Zakir Hussain to jam with Toto’s drummer

Since his arrival in the city, tabla maestro Zakir Hussain hasn’t taken a break. Performing back-to-back concerts, the celebrated musician has little to complain about. He will also take to stage with brothers Fazal and Taufiq at the 12th Barsi concert .

Since his arrival in the city, tabla maestro Zakir Hussain hasn’t taken a break. Performing back-to-back concerts, the celebrated musician has little to complain about. “Music is a bunch of people having a conversation, after all. How can that ever get tiresome? The good part is that I play with different artistes, so the conversation is never the same,” says the 60-year-old. The only unsettling occurrence, Hussain confesses, is “Team India’s performance. Like most Indians, I love the sport and their recent results have been dismal.”

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The musician is currently looking forward to performing at the 12th edition of the Barsi concerts, which celebrates the legacy of his father and veteran musician, Ustad Allarakha. “Barsi is a gathering of like-minded musicians who just want to hang out and play,” says Hussain.

Besides the usual suspects such as mandolin player U Srinivas, brothers Taufiq and Fazal, and young zitar player Niladri Kumar, one of the highlights this year includes a performance by drummer Simon Phillips, famous for hits like Africa… and Rosanna… that he belted with his band Toto. “Simon is a great musician. The best part is that he appeals to a variety of audiences, since he has tried his hand at everything from pop and rock to jazz and RnB,” adds Hussain.

Other treats for music lovers at the concert include a nagada solo, a thavil performance by south’s stalwart Vallayapatti, and a song and dance performance by Chendai Group that comprises 12 drummers from Kerala.

The Allarakha Barsi concert will take place on February 3 at Shanmukhananda Hall.