Traditional Tabla Solo Recitals & Baithaks
Experience the authentic sound of the Punjab Gharana. I bring traditional solo percussion to your space, from intimate baithaks to concert halls, keeping the legacy of the bols alive.
A glimpse from my tabla solo performance in Nashik. It is a great honor for a tabla player to get the opportunity to perform at such festivals. I tried to present a performance in Teentaal, and I am grateful for the audience's blessings.
A short snippet from my recent tabla solo at the prestigious NMACC. I used a set of multiple tablas to explore different scales and tones, creating a richer soundscape for the performance.
Honored to share this Qaida in Teentaal, composed in the rare and powerful Pakhawaj Ang by my Guruji, Ustad Joginder Singh Ji. His deep knowledge and creative spirit continue to inspire my journey in rhythm.
A moment from the Saptak Music Festival where I am explaining a 'Gat' composition. I first present it in a slow tempo, or 'thah lay,' before demonstrating it in double speed, or 'dugun,' to show its rhythmic structure.
A quiet moment of practice, exploring a Chalan in the 16-beat cycle of Teentaal. This is my koshish, a humble attempt to find new expressions within the deep roots of Indian classical music.
In the rhythm of Rupak taal, I am presenting a beautiful rela followed by a Chakradar tihai. This piece is from the soul of Indian classical music, and I hope it brings you joy.
Presenting compositions from the Punjab Gharana, rooted in the rich soil of Indian classical heritage. This is a clip from a performance where I explored the traditional rhythms passed down through generations.
In every sur and taal, I feel my Guruji’s grace. This traditional bandish is more than music for me, it’s a prayer. I hope it reaches you with the same purity it was passed to me.
Trying my hands at a traditional gatt in Teental, a 16-beat cycle. This is a short exploration into the rich depths of Indian classical music, recorded in a simple studio setting.
Exploring the depths of tradition with a Qaida in Teentaal. Every practice session is a journey, and I am grateful for every step. Your blessings are all I need.
About Tabla Solo: Baithak & Concerts
When you book a traditional solo recital, remember that the performance hinges on the synergy between the tabla and the melodic Lehra support. I typically perform with a multi-tabla setup to fully explore the tonal spectrum of the Punjab Gharana, so it is essential to plan for a detailed sound check to properly capture the resonance of both the dayan and the bayan.
The Soul of the Punjab Gharana
My solo performances are a tribute to the Guru-Shishya Parampara. When I sit on stage, my goal is to present the depth of the Punjab Gharana through precise bols and rhythmic complexity. Whether it is a private baithak or a ticketed concert, the structure remains rooted in classical tradition.
What a Solo Recital Includes
Every concert follows a classic arc, designed to guide the audience through the layers of the tabla:
- Peshkar: The opening, setting the mood and the taal (rhythm cycle).
- Kayada: The foundation, where I introduce the primary rhythmic phrases.
- Rela & Gat: The development, where speed and technical prowess come into play, specifically utilizing the rare compositions passed down by my Guruji, Ustad Joginder Singh Ji.
- Chakradar Tihai: The mathematical finale, bringing the performance to a structured close.
Logistics & Requirements
For a solo performance to truly resonate, the audio environment must be precise. Because this is a solo art form, a Lehra accompanist (typically on Harmonium) is mandatory to maintain the time loop. Please note that this is usually hired separately. My setup involves an extended kit to ensure we can explore different scales and tonal textures, and I am happy to guide you on mic placement to ensure the resonance of the drums comes through clearly, even in larger halls.
Surjeet Singh
For me, the tabla is not just an instrument, it is a life journey and a spiritual dialogue. I dedicate my performances to my Guru, Ustad Joginder Singh Ji, and I simply try to speak the language of rhythm with as much honesty and sincerity as I can.
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