Kamalesh Maitra

Pandit Kamalesh Maitra is considered the "last" master of the tabla tarang, an instrument comprised of ten to 16 tabla drums. The instrument's name is translated as "drums of waves" and is capable of combining rhythm, melody, and harmony into a flowing wave of sound. Based in Germany since 1982, Maitra has performed with dance troupes and in concerts throughout Europe and Asia. According to The Boston Phoenix, "far from an eccentric novelty, (Maitra) is simply one of the great drummers of India to record in this century." Releasing his debut album Masters of Raga: Kamalesh Maitra on the German Wergo label in 1993, Maitra released his first American-distributed album, Tabla Tarang -- Melody on Drums, in 1996. The album, which featured Trilok Gurtu on the conventional two-drum tabla and Laura Patchen on tampura, was reviewed by Option as "a historic world music milestone." ~ Craig Harris