Greece,
Russia, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Belgium, Netherlands, Poland and Portugal.

Isaac PEÑA (Spain) – percussion, cajon, flute, palmas

Drummer, percussionist and flute
player. Born in Andalusia in Seville.
For many years playing on the most
popular in flamenco percussion
instrument – cajón. It was Paco de
Lucia who introduced this instrument
to the flamenco music and made it
so popular. He collaborates with te
best flamenco musicians and groups
(Ecos del Rocio, Jorge Pardo) as
well as jazz musicians and popular
groups. Founder and director of
musicial school Spacio y Ritmo in
Coria del Rio.
Press reviews:

For its ambition and achievement the stand-out disc has got to be Michal Czachowski's Acatao. He
is a formidable flamenco guitarist and has assembled a superb team. This is a very impressive
album, for the quality of its music, for bringing together flamenco music and Indian music and for its
artwork. An impressive achievement.
Simon Broughton, Songlines Magazine

Music of Miguel Czachowski is evolving, but its essence is the imagination and virtuosity. The
craftsmanship that is available only for privileged, alchemists of sound. It's something more than
world music, it is the music of the spheres. Spirit of India and Andalusia hovering above the
firmament, filled with quality and beauty of the infinite colors. Where life becomes a passion ... and
sound become its essence.
Maciej Szajkowski, Polish Radio

You listen it at your own risk – after this album world of music will never be the same anymore.
Wojciech Ossowski, Polish Radio

Amazing musicianship! Indialucia present the connection between Indian raga and Spanish
flamenco in a truly mesmerizing fashion and succeed in pushing the limits of the collaboration with
improvised passion and precision.
Trevor Reekie, Radio New Zealand

The new album "Acatao" is one of the most interesting Polish music projects.
Etnosystem

Musical revelation, and at the same time greatly produced. It's hard to believe that Polish guitarist
plays with such great feeling and sense of music.

Marek Dusza, Audio

Album on which you sail, like on the surface of the deep ocean of unusual stories.

Kinga Wojciechowska, Presto

Exceptional album, unusual, varieted, full of passion and first of all full of a amazing music.

Folk 24

It's a major cultural clash which doesn't repel but mesh and interlink in truly inspired ways. It's
conceptually related to Gerardo Nuñez's two Jazzpaña projects or the Chichuelo/Faiz Ali Faiz
Flamenco/Qawwali adventure but comes off as an even better fusion I think.

Srajan Ebaen, 6moons.com

Something like this can only be invented by a man of infinitely great sensitivity to music. And
Czachowski not enough that has that quality, but he complements that sensivity with imagination,
talent and a composing skills.
 Jakub Milszewski, Top Guitar
A real symbiosis between Indian music and Andalusian. Fascinating sounds and extraordinary
work, where each piece, sometimes Indian, sometimes Spanish, is the result of a refined musical
creativity and musical sensitivity.
New Tuscia, July 2012
Their music is the epitome of a match made in heaven.

Score Magazine, October 2011

This six-piece band, Indialucia created musical atmospheres, while reaffirming the Indian sounds
and rhythms of flamenco overwhelming, going beyond the geographical and cultural boundaries
and made the public aware of something new and never heard.

Corriere Vicentino, July 2011

And then, joy of joys, hosannah to the highest, I’m in musical heaven! Indialucia and the
spinetingling combination of Spanish rumba flamenco with Indian sitar, tabla and syllabic
percussion that is “Raag’n’Olé”. I cannot praise this tune highly enough. Speechless. Just listen.

Glyn Phillips, worldmusic.co.uk, February 2011

Indialucia, a Polish music group of Indian and Flamenco fusion drew a phenomenal crowd that
responded to every twist and turn of the Miguel Czachowski-led group consisting of flamenco
guitars, percussion, sitar and tabla.

Romain Maitra, The Hindu 3 December 2010

If anyone braved the rains on Saturday night and went into town then you may have heard the
glorious sounds of Indialucia playing at the outside theatre at the Esplanade. This particular mix
works so well, it’s magical. Listen to them and hear the magic yourself. If you can catch them live,
don’t miss it.

Lianhe Zaobao, November 2010

Brilliant just brilliant piece of music by IndiaLucia which pays tribute to the bohemian spirit of the
Gypsy culture and its roots in both Indian and Spanish traditions.. their rhythm is nothing short of
mind- blowing.

