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It has taken me some time to understand how much goes into making a good rhythmic accompanist. I am still learning. Personal contact with Omkar Gulwadi, Yogesh Samsi, Nayan Ghosh, Akhilesh Gundecha, Subhankar Bannerjee, and others has helped me appreciate the finer aspects of sangat. Time with Gaurishankar proved to be fruitful in understanding some basics of instrument, tabla gharanas, and structure of tabla solos. Gaurishankar visits Texas annually for one to two months and spends a great deal of time teaching between performances. While Gaurishankar may not be a billboard name, his mastery over the tabla and manner of accompanying is as good as most of the well known accompanists. Listen to his tabla solo (June 2001). The audio quality will vary depending on you internet connection. We recommend listening on a DSL/Cable/LAN connection.
SAWF provided the opportunity for its patrons to get to know this young and talented tabla player. The hour long interview was recorded in Austin, Texas U.S.A. in June, 2001. This is one of SAWF's early interviews with musicians and has a simple question/answer format. The sound clips were recorded a week later. Many of the questions came from SAWF readers, while others came from discussion with Gaurishankar before or during the course of the interview. At times, the interaction between Gauri and I may seem casual/ to the listener. No disrespect was intended - both of us were in a good mood!
In the interview, Gauri goes over his musical training and circumstances that went into taking up the instrument. He recollects some of his initial experiences and factors that went into making tabla a profession. Musicians who inspired him and his style are covered. He continues with discussions on changes in tabla performance techniques, solos, and accompaniment in the past few decades. A musical example follows. Some insight is given on the differences between vocal and instrumental sangat. Gauri recollects some challenging situations he has experienced and how the respect for tabla players have changed. Some simple advice to aspiring tabla players is provided, followed by some aspects of tabla gharanas. The interview comes to a close with Gauri reminiscing about some of his memorable experiences.
If you so prefer you can listen to the entire interview at once.
We hope that you enjoyed the session with Gauri - and gained some insight into the tradition of North Indian Classical music. Please forward your feedback or questions specific to this interview to us. We hope to continue bringing you more sessions in the future. For more interesting topics on classical music, visit SAWF extensive archive of articles on raagas, interviews with artists, and musical links.
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