What's Your Story Shahbaz Hussain?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:35:47 -0800

What is your main instrument?

Tabla.

Are there any other instruments you dabble and tinker with?

Harmonium, Sitar. I also sing.

What is your first vivid musical memory as a child? Was there a particular moment when a sound or piece of music really captured your attention?

There was an Asian music programme, Asian Magazine, on Channel 4 in Britain. I was around 5 years old at the time and I saw a singer from Pakistan on the show. It was the first time I remember hearing any kind of music and it was really exciting. After that, whenever this programme came on I used to get the pots and pans out and play along to the music.

Then, in around 1986, Noorjahan, the famous Pakistani singer, came to England. My uncle was one of the organisers of her tour and her musicians were also very close friends of my father, so we had a little musical evening at our house at which Noorjahan sang. Ustad Tafu, an infamous Pakistani tabla player who was accompanying Noorjahan, had an extra pair of tablas with him so I started playing along. This was the first time I ever touched the tablas. I was about 6 at the time and all the musicians that were there thought this was really sweet. After that my father bought me a pair of bongos and that got me going.

How did you end up pursuing music as a career?

My father pushed me. I didn’t know what I wanted to do and my father guided me to play tabla. He was a singer and he wanted me to play with him. He used to take me with him when we would perform together. This was how I started.

How did you end up choosing the tabla as your instrument?

It was chosen for me by my father and it was just a natural thing for me to do. It just happened.

Is there anything you really struggle with as a musician?

In terms of actual musicianship, being the best and doing a good job every time, it’s always a struggle. It’s a journey. It’s part and parcel of being a musician.

Were there any key moments or key people that have really helped you in your musical journey?

My father was the first person who really helped me and pushed me. He was an immense central figure in my musical life and even though he died 14 years ago he is still an immense inspiration for me to carry on and keep going. Also, Kalu Zeria, a Manchester-based tabla player, had a huge influence on me. He taught me from the ages of 9 -12 and exposed me to a musical environment. A lot of musicians used to regularly come to his house and I got to be part of this atmosphere, performing and learning in the company of other musicians. Listening to all these musicians and having these experiences made a huge impression on me - I was so open to it and it was a really good time for me. Finally, my Ustads, my teachers, will always inspire me - Ustad Faiyaz Khan, Ustad Mian Shaukat Hussain Khan and Ustad Alla Rakha.

What excites you about playing with Indus?

The most exciting thing for me is the musicians themselves. We are such good friends, we know each other so well and we do things in the spur of the moment. Sharing a stage and creating music together is a great joy.

What do you see next for the band?

The sky’s the limit for us. The launch of our new album, Firefly, is a highlight for our careers and will hopefully be a stepping stone for us that will take us onwards and upwards. We will keep creating new music, new compositions, new improvisations and we will keep learning about each other and ourselves.

Do you have a few word to share with other aspiring musicians?

Learn and experience as much as you can. Don’t just play the music, play with the music. For example, if I’m playing the tabla I’m not just playing the tabla - I’m trying to experience the depth of the instrument and the depth of my own musicianship. Strive, practice, learn from maestros and always remember to keep a cool head - don’t get too big-headed.

What's Your Story John Ball?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:34:34 -0800

What are your main instruments?

Santoor & Tabla.

Are there any other instruments you dabble and tinker with?

Various percussion, guitar, bass guitar.

What is your first vivid musical memory as a child? Was there a particular moment when a sound or piece of music really captured your attention?

When I was small I used to watch and listen to my gran singing to herself in the house with a kind of awe and wonder. She used to sing all the time while working away at home. She used to sing old songs of Nat King Cole and The Inkspots, gentle, lilting melodies, a kind of music which I would never listen to otherwise, but I loved hearing the passion with which my gran sang them. I used to love watching how much joy she got from music and that made a great impression on me.

How did you end up pursuing music as a career?

I could not get into formal music study at school even though I wanted to learn an instrument and listened to music all the time as a child. I tried the piano, but was scared of the the piano teacher, and I found the music lessons very dry and uninspiring. I bought a guitar when I was 14 and taught myself through books, friends and playing along with records.

When I was 16 at college I had some musician friends who started a band and they were looking for a bass player. After weeks of searching they eventually asked me to join them because we were friends and they knew I loved the same kind of music, even though I had never played bass in my life! They offered to teach me as we went along. Within 6 weeks we did our first gig and it went really well. After that I never really thought about doing anything else, I practised like mad, and within a year was in 3 bands, because I found out that there was a scarcity of bass players. After that I just worked hard and opportunities seemed to come my way.

How did you end up choosing your particular instrument?