The Sunday Times, 11 October 2010

Finding a rare pearl in the Indian music and flamenco is not easy. After listening to this CD I was
touched by a musical revelation. Indialucia is almost perfect and pure symbiosis between the
fusion of flamenco and Indian music. The album is fascinating in every sound, this is a remarkable
work, where each piece, sometimes more Indian, sometimes more Spanish, is the result of a huge
musical research and musical creativity. In short, the album may delight all the lovers of world
music, fusion, lounge, Indian and flamenco.

Gilles Probst, Inde a Paris, 10 June 2008

It’s one thing to say that music has no borders. But musicians from Poland, Spain and India fusing
Flamenco and Indian Classical together…now that just takes the aforementioned statement to a
whole new level. I am referring to a phenomenal musical entity which goes by the name of
Indialucia, which has intrigued and fascinated me for over a year.

Paras Sharma, JAM Magazine, August 2008

Indialucia – a solid study of the musical structures of these two great musical worlds. It is a
rigorous and beautiful work, that makes us travel, which transports us and trills us.

Monica Rubio, B!ritmos, March 2008

Miguel Czachowski a Polish flamenco guitarist is a brilliant musician with a fascinating and artful
ability to fuse and find the perfect balance of rhythm and mood between the world of classical
Indian music and contemporary flamenco.

Times of Oman, February 2008

Very outstanding among so many fusions albums of the present times. This project, exacting,
perfectly balanced and fascinating as it is, represents a resounding achievement. Nine tracks,
brimming with rhythm and charm, the amazing work full of flamenco compases, which adds a
splendid Indian raga to shape a whole spells, rhythmic mind-as it should be so alive the memory of
origin Eastern forms of flamenco. All participating musicians reach excellent levels, although it is
obliged to stress at percussionist Pierluca Pineroli (real torpedo of cajon), the flute of Domingo
Patricio and the singer’s incredible voice of Indian Prasad Khaparde. Excellent group and excellent
album.

Antonio Valentin, Alma100, November 2006

The combination of perfect flamenco guitar flourishes and precise tabla beats produces a sound
that is abundant with festive celebration and an example of human accomplishment. Every
recorded note and beat on this album is a portal to some source bigger than ourselves. The idea of
cultures meshing without losing their identity, while still acknowledging their distinctive faiths, is
perhaps the only glimpse of an answer to today’s hostile problems around the world.

This is a must for all poets, artists, musicians and dreamers. Listen to this record, close your eyes,
and dance to the possibility of a new future filled with unconditional love, harmony and fun.

Michael R. Mollura, LaYoga, May 2007

The musical concept of India and Flamenco shared musical ancestry is a significant breakthrough
in World Music.

Mark Thomas, World Beat Radio, May 2007

An impressive fusion of flamenco guitar with traditional Indian instruments. An amalgam of vocal
and percussive sounds that cause a happy outcome, while ecstasy ritual, as if a religious
ceremony or a big Gypsy fiesta. The album is full of melodies that manage to enchant the listener
like a snake following the spell of his owner. It is a great disc.

Cuerdas y Cajas, 30 April 2007

Indialucia stakes their cross-cultural claim from the first notes of their self-titled album, with the
percussive stains of flamenco guitar joined by Indian percussion vocals. (…)Indialucia brings to this
cultural conversation a fluid virtuosity and energy to spare, and I’ll be returning to this album again
and again.
 Scott Allan Stevens, Spin the Globe, April 2007
This album will open the minds of lovers of both flamenco and Indian music with its fascinating and
artful ability to fuse both sounds.

Spectre Music, March 2007

Indialucia is a masterful fusion of Indian and Flamenco styles. Zesty rhythms and intricate melodies
dance around one another to create a totally unique sound that is embodied in the energy and skill
of these brilliant musicians.

Rasa Music, February 2007

It is apparent upon hearing the first notes of this album that it will be a unique listening experience.
Composer/Producer, Michael Czachowski has spearheaded this visionary project has found the
perfect balance of rhythm and mood between both the world of classical Indian music and
Flamenco. The end result elevates the soul and stirs the emotions. The rhythmically driving chords
of the flamenco guitar are perfectly balanced with the soothing more soulful melodies created by
the Indian vocals and sitar. The evocative nature of this musical undertaking is the perfect
showcase to highlight the similarities and contrasts in the musical styles. This album will open the
minds of lovers of both flamenco and Indian music with its fascinating and artful ability to fuse both
sounds.

