Rising Arp: Double-Neck Guitarist, Isuru Wijesoma, Constructs A Canvas Of World Music

Isuru Wijesoma specialises in several guitar techniques, including the use of his customised double-neck guitar (Credit: Nydia Shiang)

The role of sessionist is often a significant yet humble one. Sessionists are usually the most talented musicians you’ll encounter in the scene, lending their musical savvy and prodigious skills to projects that sometimes overlook their contributions. Few take the step to launch their name into the spotlight as a solo artiste, but now, reshaping the narrative with his own hands is versatile guitarist, Isuru Wijesoma.

Isuru’s legerdemain with the guitar is undisputed and it shows in his track record. With a musical background that encompasses blues, jazz, and Indian classical music including both Northern Hindustani and Southern Carnatic styles, the deft axe-man has performed at F1 Singapore, Kalaa Utsavam, Singapore Writer’s Festival, and several events overseas. Specialising in slide guitar and double-neck guitar, Isuru is also a core member of local world music collective, Mantravine, where he lays guitar magic atop electronic textures. He’s been perfecting his craft for over 20 years, and for the first time, he finally has a debut album that solidifies his uncontainable aptitude.

Isuru’s debut album is a vast exploration of styles (Credit: Nydia Shiang)

Titled Third Culture, the seven-track album is essentially a portfolio piece that exhibits his wingspread proficiency. Featuring his custom-made double-neck guitar, Third Culture challenges Isuru to capture various musical scenes via distinctive manners of playing, exploring edges of world music, rock and jazz fusion.

A free-form potpourri of styles and techniques, the instrumental journey is a universal expression that speaks to everyone, shedding lyricism for complex and dexterous exploration. Isuru delivers capricious progressions and gutsy, daredevil melodies that flabbergast. Through enthused escapades and intimate serenades, the fearless guitarist builds a tapestry of tones that brim with piercing emotion, with an ensemble of Muraledharan Naidu on drums, Kumaran Sinniah on tabla, Dita Jacob on vocals and Farhan Remy on trumpet. Yet front and centre, it is the guitar that is the clear protagonist, and Isuru is a master of the role.

If Isuru Wijesoma is a name you haven’t heard of yet, now’s the time to get acquainted. Welcome to Isuru’s world.