Featured Tabla Performances and Rhythmic Collaborations
From classical jugalbandis to high-energy fusion, I bring the tabla to life for audiences across India and beyond.
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 Featured
My performance setups vary by event to ensure the best sound quality. For classical concerts, I use professional Jodi and Bayan tuned precisely to the main artist's scale, while for fusion events, I often use a hybrid Tabla-Cajon rig. This ensures the rhythm fits the environment, whether it is an intimate baithak or a large-scale corporate stage.
My work as a tabla player is divided into three distinct spheres, each requiring a different approach to rhythm and sound.
Hindustani Classical Accompaniment
This is the core of my journey. I focus on sensitive support for vocalists, instrumentalists, and Kathak dancers. Whether performing a traditional Jugalbandi with sitar maestros or providing accompaniment for classical vocalists, the goal is to enhance the melody while adhering to complex taals like Teentaal or Jhaptaal. I always include a 45-minute on-site sound check to ensure the resonance is perfect for the space.
Fusion and Corporate Events
When playing at events like the NBA games at the Dome or jazz festivals, I shift my approach to a hybrid setup. By blending traditional tabla strokes with the punch of a Cajon, I can sit alongside DJs or jazz bands seamlessly. This is designed for high-energy settings where the audience expects a modern, grooving sound that still maintains the roots of Indian rhythm.
Solo Tabla Recitals
In a solo setting, I explore the deep history of the Lucknow and Farrukhabad gharanas. These performances often include a lecture-demonstration element where I explain the mathematics of the beat cycles to the audience. I provide a Lehara accompanist to handle the melodic time-keeping, allowing me to focus on Rela compositions, complex mathematical Chakradars, and the nuances of the bols.
No matter the venue, I prioritize clarity and connection. If you are planning an event in Mumbai or traveling across India, I am ready to bring the tabla to your stage.
Unmesh Banerjee
I am a student of rhythm, constantly chasing the perfect groove whether I am supporting a vocal maestro or jamming at a jazz festival. Music is a never-ending journey for me, and I would be honoured to bring this energy to your next event.
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