Drumming Experience
Sahar has recorded on over 100 recordings and recently had the honor or performing at the renowned Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, CA. Although, he has played in virtually every genre, he returns to his favorite always, playing tablas in kirtans.
Tablas are the most versatile and melodic drums on Earth. Playing tablas is one of the most profoundly satisfying endeavors. These remarkable drums exist as part of an ancient music tradition. The great mystic Swami Muktananda tells a story of seers, deep in meditation, who, upon hearing celestial music, chose to create instruments to replicate these heavenly melodies and rhythms. Muktananda states that there are seven such instruments in India, such as tamboura, sitar, sarod, and tablas. The tones produced by tablas are deeply trance inducing.
Part of the tablas versatility is that both drums have the capacity to be played both rhythmically and melodically. In any music ensemble, it's the rhythm section (bass and drums) that provides the foundation and the groove for the other musicians to "surf". As a tabla player, one is able to play both bass and drums. Quite evocative!
I have been playing drums for 41 years and teaching for 32 years. My study has taken me to the feet of Zakir Hussein. He has been given the moniker of "worlds greatest drummer" by The Grateful Deads' Mickey Hart. At The Ali Akbar Khan School, I studied with Swapan Chauderi. I also studied extensively with the Sikh priest Sham Sher Singh.
Tablas are the most versatile and melodic drums on Earth. Playing tablas is one of the most profoundly satisfying endeavors. These remarkable drums exist as part of an ancient music tradition. The great mystic Swami Muktananda tells a story of seers, deep in meditation, who, upon hearing celestial music, chose to create instruments to replicate these heavenly melodies and rhythms. Muktananda states that there are seven such instruments in India, such as tamboura, sitar, sarod, and tablas. The tones produced by tablas are deeply trance inducing.
Part of the tablas versatility is that both drums have the capacity to be played both rhythmically and melodically. In any music ensemble, it's the rhythm section (bass and drums) that provides the foundation and the groove for the other musicians to "surf". As a tabla player, one is able to play both bass and drums. Quite evocative!
I have been playing drums for 41 years and teaching for 32 years. My study has taken me to the feet of Zakir Hussein. He has been given the moniker of "worlds greatest drummer" by The Grateful Deads' Mickey Hart. At The Ali Akbar Khan School, I studied with Swapan Chauderi. I also studied extensively with the Sikh priest Sham Sher Singh.