Donna D’Cruz, February 2007

One of the greatest music projects on this small planet.

Vajrayana – Yogacara Network, 28 January 2007

The Polish flamenco guitarist Miguel Czachowski and the Indian sitar player Avaneendra Sheolikar
brought the rhythmic essences, on Indialucia together.

Buchergilde Magazin, January 2007

It was a riot of rhythms and strings as musicians set the stage ablaze with their music. And
needless to say the audience were completely enthralled.

Sangeetha Unnithan, The New Indian Express, 22 December 2006

All very worthily crossover, flash playing and so on. Ultimately is most winning achievement.

Ken Hunt, fRoots, November 2006

Indialucia – a fascinating blend of flamenco and Indian music.

Warsaw Voice, 30 August 2006

When musicians who have practical and skilled experience recognise the similarities with their own
roots of education, there’s a chance that the meeting place becomes magical. (…) All recorded
tracks are based upon ideas and discoveries of similarities which are explored to form a
combination of both styles, preferable a vivid blend. (…) It seems to be one of the rarest and most
serious investigations in search for the perfect blend between the two musical worlds by exploring
their similarities in roots. Very good !!

Gerald Van Waes, Radio Centraal, Belgium, August 2006

Flamenco and Indian musicians, alongside jazz performers, blend their knowledge in a
performance that is laden with rhythm and virtuosity. Fusion from the top drawer which causes
one’s feet to dance on their own.

Es Flamenco, August 2006

The band of Miguel Czachowski, a guitarist, in a masterly manner showed how much flamenco and
the Indian music have in common.

Gazeta Wyborcza, 7 August 2006

A fusion of forces brought about a unique musical evening in Aquarium. The concert “Indialucia”
attracted many spectators. The last ones did not manage to get any seats.
“Indialucia” was a real discovery. We cannot deny the fact that the temperament of the Spanish
music combined with an irregular Indian time gave astonishing effects.

What captivated me the most during this Friday night in Aquarium, apart from the music itself, was
the atmosphere of the concert. Full relaxation and spontaneity. The invited musicians proved that a
serious and revealing musical project which “Indialucia” undoubtedly is, does not have to be played
and offered in an envelope of buffoon seriousness. It is just as well to have fun playing this music,
as we experienced it during the concert, and the music is not deprived of its beauty and ingenuity.

Bespress, July 2006

An international ensemble “tamed” by Miguel does wonders on the album. Whoever likes
McLaughlin and his orchestra or Al Di Meola will feel at home in this world.
Superbly balancing between the Eastern spirituality, breath, relax, and the Western passionate
playing, Michał offers a flamenco of the 21st century. This album will surely be noticed in the world
and it will be difficult for next authors laying the routes of the new art not to refer to it. I admire
Michał that although he lives in Poland now, far from any cultural centre, he was able to join into an
intercultural dialogue, and in such a meaningful way.

Wojciech Ossowski, Polish Radio, Program 3, June 2005

Miguel Czachowski, an acclaimed guitarist, lover of Indian music and flamenco made his vision
come true of merging these distant cultures during his music trips to India and Spain. This
recording registered in the “Indialucia” album evokes the finest memories of the cult “Close
Encounters of the Third Kind”, and perhaps even something more than of the memorable Shakti
jam songs.

Polish Radio pr I, June 2006

It has been written much about the Indian roots of the gypsy and flamenco culture. Not very often
this fascinating history has been counted, explained and demonstrated of a so convincing and
beautiful form as in ́ Indialucia ́ .

Galileo Music, June 2006

A fusion combining the roots of flamenco with the Indian music. An album which could not be more
beautiful, Indialucia. This masterly cooperation, together with rhythm, melody and singing, gave
birth to a ritual music, charged with the flamenco energy, as well as that of a Spanish fiesta. As if
those two styles have never existed separately. (…) Indialucia is an exceptionally superb album.
This fusion, full of energy and soothing at the same time, probably could not be better.

Voice of Culture, June 2006

A lot has been written about Indian roots in the Gypsy music and flamenco. Never before has this
fascinating story been told, explained and presented in such a convincing and beautiful way as on
Indialucia.

