Search - Ustad Ahmedjan Thirakwa :: The Genius of Thirakwa

Ustad Ahmedjan Thirakwa was one of India's greatest percussionists of all time. These tabla solos were recorded when the Ustad was a young man at the peak of his powers in a career that spanned over seven decades! The energy and flow of ideas compressed into three minute solos in different rhythm cycles accompanied by lehara players on fourteen tracks are awe inspiring. Despite the short length of the solos, all are presented as complete percussion pieces with astonishing speed, accuracy, and rhythmic composition. Tracks fifteen and sixteen feature Pandit V.G. Jog on violin in a rare collaboration with Ustad Thirakwa Khan. The liner notes feature track by track commentary by tabla master pandit Swapan Chaudhuri, who's insight into the musical creations by Thirakwa Khan give the listener a learned perspective on the pieces. Although originally recorded in the early stages of recording technology, digital remastering at Sony Studios in New York city has revealed the beauty and amazing spectrum of sound that maestro Thirakwa Khansahib was famous for producing with his two hands and his tabla drums. It's also a poignant reminder of a simpler time of musical integrity and a world equally connected to the forces of nature and man.