Skinny Woman is the only solo album by Indian percussionist Ramasandrian Somusundaram, who was an active member of the Genoese prog rock scene. He worked with bands like Bambibanda E Melodie (founded by Italian prog rock pioneer Bambi Fossati after his trailblazing group Garybaldi disbanded), Maya, and the New Trolls. Originally released in 1974, the album features some of New Trolls’ members – including Vittorio De Scalzi, Gianni Belleno, and Giorgio Usai – and can be regarded as a side project from the band. The result is an eclectic production that blends Indian sounds and influences with psychedelia, progressive rock, and funk.
The first half of the album has an underlying funk vibe, with a driving, infectious rhythm conveyed by energetic and distorted basslines and long flute solos, as well as some exquisitely experimental tracks like “I Am Afraid of Loosing You” (sic) or “Everybody,” where the spoken voice adds a quirky and eccentric touch.
The second half, on the other hand, is more introspective and contemplative, enriched by soundscapes and elements from South Asian music. The track “Hari Siva”, for instance, reimagines the Indian tradition and its use of sitar, percussion, and choral arrangements filled with mysticism.
The unusual instrumentation, the unconventional use of vocals, and the South Asian influences make Skinny Woman an absolute gem of psychedelic rock, and an intriguing addition to the Italian prog rock scene of the 1970s.