Asha Puthli: The Cosmic Voyager

For five decades, Mumbai-born Asha Puthli has been music's best-kept secret. Endorsed by John Hammond, she burst onto the jazz scene when Ornette Coleman chose her voice for his 1972 masterpiece Science Fiction, winning the prestigious DownBeat Critics' Poll alongside Ella Fitzgerald and Dee Dee Bridgewater.

Blending avant-garde jazz, Indian raga and operatic training, Puthli pioneered the ethereal vocals that helped define cosmic disco. Her landmark debut and cult classic The Devil is Loose, featuring the iconic ‘Space Talk,’ have influenced generations of artists. Decades later, Puthli singular sound continues to captivate new audiences through a new chapter of releases and collaborations with artists such as Gorillaz.

In this rare performance, Puthli brings her pioneering catalogue to life with her stellar band and special guests.








Produced by the Barbican in association with Serious

Part of EFG London Jazz Festival





Performers