|
 Zakir Hussain is today appreciated both in
the field of percussion and in the world of music
at large as an international phenomenon. A
classical tabla virtuoso of the highest order, his
consistently brilliant and exciting performances
have not only established him as a national
treasure in his own country,
India, but also gained him fame all over the world
for his many accomplishments.
Zakir's contribution to world music has been unique,
with many unique and historic collaborations
including Shakti, which he founded with John
McLaughlin and L. Shankar, the Diga Rhythm Band,
Making Music, Planet Drum with Mickey Hart, and
recordings and performances with artists diverse as
George Harrison, Joe Henderson, Van Morrison, Jack
Bruce, Tito Puente, Pharoah Saunders, Billy Cobham,
the Hong Kong Symphony and the New Orleans Symphony.
In 1987, his first solo release, Making Music, was
acclaimed as "one of the most inspired East-West
fusion albums ever recorded." In 1988, he became the
youngest percussionist to ever be awarded the title
"Padma Shri" by the Indian government, a title given
to civilians of merit. In 1990, he was awarded the
Indo-American Award, in recognition for his
outstanding contribution to relations between the
United States and India. In April 1991, he was
presented with 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.
In 1992, he also launched Moment! Records which
features 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. His compositional
skills can also be heard on soundtracks for the
films In Custody, Ismail Merchant's directorial
debut, and Little Buddha by Bernardo Bertolucci, for
which Zakir composed, performed and was the Indian
music advisor. |