Galileo Music, June 2006

Today, flamenco continues to thrive and evolve, with young stars such as Estrella Morente and
Diego el Cigala and veterans such as Enrique Morente and Paco de Lucia winning international
accolades, while experimental fusion outfits such as Ojos de Brujo and Indialucia push the music’s
limits.

Tom Pryor – National Geographic, May 2006

Whilst listening to this album, it is very clear it compliments the diverse cultures of flamenco and
Indian music, by its use of genuine ethnical instruments. It is a perfect balance of rhythm and
mood. The music lifts you, it is a mixture of emotions – ranging from serious and deep to joyful and
intense. Czachowski made an intense footprint not only in world of guitar but also in world ethnical
music. His album inspires the listener, reveals the unknown, a new world of mysterious, exotic
music.

Top Guitar, May 2006

Release of such an album is an unusual event not only on the Polish folk music scene, but it also
constitutes an interesting contribution to the genre which could be named “the world’s music”. A
combination of Indian music with the flamenco sound is a Blakean marriage of hell and heaven.
Calm, sometimes almost majestic sounds of the East unite with the temperament and fire of hot
Spain. And yet these are not the only inspirations present on the album. A composition which
renders the spirit of the project “Indialucia” in a perfect way is the title suite which provides listeners
with a possibility to encounter such different and yet harmonizing sounds. Miguel Czachowski is
well acquainted with his musical domains. It is puzzling that such a project was prepared in Poland.
The fact that this album was realized in such a precise way, in cooperation with musicians from
Spain, India and Poland, is even more astonishing. I think that this album can become a good
showcase of the Polish folk scene abroad. The whole world plays in a multicultural fashion
nowadays, and this project has a chance to come into existence in broader awareness.

Gadki z Chatki, May 2006

From the first notes heard it was clearly apparent that this piece of work is unique. Fusion of
flamenco, Indian music assisted with the beauty of jazz, initially whilst it may sound confusing, the
structure and definition of this style become clear and concise over the time. “Indialucia” is a well
thought-out album, taking the listener on a truly musical, historical and mystical trip. Special
recognition goes to Miguel Czachowski for his pioneering idea, his thought over fusion of styles,
and finally for engaging genuine ethnical musicians.

Gaz-Eta, April 2006

The performance of the Indialucia project constitutes a wonderful spectacle from the cycle of
“Community of Roots”. Selecting two types of music coming from the edges of the Indo-Europe,
Miguel Czachowski and the musicians belonging to the ensemble reminded us of a simple fact
from the field of ethnology that flamenco is a music of Andalusian Gypsies, and this nation came to
Europe from India; therefore comments indicating sacrilege upon one or the other type of music
which were starting points for the artists only prove the ignorance of people who make them.
Miguel Czachowski’s guitar and Avaneendra Sheolikar’s sitar were interlacing in such a fluent way
that they formed a coherent unity. I don’t think I am able to express the way our guest from India
played the sitar. Melodies from almost meditative to nearly mad ones, but always climatic charges
and solos. A truly magical performance.

Matt Seroka – Heavy Motyl, April 2006

“Indialucia” is a truly unusual album. A fusion of flamenco with Indian inspirations is a unique clash.
It is not confined solely to the level of a gadget, an empty gesture. It is a coherent, closed concept,
where the intellect keeps up with the spirit, and the technical skills do not deprive the artists of their
imagination and humility. Thanks to that we get a masterpiece of unique beauty, which constitutes
a search for threads connecting flamenco and the music of India. In exploring the Hindu tradition
and rewriting it into “his own” sounds, Czachowski is equal in terms of ingenuity and quality to the
members of the legendary Kronos Quartet.