I started on Santoor after playing tabla for 10 years. I love tabla but I had a itch to play a melodic instrument. Santoor seemed ideal because it has a strong rhythmic element and borrows in its repertoire from ideas rooted in tabla. As well as that the sound is just hypnotic.

Is there anything you really struggle with as a musician?

I struggle to have a fixed routine of practice time which I think would be ideal. I just grab whatever time there is in the day (or night!) to practice, but it never feels enough.

I think there is also a struggle with Indian instruments in this country, that is having access to proper maintenance, or repair of these kind of instruments. Also sometimes you can feel quite isolated playing this kind of music in terms of spontaneous access to music-making environments with other like minded musicians

Were there any key moments or key people that have really helped you in your musical journey?

There are several characters who have made an impact on me. Some well known, some not so famous, but without whom I could not have even started this journey.

I was introduced to Indian music by Mahmood Rahman (or Benu), a Bengali vocalist who was based in Sheffield when we met some twenty years ago. Benu has a passion and enthusiasm for music which is boundless and has been a major figure in nurturing Indian Music activity in this country. Benu would spend any amount of time playing and also talking about music that was truly inspiring and unconditional. One of the most generous and warmest people I have ever met.

I first came across Indian music through chance. As a student I shared a house with a friend who was a drummer, who had been to India and returned with a set of tabla. When we moved to Sheffield he was looking for opportunities to learn it and came across a community workshop. He persuaded me to go with him to the first class because he was too nervous to go on his own in case he was the only English guy! I only went to keep him company, but it was a life changing event for me. I remember entering this community room with lots of kids running around and a guy sat in the middle of the floor with his eyes closed, cradling a tanpura, and singing away totally self absorbed. As I crept nervously towards him I found myself getting more and more hypnotised by his singing. That was the day I met Benu, and my life was never the same again!

I have been fortunate to have some wonderful teachers and made a huge impression on me. Sri Sudhir Saxena, whom I learnt from for two years in India, a profoundly deep musician and scholar who introduced me to the aesthetics of tabla. Ustad Faiyaz Khan, a very warm and giving guru steeped in the authentic roots of tabla playing. Sri Yogesh Samsi, an amazing tabla virtuoso who has taught me some fascinating tabla repertoire and introduced me to the aesthetics of the great tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha Khan. Sri Harjinder Pal Singh, who has introduced me to the potential and beauty of the santoor.

What excites you about playing with Indus?

Creating original music and being able to perform it with some great musicians and friends.

What do you see next for the band?

To further explore the creative potential of the ensemble through composing, playing together regularly and performance.

Do you have a few word to share with other aspiring musicians?

It doesn't matter what kind of music or instrument you play, you have to simply love it. Enjoy the journey! It is endless but that is the beauty of it. Learn to think of all the obstacles as opportunities to move on. Guidance is really important, and if you are fortunate to find a great teacher then good for you, make the most of it, but ultimately don't forget that it is about trying to find your own voice. It takes time and it is a process that we are all in.

What's Your Story Mohamed Assani?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:28:00 -0800

What is your main instrument?

Sitar.

Are there any other instruments you dabble and tinker with?

Tabla & Piano.

What is your first vivid musical memory as a child? Was there a particular moment when a sound or piece of music really captured your attention?

Seeing a live band in Karachi, Pakistan for the first time when I about 10 years old. It was an Ismaili band playing at a social event and it was the first time I had ever seen live music. There was a guitarist, drummer and bassist and they were playing an instrumental version of a Boney M track - ha ha! I felt overwhelmed watching and hearing them play- it was great to my virgin ears. (I’m still a secret Boney M fan - shhh!)

How did you end up pursuing music as a career?

I always wanted to be a musician. However, I had no idea that I would become a sitarist. I came to England to study piano and western classical music. I did a degree in music at Dartington College of Arts. It was here that I was exposed to real sitar music which I did not know existed until then. It was seeing Ustad Nishat Khan, who visited Dartington for a few weeks, that really inspired me to learn the sitar. However, at the time I was unable to do so. I became a music teacher and taught in highschools in London for a number of years. Eventually in 2000 I got sick of this and needed a change. I decided to go back to music and went to Leeds to take a jazz course. This is where I got finally got the opportunity to fulfill my dream and I started learning the sitar. I am still on this journey of discovery and exploration.

How did you end up choosing the sitar as your instrument?

While I was in Leeds taking the jazz course I injured my hand and had to stop playing the piano for about six months. It was a real crisis for me as I had left my previous career to finally fulfill my dream of being a musician. I had already started playing a bit of sitar and it was during this time that I got more into it and began learning in earnest. I am thankful to Dharambir Singh, who was a lecturer at the Leeds College of Music then, who first taught me this instrument.

