Pritesh Walia, LA-Based Jazz Guitarist, Drops Debut Album "Hopetown"
The new album unveils a bold, clean-toned Jazz trio, featuring bassist Chris Worden and drummer Gen Yoshimura
Hopetown
by Pritesh Walia
Label: PSA Records
Released: November 1, 2024
On November 1, 2024, Jazz guitarist Pritesh Walia will release Hopetown, his debut album on PSA Records, marking a significant moment in his already evolving career. Walia, a New Delhi-born and now Los Angeles-based musician, is no stranger to the scene, having made his mark in both live performances and as an educator, with degrees from Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory. Yet, with Hopetown, Walia steps fully into the spotlight, presenting a collection of original compositions alongside bassist Chris Worden and drummer Gen Yoshimura.
The album is a fresh exploration of the neo-mainstream Jazz guitar trio tradition, with Walia’s clean-toned, dynamic playing at the core. Recorded live with sightlines between the musicians, Hopetown highlights the communicative essence of Jazz—each player feeding off the other’s energy, in the moment, creating something both spontaneous and cohesive.
At the heart of Hopetown is a balance between innovation and tradition. Walia's venturesome arrangement of The Beatles' classic "Blackbird" exemplifies this, injecting new harmonic ideas while paying homage to the original's timeless melody. Influenced by Jazz icons such as Brad Mehldau, who also saw the expressive potential in The Beatles' repertoire, Walia brings a fresh perspective to familiar material, adding depth to an already rich body of work.
The album also serves as a reflection on Walia's personal journey, both musically and emotionally, over the past decade. The title track, inspired by a serene small town he passed during a transitional moment in his life, speaks to the challenges he’s faced as a musician, particularly as an Indian artist navigating the world of Jazz. Other tracks, such as “Thankful” and “Colors”, delve into themes of gratitude and personal influences, rounding out an album that is as introspective as it is musically engaging.
With Hopetown, Pritesh Walia cements himself as an emerging force in the Jazz world. This is just the beginning for a guitarist whose blend of technical prowess, cultural influences, and emotional depth promises a bright future.
Personnel
Pritesh Walia • guitar
Chris Worden • bass
Gen Yoshimura • drums
Track Listing:
1. Hopetown'
2. Staying Home
3. Brief
4. Colors
5. Low Talks
6. Thankful
7. Blackbird
8. Finishing Up