“I STARTED learning tabla at a very tender age of five. My father used to play tabla, hence I got attracted to the sound of the instrument and followed in his footsteps. I’ve won many awards as a child and won competitions growing up, while still learning music. I did my first performance with my mother at the age of 11 and first All India Radio recording at the age of 13. As a tabla player and percussionist, I have since then done numerous recordings for All India Radio, recorded with many producers from all over the globe and performed at prestigious venues. Music has given me great memories and here in no particular order are 10 of them.”
Positive Harmonies – Government of India: During these unprecedented times, we all have had to stay home and I decided to make the most of it. I always wanted to produce something different, but lockdown actually inspired me to go in that direction. I created grooves and music from different parts of the world. I started off with flamenco, Arabic, African, Indian, salsa, etc. I got approached by one of the government officials from India, as they loved it and asked to publish my work on all the government portals, as it would spread positivity. They started a series called Positive Harmonies and I’m honoured to be featured in that.
Boris Grebenshikov collaborations: I was approached to perform with the legendary Russian singer at the most prestigious venue Royal Albert Hall in 2009, and I have been associated and working with him ever since then. This was our first concert together and was such a great experience. I travelled worldwide with Boris since then, including performing at the Creation Of Peace festival in Kazan for nearly 200,000 people, which was just overwhelming. So was playing at the Moscow Opera house. I have played percussions on many of his albums too.
concert: I remember being in India for concerts and received an email from Ian Anderson of legendary band Jethro Tull mentioning he was looking for a tabla player for his concert at the Barbican in London. I couldn’t wait to get back to London and start attending the rehearsals. It’s not just his music that is inspiring, but his presence and energy is incredible too.
Performing with legends: I remember being approached by Ashanti Omkar for one of the Alchemy concerts at the Royal Festival Hall in London. She mentioned that I was going to perform with none other than Dr L Subramaniam and Kavita Krishnamoorthy. It was a special moment as I grew up listening to them and have been inspired by them. It was just amazing to share the stage with these two greats.
Awesome album: It was a wonderful experience to work with the well renowned film composer, pianist and conductor Michael Csányi-Wills on his album Aura, published by Air-Edel. We also teach together at the World Heart Music Academy in Wandsworth. Smadj, Erik Truffaz and me: I started touring with Smadj a decade ago. We travelled to many cities across Europe, the UAE and Morocco. It’s a trio of oud, trumpet and tabla. We played in some of the massive festivals, including La Villette and St Denis in Paris, in Dubai and so many more. They are experiences that will remain with me.
Accompanying Rakesh Chaurasia: What an honour it was to accompany the brilliant flautist maestro Rakesh Chaurasia. In my opinion, he really is one of the finest bansuri, bamboo flute players. He is the nephew of the great Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and is carrying forward an amazing family lineage.
Hariharan concert: I had the privilege to perform with one of the most renowned and versatile singers of India. I have grown up listening to him and it was such a great feeling to share the same stage. What an amazing and humble person to be with too. The show was unforgettable.
My studio: Having done so many recordings all over the globe, I’ve always wanted to have a studio of my own. A few years ago that dream came true and it is a moment I will forever cherish. Now, I have my own recording space where I can freely express and produce music at any time. I’ve co-produced a few albums, including Avartan, The Future Ancients and The Undeciphered World. I’m currently working on my new solo album and it will be out soon.
Family: Last but not least, my family has been with me every step of the way. When we are surrounded by happiness, it shows in your work. I feel so lucky to have a partner who understands my passion for music and has been a tremendous support. My two boys bring joy to my heart and it’s great to see they love music too, and we regularly have music time at home for fun, which has gifted me many musical memories. n Alok Verma is a London based tabla player, percussionist and music producer/arranger.
Visit www.alokverma.com, Instagram: @alokvermamusic, YouTube: @aalokverma & Facebook: @alokverma17
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