 | Credits: On an instrument as widely played as the guitar, it is rare these days to hear a unique "voice" on the instrument. This artist has such a "voice". His style is unique and highly original. Style: Classical Indian Guitar, Jazz, Blues, only available as a Guitar / Tabla Duet (not solo). Biography:Born in India, he has lived in England since the age of two and begun playing music at the age of seven. His plays a resonating 'drone' guitar, similar to a Harp Guitar, and his style of play incorporates elements of Indian Classical, Jazz and Blues. He is most commonly heard playing guitar in duet with a tabla player. |
| He has drawn very favourable comments from names such as Martin Taylor, as well as completely bewildering many (including the guitar magazine "Guitarist"). Unlike most Indian guitarists (who have a fluid micro-tonal lap-slide technique), he plays with a plectrum. This method allows him to find a certain angularity in his melodic lines. He plays an arch-top guitar fitted with 2 banks of sympathetic or strummed strings across the top. It was hand-built to order in England and is based on an American design. He has played with several bands at folk festivals and clubs and devotes himself to his music. His musical roots are in Reggae and he currently performs and records as a soloist and with other musicians.
What the Music Industry says: "...very fine guitar playing....lovely..." "...one of the best I've heard this year... "
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Guitar / Tabla Duet:He is also accompanied by an (optional) accomplished Tabla player - who has made several television appearances including Indian music concerts, and has worked with the likes of Nusret Fateh Ali Khan, one of the world’s greatest devotional singers. They met in October '96 and have since recorded two of their sessions which was released as a CD in April of this year.Their music, emotional and ambient, is a blend of eastern styles with a touch of folk and blues. With influences such as Ravi Shanker, Frank Zappa, Dub Reggae, and Acid Jazz, they play a fusion of what can only be described as highly original instrumental music. About the (optional ) tabla: The tabla are a pair of hollow drums originating from India. The Bass drum is called the Bayya or Dugga. It is made out of a metal (usually copper) shell, leather head (puddi) and leather straps (vaadi). The leather head has an inner circle (black in colour) called the syahi.The syahi is made out of iron fillings powder and rice paste. The straps are tightened to cause tension to the head therefore producing a higher pitch on the drum. Obviously slackening the straps will cause the drum to lower in pitch. The Treble drum is called the Dahina or Tabla. It is made out of wood. The skin and straps are of the same material as the Bayya. *Bayya means "left" in the Hindi Language and Indian dialects * Dahina means "right" in the Hindi Language |
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