Posts Tagged ‘ tabla ’
We have heard tabla in all of the Music Mondays, but not as the main instrument. Today’s Music Monday faetures tabla as main instrument rather than the accompanying instrument.
This video is of one the best tabla players in the world today – Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri, who is fondly knwon as Swapanda. When I saw this rela, all I could say was Kya Baat!
I hope this is an inspiration to tabla players out there.
Here is a snap from the international launch of Pandit Divyang Vakil’s Power of Tabla, by Rushi Vakil and Kaumil Shah in Toronto. This tabla duo or tabla jugalbandhi was the predecessor to Tabla Ecstasy. This is the first tabla ensemble CD release of a Rhythm Riders group and we were so happy to share the moment with so many well-wishers.
The CD was launched by the Head of the Indian Consulate General in Toronto.
Launch of Pandit Divyang Vakil's Power of Tabla CD by head of Indian Consulate in Toronto (Artists: Rushi Vakil, Kaumil Shah)
Tālavya (formerly Tabla Ecstasy) is off for their whirlwind tour in Canada. They’ll be in Toronto and making their Atlantic début with shows on the South Shore (Chester), Sackville (NB), Fredericton (NB) and North Shore (Annapolis Royal).
We’re packing our jackets as our hosts tell us the cold wind is starting to set in. Wish us luck!
L to R: Michael Lukshis, Sejal Kukadia, Loren Oppenheimer, Misha Fatkiev
We say foreigners, but they say that all music can find their root in Indian music…so are they really “foreign” to it.
Guru Poornima is time of celebration and coming together. Every year many tabla players from the Taalim School of Indian Music in the US and from around the world get their fill of Indian music when they come for Guru Poornima. Time flies by. It’s a great exchange of music and a chance for Amdavadis to see the talent that is being cultivated abroad. Many foreign disciples have graced the stage. Expect more great performances by tabla players born outside of India during our Guru Poornima 2010 celebrations.
Tabla Player and Drummer Vincent Smith
For several days after the large Guru poornima concert, intimate baithak style concerts are held where everyone from beginners to professional artists display their musical prowess. The seniors play full length solos, while many of the young students get their first taste of performing. It can be daunting to perform in front of a room full of tabla players, but as American disciple Brian Knutzel shares “I’ve never experienced such a warm crowd of musicians.”
Last year we got a chance to hear some pure gharanedar solos. At Rhythm Riders, tabla players are trained in three gharanas: Ajrada, Delhi and Punjab (the gharanas that Guruji formally learned) as well as learning some of countless composition by Pandit Divyang Vakil himself. To highlight the differences between each style, some of the professional tabla players performed solos comprised only of bols from one particular style.
Here is a video of Rushi Vakil, son of Pandit Divyang Vakil, during his Delhi Gharana solo, where he is lost in the magic of some infamous Delhi kaydas.
As we look forward to July, here is a look back at years past.
Ardha Taal Chakra was a milestone. An hour-long presentation composed entirely in half beat taals and played by artists all under the age of 20 in perfect synchronization. Don’t take our word on it. Take a look for yourself.
2.5 beat rhythm cycle (taal)
7.5 beat rhythm cycle (taal)
It’s coming to that time of year again. One of the most important events on the Rhythm Riders calendar – Guru Purnima (or Guru Poornima). It has grown from a small celebration to one attended and anticipated by countless in Ahmedabad and abroad.
Every year is something different. In the past we’ve had the debuts of groups like Taan (World Fusion by Rushi Vakil) in 2007 and Ardha Taal Chakra in 2006, performances by Tabla Ecstasy in 2008 and Power of Tabla. Last year of course, we had a wonderful celebration of Pandit Divyang Vakil‘s 30th teaching anniversary. Who can also forget the memories that get created when disciples of Guruji from around the world meet during this auspicious time of sharing.
This year is no different. Expect the unexpected. It’ll be a week of fantastic music and new unveilings. Mark your calendars, it all starts July 25th.
Tabla Ecstasy returns to Canada for the second time. The Gujarati community has very enthusiastically organized a public concert on April 24th. Below is a flyer for the event. Tickets are $15 and include dinner. Dinner is 6pm, followed by a lecture by Tabla Ecstasy composer Pandit Divyang Vakil. Toronto native Heena Patel will be opening for Tabla Ecstasy at 7:30pm. Hope to see you in Canada!
Tabla Ecstasy Musical Evening
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Rhythm Riders Music - India 