Professional Tabla Player for Live Concerts and Studio Sessions
A look at my life behind the scenes, from studio setups and Ghazal nights to global stages and guest lectures, sharing the rhythm that defines my journey.
I was honored to be featured in the Anniversary Special Edition of the Indian Express's Indulge magazine. It was a pleasure to share my thoughts on the future of tabla and my plans for the year.
A photo with the wonderful students after giving a guest lecture on Tabla and Indian rhythm at New York University (NYU). It was a full-circle moment to go from being a student to a guest lecturer.
Here I am backstage with my tablas before a live performance for an NBA event at the Dome, Worli. I love the energy of playing for live events and bringing the sound of the tabla to diverse audiences.
A close-up of my tabla setup on stage at a large event in Goa. This perspective shows the professional miking techniques used to capture the best possible sound during a live performance.
A glimpse of a soundcheck and performance with the brilliant Sarod and Sitar duo, Alam and Sitarify bhai, in Albuquerque. This shows the setup for a traditional Indian classical concert.
After a lovely Ghazal performance in Delhi. I enjoy accompanying vocalists, as it requires a delicate and responsive style of playing to complement the poetry and melody.
My beloved set of tablas. Each one is tuned to a different scale, allowing me to be ready for any recording session or performance, no matter the key of the song.
About On Stage, In Session & In The Press
When you book a session, we are not just hitting record on a basic loop. I treat every studio project with the same discipline as a live stage performance, using dedicated condenser mics for individual Dayan and Bayan stems to ensure the organic depth of the tabla translates perfectly to your final mix.
My work behind the scenes is as varied as the instrument itself. Whether I am supporting a delicate Ghazal vocal in a quiet Delhi studio, layering hip-hop grooves for a producer in Mumbai, or breaking down rhythmic theory for students at NYU, my goal remains the same: to keep the music breathing.
The Studio Approach
Recording tabla is not just about capturing a sound, it is about capturing the intent of the composition. I record in acoustically treated environments using high-resolution gear to ensure clarity. When you work with me, you get more than just a performance. You get clean, gain-staged audio stems that sit well in a mix, whether we are blending classical Indian sounds with western electronic music or keeping it strictly traditional.
Live Performance & Collaboration
Live energy is a different buzz entirely. From the Dome in Worli to intimate classical setups in Albuquerque, I approach every stage with the same reverence I have for the tabla. I enjoy the unpredictability of live jam sessions and the structure of arranged concerts alike. I am comfortable accompanying vocalists or soloists across Sarod, Sitar, and Santoor, or stepping into a fusion ensemble where the tabla needs to hold its own against modern percussion.
Why My Setup Matters
I carry multiple sets of tablas, each tuned to different scales. This means I am ready for your key and your track the moment we start, saving you time in post-production. It is this combination of classical training and a practical, studio-first mindset that I bring to every project I take on.
Unmesh Banerjee
I am Unmesh, and for me, music is a never-ending conversation. Whether I am playing alongside classical maestros in a quiet concert hall or tracking a fusion beat for a producer across the world, I am just grateful to be on this rhythm-filled journey.
Looking for a specific sound?
You can search for various percussion services or performance types to find the right fit for your track.
More from Studio & Session Tabla Recording by Unmesh Banerjee