My Tabla Journey: Rehearsals, Travel & Candid Moments
Music is not just about the final performance. Here is a look at the travels, quiet rehearsals, and spontaneous moments that keep my rhythm alive.
It is always a profound honour to share the stage with a living legend like Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan ji. This split-screen video captures a moment of musical dialogue during a sitar and tabla jugalbandi, a conversation where every note and beat matters.
Performing a tabla solo at the International Jazz Festival was a thrilling experience. This performance, dedicated to my idol Ustad Zakir Hussain ji, shows how the traditional bols of the tabla can find a home even in a contemporary jazz setting.
Bringing the rhythm of the tabla to a high-energy NBA event at the Dome in Worli. This video gives a glimpse from my perspective on stage, blending the traditional sound of the tabla with modern Hip-Hop tracks for a corporate event.
A beautiful moment from the 'Jazz meets Kathak' concert at the Royal Opera House, Mumbai. Here, I am accompanying international artists on the harp and woodwinds, creating a unique fusion of world music, jazz, and Indian classical rhythm.
Celebrating the festive spirit of Durga Puja and Navratri with a special tabla jam session featuring the powerful beats of the Dhaak. This is a performance straight from the heart, blending two iconic percussion instruments of India.
A snapshot of deep concentration and musical connection while providing tabla accompaniment for the sitar maestro Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan Sahab. These are the moments on stage that I live for, where music transcends everything else.
Here, I am breaking down an 'Antakshari Chakradar', a complex and beautiful composition. I believe in sharing the knowledge of this art form, and this video shows how I explain intricate rhythmic patterns in an accessible way.
It was a pleasure to perform alongside my dear friend Pratik Da on the sarod for a private gathering with the wonderful Sonam Kapoor. I am available for exclusive private concerts and baithaks, bringing bespoke musical experiences to your special events.
Guru Purnima is a special day, and celebrating it by playing with my father and Guru, Pandit Sunil Banerjee, is a blessing. This video captures a spontaneous 'sawal-jawab' (question-answer) session between us, a conversation between two generations of tabla players.
The view from my stage. Looking out at a packed auditorium filled with engaged listeners is the greatest reward for any artist. This is the energy that fuels every performance, whether in India or abroad.
About Additional Work
People often ask what goes on before the concert lights turn on. It is mostly about the hours spent tuning the dayans to the specific scale of the day and those long travel days across India, sitting with fellow musicians to discuss Ragas. Whether it is a quick sound check in Goa or a spontaneous jam session, these moments are where the real connection happens before we ever step onto the main stage.
Life Beyond the Concert Hall
The stage is where I perform, but the life of a musician is truly lived in the hours leading up to the show. It is the time spent on the road, the local trains in Mumbai, or flights to festivals across India. Being a tabla player means being a student of sound. It involves the meticulous care of instruments, finding the right tension for the dayan, and ensuring the bayan resonates perfectly with the acoustic environment of the venue.
Why I Value These Moments
I share these snapshots because they are part of the story. You will see glimpses of concerts in Maihar, sound checks in Goa, and private baithaks where the focus is pure, intimate music. These moments of camaraderie, like sharing a meal or a technical note with a co-performer, are essential. They build the trust that translates into a seamless jugalbandi when we finally start playing.
The Practical Reality
If you are looking to book me for a private event or a concert, understand that these candid experiences define my approach. I do not just show up; I bring the dedication learned from my father and Guru, Pandit Sunil Banerjee, to every setup. Whether it is a large corporate stage or a small private gathering, the preparation remains the same. It is about respecting the rhythm, the space, and the audience, ensuring that the music flows exactly as it should.
Unmesh Banerjee
I am just a student of the tabla who is lucky enough to share this journey with wonderful artists and listeners. My life revolves around the rhythm, whether I am playing for a legend or jamming with friends in a studio.
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