Gadki z Chatki, March 2006

(…) It has been a long time since I last encountered such an exhaustive and yet accessible
discussion of a cultural background and a factual analysis of particular pieces. Big applause for the
author and spiritus movens of the whole venture – Michał Czachowski. And the music itself? It is
just an explosive mixture. Most of all because of the richness of exotic rhythms that European
musicians have never even dreamed of, focusing upon the perfection of harmony. The rhythm is
not only a causative factor and a structure upon which the pieces are based. Sometimes it is the
only component of the composition, as in the inspiring “Taliquete” for a voice and percussion
instruments. The stylistic scatter is immense: we have easy compositions, pleasant in reception,
such as “Mohabbat Ka Khazana”, breathtaking vocal sections and trance rhythms, as well as an
elaborate raga, requiring concentration from listeners. The skills of the instrumentalists evoke the
greatest admiration, particularly when we realize that what we deal with here to a large degree is
an improvised music. The only stylistic element that might be doubtful is adding a string quartet in
“Nagpur”. Apart from that – a revelation.
Bartosz Lubion – HiFi i Muzyka, February
And another successful mixture of different cultures. “Indialucia” is extremely succeeded
combination of Andalusian and Indian Music. No miracle, the author comes from Poland, and
finally it is in a half way. Miguel Czachowski was born in 1974 into a family of Polish flamenco
lovers and dedicated himself into the 90-ties fully and completely to the flamenco guitar. Even he
studied some time the sitar in India. The result is the CD was recorded in India and Spain between
1999 and 2004. Ragas and bulerias alternate, flamenco palos with Indian singing and sitar, all
supported by tabla. Beautifully arranged CD with a fascinating fusion.

Anda, February 2006

The album “Indialucia” flows upon the wave of fascination, a bit strengthened with Bollywood, and
an always strong interest in the Latin American music. This Hindu – Spanish ethno is somewhat
heading towards pop, but thanks to the Hindu and Spanish musicians invited to participate in the
recording, as well as to very skilled Czachowski, we do not have a feeling of communing with some
kind of a musical ersatz. It is great to listen, if you wish you could even dance to it. I strongly
recommend it!

Mirosław Peczak, Polityka, February 2006

Guitarist Miguel Czachowski and Avaneedra Sheolikar on sitar, both of them proven soloists, were
the driving forces behind the project. The complex metrics and the pending notes of Indian music
melt really nicely with the vivacious quick tempered Flamenco, and in between there is even room
for an enthusiastically swinging piano. The tempo and moods along the way are ranging from
passionate rhythm to lyrical dreams. A musical east-west-meeting far from the classical strictness
(and the shyness) of Ravi Shankar’s and Yehudi Menuhin’s early experiments and just as far from
today’s shallow pop Bollywood film music. Indialucia is a lot of fun on the highest level.

Global Mojo, January 2006

The album Indialucia was a totally astonishing surprise for me. Whereas the flamenco productions
in Spain move around in the same point with no exit, transforming this art according to predictable
formulae, the ingenuity of this project was like a blast of sound freshness for my ears which were
permeated with already exhausted ideas of project realized so far.

Norberto Torres Cortes – El Olivo, January 2006

Czachowski managed to combine the Andalucian and Indian music in an extremely accurate
manner, everything is intertwined here in a very natural way.

John Hoyer Nielsen – Radio Danske, 22 January 2006

This fascinating project explores the not-so-distant relationship between North Indian classical
music and Spain’s flamenco tradition. Flamenco, of course, has long been associated with Spain’s
sizeable gitano, or gypsy, population, and all European gypsies (or roma, as they prefer to be
called) share a common North Indian origin. And although the roma left the subcontinent sometime
in the 9th century, their insularity allowed them to maintain many cultural traits and traditions intact.
One of the most famous roma traditions has been their music making, and flamenco’s classic
compas, or 12 beat cycles, can trace their origins all the way back to India. Of course the music
diverged over the centuries, but the common roots remained, ready to be unearthed and grafted
together in a project like IndiaLucia. Recorded between 1999 and 2004, in both India and Spain,
the album brings together master musicians from both traditions, including guitarist Miguel
Czachowski, sitarist Avaneendra Sheolikar, tabla player Sandesh Popatkar and cajón player
Pierluca Pineroli. The result is a masterful blend of kinetic percussion, stately raag-like drone
punctuated by fiery flamenco fretwork and soaring vocal improvisations.
Global Rhythm, December 2005
“…Spanish, familiar rhythms harmonize with the Indian music and the accompaniment of traditional
Indian instruments, as if those two worlds have never been separated and have not had five
centuries of separation behind them.”

Jolanta Pieronczyk – Tyski Magazyn Kulturalny, December 2005

The culmination of a five year collaboration and exploration of common ground and possible
common roots between Flamenco and Indian music, this recording represents easily the most
successful fusion of the two musical cultures to date. The main instruments are Flamenco guitar
and sitar, tabla and cajon. Both the rhythmically driving and the slower more mournful pieces
sound “native” to both musical cultures, and underscore the tremendous affinities that exist
between the two.

