Ishta is an exciting, eclectic world music fusion band from Aotearoa/NZ. Featuring sitar, double bass, percussion, flute, sax, guitar, didge and vocals their sound encompasses a diverse range of styles from uptempo ethnic groove to dub/roots to blissful lounge.

Ishta were based in Auckland for three years. During that time their sound evolved into an uplifting blend of Eastern and Western influences featuring the funky bass grooves of Monsieur Escargot, soulful sitar playing by Rob Croft, stirring flute and sax arrangements by Ben Campbell and the soaring, sensual vocals of Josephine Costain and Tui Mamaki. Additional members include Yair Katz on percussion, Eyal Lutz on Didgeridoo and tabla virtuoso Basant Madhur.

The album is 100% acoustic and was painstakingly recorded over two years by Monkey producer Nigel Braddock and mastered by Chris Winchcombe at York St. Special guests on the album include flautist Trudi Lile (Mohave), Tui Mamaki (Mamaku Project) on bvs, Kingsley Melhuish (Brassouls, Spargo) on trumpet and Haydn Godfrey (BSM) on Trombone.

Ishta performed regularly around Auckland for a few years in venues such as Galatos, Odeon Lounge, Leigh Sawmill, Rakinos and Khuja Lounge and toured the country several times between 2003 and 2006. They performed at Splore, Kaikoura Roots, Prana, Visionz, AUT Orientation and AK05 delighting festival audiences with their unique, exotic summery sounds. In May, 2006 shortly after releasing their debut album, Ishta disbanded with various members leaving to pursue other projects.

The lineup:
Josephine Costain – vocals
Monsieur Escargot – bass
Rob Croft – sitar and percussion
Basant Madhur - tabla
Yair Katz – drums and percussion
Ben Campbell – saxophone and wooden flute
Trudi Lile – flute
Eyal Lutz – didgeridoo
Tui Mamaki – backing vocals

Review

“Truly outstanding was the live band Ishta, who infuse guitar, sitar, double bass, sax/flute, hand drums and a clay pot into an intoxicating cocktail of finely balanced aural ethnicity and contemporary groove.” The Package