Kamalesh Maitra

Pandit Kamalesh Maitra is definitely the “last” master from the tabla tarang, a musical instrument comprised of 10 to 16 tabla drums. The instrument’s name is normally translated as “drums of waves” and it is capable of merging tempo, melody, and tranquility into a moving influx of sound. Located in Germany since 1982, Maitra provides performed with dance troupes and in concerts throughout European countries and Asia. Based on the Boston Phoenix, “definately not an eccentric novelty, (Maitra) is merely among the great drummers of India to record within this hundred years.” Launching his debut record Experts of Raga: Kamalesh Maitra over the German Wergo label in 1993, Maitra released his initial American-distributed record, Tabla Tarang — Melody on Drums, in 1996. The record, which highlighted Trilok Gurtu on the traditional two-drum tabla and Laura Patchen on tampura, was analyzed by Choice as “a historical globe music milestone.”