Flamenco Connection, November 2005

Confronting the Spanish flamenco with Indian ragas under the Polish wire. Stunt performer? Only
seemingly. The flamenco was created by Andalusian Gypsies, strangers from India. In spite of all
differences it is easy to hear what they have in common: freedom in shaping the musical form,
expression of emotions, strong spiritual element. And since Polish mentality great understands
such an approach for the art, Miguel Czachowski, our best flamenco guitarist and at the same time
the expert of the Indian music, with the big tact played the part of the moderator and the leader.
The fact that Spaniards, Poles and Indians sound together as if they have always played together,
is his merit mainly.

Ozon – October 2005

The Indialucia album is the work and the idea daring enough in it`s making. Czachowski is
flamenco guitar master (…). From this fascination for the traditional Indian music and from
connecting it with world of flamenco rose an unusually impetuous and stunning record not only in
the musical but also cultural and purely cognitive sense. Additionally album goes with the booklet
with very interesting historical intro.

Lampa – October 2005

Polish albums, with which it is possible to boast worldwide are a rare occurrences. Indialucia is one
of them. It is bringing the sophisticated portion of intercrossing music linking the flamenco and the
Indian music. The idea for this is only seemingly risky. After all gypsies which in the cultural melting
pot of ancient Spain contributed to the flamenco were descendants of people arrived to Europe
from north- western India. This historical fact was an inspiration for the quite modern plan of the
guitarist of Miguel Czachowski. Bound for years with the flamenco music Czachowski is recognized
as the best Polish guitarist of this stylistics and during the stay in India he learnt also how to play
sitar.

In 1999 – 2004 between India and Spain, with the participation of local musicians he recorded the
album Indialucia. A basic line-up of the group is a quintet, where Indian vocals, tabla and sitar meet
with Spanish percussion instruments and the flamenco guitar. In the booklet added to the record
we can find commentaries on each track describing the encounter of cultures present in them.
About the shape of the whole work decides fact, that both in the flamenco as well as the Indian
music, a rhythm is an most essential and base element. Power of this record is stemming from the
way how Czachowski led its band.

He managed to pass all shoals which can spoil the projects being a multicultural fusion. Music from
Indialucia is equally far form the stiff conceptualism, as well as from the plastic flirtatiousness. The
average of the age of the team is taking out about 30., musicians have the certain back of
traditional techniques but also the easiness of taking advantage of them in new contexts. Here a
freshness and an energy of the meeting, a joy of playing and interchanges of the inspiration are
heard. From here the music is light and at the same time he is wasting nothing from his roots
aspects.
From jazz stylization, where guitar and tabla are playing the rhythm of the rumba through qawwali
songs and raga, until the oldest forms flamenco – zambra and martinete – Czachowski`s group is
playing with the charm and the verve. Colorful, clean and volatile spaces of acoustic sounds are
balancing hypnotic nerve of rhythms. All this constitutes a music which even for listeners indifferent
to ethnic tastes Indialucia will sound rousingly.

Arte – October 2005

The guitarist not only has a big ability of expressing himself in this style, but also outstanding
knowledge about flamenco and about the details of the Indian music. Stalking the history of
wandering gypsies which formerly set off from India and after reaching Spain became co-creators
of flamenco culture, Czachowski looks (talking in certain simplification) for links between this style
and the Indian raga.

For seeking the common roots the guitarist invited Indian performers (percussion, sitar, tabla,
singing) and people from Spain and Poland playing on most diverse instruments. On the record we
find compositions (“Raag’n’Ole”, “Kyabathe”), which impressively integrate both elements. There
are also such pieces when one of forms clearly is dominating (“Herencia Hindu”, “Gujari Todi”).
The most interesting piece of the album is “Indialucia” – in the introduction to it Czachowski
sketched the entire “orientalism” of flamenco style.

Afterwards some Indian instruments were added and it was as if we were blown towards the India.
Such feelings of transcontinental flying are many on this record, what makes is indisputable virtue.
It is uncanny that the Pole just during a few recording sessions managed to combine two, in our
times separate styles, coming from the same root. One should wish the album the popularity,
because its contents should be equally fascinating for not very orthodox north Indians and
Andalusian Spaniards.