Is there anything you really struggle with as a musician?

Many things, but that's what keeps you on your toes.

Were there any key moments or key people that have really helped you in your musical journey?

Yes, most definitely there are many people who have helped and inspired me and still continue to do so. I believe there is so much to learn from each musical interaction we experience, be it performing with others, teaching, listening, etc.

What excites you about playing with Indus?

Its wonderful to be with such creative and dedicated musicians. I like that we are open to new ideas and different ways to present things.

What do you see next for the band?

A second album. A world tour.

Do you have a few word to share with other aspiring musicians?

Always dream big and let no one tell you that you can’t do it. Believe in yourself!

What's Your Story Henrik Linnemann?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:01:53 -0800

What are your main instruments?

Flutes.

Are there any other instruments you dabble and tinker with?

Piano.

What is your first vivid musical memory as a child? Was there a particular moment when a sound or piece of music really captured your attention?

Lying in bed listening to one or more of my brothers and sisters practicing the piano, cello, violin or the clarinet. I vividly recall hearing my brother Vic singing "The Lark In The Clear Air" with a reedy pre voice-breaking quality which was both musical and fragile. That sound is still in my mind even after so many years! Then there was the every day kind of singing which the family engaged in whilst washing the dishes and the continuous flow of classical music from the kitchen radio.

How did you end up pursuing music as a career?

When I was 15 or 16 I decided that I wanted to pursue flute playing professionally and by then I had already seen two sisters go off to music college.

How did you end up choosing the flute as your instrument?

I had played the clarinet for a while but was soon discouraged by my older brother Pete's amazing progress on the same instrument. Then, after hearing an excellent flute player in a local youth orchestra I decided to take up the flute at the age of 14.

Is there anything you really struggle with as a musician?

Answering this question!...Self belief. Often the hardest thing is just picking up the instrument to begin practice. After getting over this hump, then stopping before I injure myself is often the main challenge!

Were there any key moments or key people that have really helped you in your musical journey?

My first flute teacher, Elizabeth Taylor, encouraged me to believe that I could play well. Several jazz musicians I met when I moved to Sheffield, encouraged me to improvise. The piano gradually became a compositional tool and one time when I was recovering from an operation I ended up writing what turned out to be my first jazz album, "Journeys from Nether Edge." A follow up..."Dancing Peak To Peak" eventually appeared and of course neither recording would have happened without the musical, artistic and emotional support of Val, my wife who made her personal, stunning contributions to each of the recordings.

John Ball has introduced me to Indian music and while many things bewilder me at times, many things resonate with me..such as the sound of the tabla which was the first sound to get my attention and tell me that there might be some possibilities for me in this music.

What excites you about playing with Indus?

Playing with Indus is exciting because I find myself exploring an environment that is musically challenging and at the same time accompanied by an atmosphere of acceptance generated by the other three musicians. Without this tolerance and the latitude givenf or experimentation, the task would be too daunting. But the guys in the band are, thankfully, easy going.

What do you see next for the band?

Another visit to the Penistone cows for more inspiration. More collaborative composition, and hopefully more delicious food!

Do you have a few word to share with other aspiring musicians?

Make sure that you are playing an instrument that you have an aptitude for. Keep going! Learn an instrument and you will be in possession of a passport to lands beyond your imagination, lots of fun, travel, food...and more!

Indus Album Launch Event

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 04:55:40 -0700

Indus will be launching their new album, Firefly, on Friday 16th October 2009 at their performance at the National Centre for Early Music - York’s award-winning music venue. The group will be marking the launch with a small celebration with audience members at the start of the performance. Audience members will also have the opportunity to buy an autographed copy of the album. The performance begins at 7:30pm and tickets can be purchased from the National Centre for Early Music’s box office on 01904 658338 or info@ncem.co.uk.

Firefly, Indus’s first album, represents a significant chapter in the group’s remarkable journey. Through this live studio performance of over an hour of inspired music, Indus have combined carefully crafted arrangements & compositions with free flowing passages of improvisation & interplay. Their music endeavours to navigate through uncharted musical terrain while embracing the rich musical tapestry of India & Pakistan. Firefly mirrors the warmth & spontaneity shared with audiences through their live performances to-date and captures the group’s integrity, sensitivity & aspirational vision.

For those who are unable to attend the launch event, the album will be on sale at Indus’s other upcoming events, online & in selected shops. Details of how you can buy a copy will be posted on the website after the 16th October 2009. Please stay tuned!