Search - Ustad Ahmedjan Thirakwa :: Thirakwa

Thirakhwa Khan Saheb is the greatest

Tabaahi Destroyer | Mumbai, India | 04/05/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The legend of tabla needs no introduction. I first heard this great man a very long time ago. To me, even if he just plays ""NA"", its enough. There is so much to learn just by listening to his style of presenting a bol. Some of the greatest bols of tabla like ""Dhira Dhira"" and ""Dha tita gida naga dhina naga"" come out so fluently that it amazes me. Even in his nineties, he played so much better than the modern tabla players. As we tabla players say, he had speed and weight. I dont care how old or how weak Thirakwa Khan saheb is. He is to me what pele is to football. The legend. The master. Thirakhwa."

A Priceless Gem!

Ted Morano | NY,NY | 03/22/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The art of North Indian Classical Tabla drumming is seldom presented on recordings in the context of a full length, traditionally structured solo performance. This CD, recorded live in an intimate setting, gives the listener a front row center seat for a performance by one of the most legendary Tabla maestros of the twentieth century, Ustad Ahmedjan Thirakwa. All of the excitement and beauty of the recital can be heard here- the appreciative sounds of the audience, the comments by the maestro, and, above all, the phenomenal Tabla playing. Absolutely required listening for those with an interest in Indian Music, drumming, rhythm; and anyone with an adventurous ear! Many thanks to Simla House for this musical treasure."

A thrilling live solo performance by a legendary master.

Ajit Acharya | Ann Arbor, MI | 12/25/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The importance of Ahmedjan "Thirakwa" Khan to tabla drumming and North Indian classical music cannot be understated. The great master has inspired legions of today's top tabla players from Zakir Hussain to Nayan Ghosh with his remarkable skill, dexterity and dedication to his art. Unfortunately, he did not leave many solo recordings behind to share his genius with those of us who could not see and hear him during his peak years."Thirakwa" is a rare live recording of a solo performance from 1964 given before a small live audience in Bombay. The master mesmerizes an intimate gathering with an hour-long solo in the 16-beat cycle TEENTAL. The presentation is trademark Thirakwa Khan, with long elaborations of rhythmic themes and brilliant flights of improvisation where the master toys with tempo, rhythm and meter. The disc even includes oral recitation of 14 compositions by the maestro, which he then proceeds to play flawlessly. This is authentic tabla playing of the highest virtuosity. The small crowd alternates between shouts of astonishment and encouragement, adding another dimension to the performance. The recording truly captures the essence of a live tabla recital. "Thirakwa" is a great archival-quality recording that belongs in the CD collection of anyone hoping to catch a sampling of the glorious heights to which rhythm can acheive. For tabla connoiseurs, this is a must-own.- Ajit Acharya (webmaster, Tabla Gharana homepage: http://members.xoom.com/tablagharana/)"