Calcutta-born, Toronto-based Tabla maestro Ritesh Das is all set to release his debut solo album, To Begin With, after three decades of heading the acclaimed Toronto Tabla Ensemble, a multi-cultural entity that has been on the map for a while for its cutting-edge contemporary fusion. The 66-year-old percussion maestro — the younger brother of legendary Kathak exponent Guru Chitresh Das — has led a fairy-tale life in his shift of roots. After relocating to Toronto in 1987, he began teaching Tabla, and formed the TTE in 1991. They have released eight original studio albums that have garnered Global Music Awards, Independent Music Awards and Ethnic Media Awards. Their 2020 album Bhumika earned the group a nomination for Best World and Best Instrumental Group at the Canadian Folk Music Awards.

Source: CBC News October 21, 2023 15:24 UTC