MUSIC
Beats Of Fame
SHALINI S.SHARMA
20 Feb 2009
 |
Drums-Up: Hussain has taken tabla
beyond the confines of India (Reuters) |
The tabla, in news recently for Ustad Zakir Hussain’s second Grammy, has had its moments of glory earlier too. This typically Indian percussion instrument is the soul of Indian music without the rhythmic gravitas many a tune would go haywire. Any nascent singer practising the notes of an octave would know disciplining the beats of the tabla can be.
Through centuries of history and innumerable players, many ustads have taken this primarily ‘accompanying’ instrument to great heights of solo performances. Kishen Maharaj, Kanthe Maharaj, Samta Prasad Misra or Gudai Maharaj, Ustad Ahmed Jan Thirakwa and Ustad Allah Rakha have been some of the illustrious names associated with this twin instrument.
But one ustad who has taken tabla outside the confines of India is Hussain. Having received his second Grammy on 8 February for his album Global Drum Project, Hussain still yearns for the day when a pure Indian classical album will win this award.
The more savvy of Indian musicians have realised the virtues of going global. But Hussain would do a true service to his pet drums, when he wins a Grammy minus any western add-ons.
(Businessworld Issue Dated 24 February-02 March 2009) |
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