Ustad Zakir Hussain
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| Zakir
Hussain is a name that commands appreciation in both the field of
percussion and music alike. A top-notch classical tabla player from the
Punjab Gharaana, his musical brilliance has won acclaim not only in
India but the world over. The favorite accompanist for many of India's
greatest classical musicians and dancers, from Ali Akbar Khan and Ravi
Shankar to Birju Maharaj, Hariprasad Chaurasia and Shivkumar Sharma,
this musical genius is one of his kind. |
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Born on
9th March, Zakir started learning Tabla from his father Ustad Alla
Rakha at the age of 5, and at the age of 14, gave his first public
performance.
Zakir's contribution to world music has been outstanding, with many
historic collaborations including Shakti, which he started with John
McLaughlin and L. Shankar, the Diga Rhythm Band, Making Music,
Planet Drum with Mickey Hart, the Hong Kong Symphony and the New
Orleans Symphony among various others. His performance is marked by
depth that comes from a thorough knowledge and study of his chosen
instrument of music. |
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His
first solo - "Making Music", released in 1987, won acclaim as "one
of the most inspired East-West fusion albums ever recorded". In
1988, he became the youngest percussionist ever to be awarded the "Padma
Shri" by the Government of India (a title given to civilians of
merit). In 1990 he won the Indo-American Award for his outstanding
cultural contribution to Indo-US relations. |
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Did you know? |
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Zakir Hussain has composed soundtracks for the films In Custody
which was Ismail Merchant's directorial debut, and Little Buddha
by the Italian maestro Bernardo Bertolucci, for which Zakir not
just composed, but performed as well. He was also the Indian
music advisor for the film. |
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and recognition for Zakir have always come well deserved. In April 1991,
he was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award by the President of
India, making him one of the youngest musicians to recieve this
recognition from India's governing cultural institute. In 1992, Planet
Drum, an album co-created and produced by Zakir and Mickey Hart, was
awarded a Grammy for Best World Music Album, the Downbeat Critics Poll
for Best World Beat Album and the NARM Indie Best Seller Award for World
Music Recording. |
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In 1992,
he launched Moment!- records that feature original works and
collaborations in the field of contemporary world music, as well as
digitally recorded live concert performances by great masters of the
classical music of India. The label presents Zakir's own world
percussion ensemble, The Rhythm Experience.
Did you know? Zakir Hussain also
arranged the opening music for the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.
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Zakir
Hussain is a musical genius that sure deserves the praise - wah ustad!
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