After a period of three years collaborating with Sam Mills, Raman released her first album Salt Rain in 2001 on Narada, an American subsidiary of EMI.
The album went gold in France and, in the UK, Susheela Raman became the first world music artist to be nominated for a Mercury Music prize, she also won the Best Newcomer award from BBC Radio 3.
Opening Salt Rain is an invocation to the Hindu deity Lord Ganesh, remover of obstacles. In the Indian tradition, it's always a good idea to get Ganesh's blessings at the beginning of any new venture.
Salt Rain drew on traditional Tamil music blended with jazz-folk and pop influences. It featured original material, as well as old songs Raman sang at recitals when younger.
CreditsAyub Ogada - Arranger, Guest Artist, Vocals
Hilaire Penda - Arranger, Bass, Bass (Acoustic), Vocals (Background)
Hossam Ramzy - Egyptian Percussion
Manos Achalinotopoulos - Clarinet, Engineer
Marque Gilmore - Drums
Michel Fernandez - Cajon
Sam Mills - Arranger, Composer, Guitar, Producer
Susheela Raman - Arranger, Composer, Liner Notes, Primary Artist, Tanpura, Vocals
Vincent Segal - Cello, Cello Arrangement
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