Audio, September 2005

For meeting the flamenco and the Indian music we needed the Pole – Michał Czachowski. This
excellent Polish performer of the flamenco guitar made this record on two continents and called it
“Indialucia”. What the Indian ragas share from the flamenco? Tradition of Spanish gypsies which
ages ago arrived from the Indian subcontinent. The completely new quality is born bringing
associations with the first revolutionary musical meeting of European and Asian artists from years
60. Beautiful album.

Elle, September 2005

(…) Indialucia is surely a special creation, unusual meeting with the Music of World.

Radio Multikulti – Berlin August 2005

Indialucia, the album released by CM Records, blends flamenco and Indian music at the highest
level. It shows beautifully the combination of the musical attributes and the elements from both
cultures. (…) The great artists have been exploring the root of the relation between flamenco and
Indian music.

Seongmyun Cho – Melon, August 2005

After the first ten minutes of listening there was no doubts that it was one of best records of the
“fusion music” which I had in my hands and there are several hundred pieces at my discotheque.
(…) When almost thirty years ago I was a first – how I think – person who introduced the Polish
reader the mystery of Indian music, I could not even dream of the fact that in Poland will appear a
musician who will demonstrate such deep theoretical and practical knowledge. (…) In
Czachowski’s music we have got the true fusion of the two, of equally treated idiom, the same as
between the jazz and the Indian music made the Shakti group. It feel clearly that Czachowski not
only has a deep knowledge of what he is playing but also he loves to do it and it is highly
energizing and comforting music. I know that I will often go back to this album.

(…) In many aspects it is outstanding album of the market of the World music. On one record they
accomplished the excellent matrimony of the Indian and the flamenco music, with the distinct
implied meaning in the form of the McLauglin`s Shakti inspiration. The whole sounds miraculously
and the excellent edition and the great quality of the recording are a nice addition. Of course we
will find the jazz element there, however an amazing freshness and an energy-ness of the
recording are a base of this music. Amazing album!
Audiostereo, July 2005
Indialucia is amazing work of Miguel Czachowski who is recognized master of flamenco guitar in
Poland. On this record he did something that nobody hit before him: combined the flamenco and
the Indian music. Surprising effect. (…) There was not such similar thing before! With his idea
Czachowski astonished both Spaniards and Indians. (…) The record is shocking with successful
marriage of something known with the new thing. On one hand Spanish rhythms on the other the
full exoticness for the ear. It is a mélange which is intriguing and very tempting.

Dziennik Zachodni, July 2005

“Indialucia” is very good, sunny hot music.

Gazeta Wyborcza, June 2005

Musical fairy tale. Spiritual feast. The trip to regions of “Tales from 1001 nights”. Coalition of
excellent musicians of the Orient and the West. Moving, beautiful and clever meeting of ancient
traditions in contemporary frames – of transcontinental peregrinations in order to sound out with
sounds of the future. “Indialucia” – the brilliant idea, the masterly realization, and moreover the
authorship and patronage of the Pole. Listener discovers new layers of sounds, surprising
arrangements every now and then and of dazzling instrumental, vocal transcultural dialogues.
Since long time I didn’t heard work which so beautifully unites and expresses the intellect of the
West and intuitions of the East. For all seekers of the Truth and the Spirit in the music.

Swiat Gitary, June 2005

“Indialucia” it is an album, where flamenco style and rhythmical and melodic music of India are
melting in one, fascinating, indissoluble whole. (…) Wonderful, touching, fascinating journey into
the Worldmusic.

Passa, June 2005

Videos:

https://youtu.be/zCdN3rEFcj8
https://youtu.be/PB-u4hCFhPs
https://youtu.be/rTOQ_CqSCgA
https://youtu.be/h5PifHSSYUE
https://youtu.be/-7TcO8fDKeE
https://youtu.be/bX2pkf4Q46Y
https://youtu.be/mIZkK5LJxJ0
https://youtu.be/3fTEOa7qRVc
https://youtu.be/4k0BctVvm1U
https://youtu.be/CjNkqZpJDD4
https://youtu.be/HlpzJqFYaTM
https://youtu.be/thDlyPnnGX8

Contact:

Miguel Czachowski
+48 607 542 997
miguel.czachowski@gmail.com
facebook.com/indialucia
www.indialucia.com