The world is very infrequently blessed with genius talent which leaves an indelible mark on humanity. In the last century, it was Picasso in the art world who captured the world's imagination. In the realm of South Asian music, one can think of historical figures such as Tansen or Ghalib. In the contemporary period, when it comes to pecussionists emanating from the sub-continent the name of a contemporary genius Abdul Satar Tari Khan is inseperable from Tabla. What makes Tari, as he is affectionately known, so special? Many tabla players with dedication and hard work can establish themselves as leading exponents of this art-form but it is the genius of Tari which makes him stand out amongst all Tabla players. He has that inexplicable factor of genius which he brings to his playing. When one first encounters Tari's tabla playing it is not a mere performance but rather a musical experience which asks as much of the audience as it does of the artist. Tari has taken tabla which was originally thought of as an accompaniment instrument to new and dizzying heights. Regardless, of whether he is accompanying or engaged in a solo performance the listener is forced to come to terms with his genius. For the music connoisseur, Tari hardly needs an introduction. He comes from the famous Punjab Gharana and since the age of six was under the tutelage of Ustad Mia Shaukat Hussain Khan. Coming from a lineage of musicians it was destined that he be an accomplished musician. Tari, is however, much more than an accomplished musician, he is a genius.
Ustad Tari Khan's percussion art is a rare experience, a combination of artistic purity, charisma, lyricism, and expressive innovation. The work characterized by his impeccable understanding of music and a sensitivity to artistic values, Ustad Tari Khan is considered as one of the most accomplished exponents of tabla in the world today, and is indeed a torchbearer of the Punjab Gharana.
Ustad Tari Khan has performed in virtually every part of the globe, participating in prestigious festivals and concerts, dazzling and captivating audiences by his extraordinary versatility. Tours abroad have taken him to all continents and almost every major city of the world, and he enjoys a large following. A leading percussionist, he gave a solo tabla recital at the world famous Percussive Arts Society convention in Nashville, and performed at the Boston Conservatory of Music. Ustad Tari Khan has received the highest acclaim for both his accompaniment and solo performances.
Apart from his musical renderings, Ustad Tari Khan holds workshops, seminars, and teaching assignments in cultural institution and universities throughout the world. He conducts individual and group lessons through his school the Tabla Learning Center.
An erudite musician, Ustad Tari Khan has been honored by numerous public and private organizations both at home and abroad, and has carved a permanent niche for himself in the world of fame. He has been crowned with the title of "Tabla Prince of India and Pakistan" and has been decorated with the prestigious Hazrat Ameer Khusro Award.
By the time he was 16 Ustad Tari Khan had already made a name for himself in the art of Ghazals around the world. Having played with such artists as Ghulam Ali, Pervez Mehdi, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and the great Mehdi Hassan. His tabla is in fact revolutionary in the art of Ghazals and is a model for all ghazal tabla players today. At the age of 16, Ustad Tari Khan began showing great creativity in making his own items. His first original item was the "train". In this item he used the tabla to mimic the sounds of a train. Soon he invented his most popular item "International Kherwa". This item showed how different parts of the world play Kherwa or four beats, including Punjab, the Middle East, Europe, America, and Africa.
But beyond his own creative items, Tari has mastered the art of virtually every kind of tabla accompaniment. In ghazals he has played with Hari Haran, Talat Aziz, Mehdi Hassan, Ghulam Ali, and many others. Since Ustad Tari Khan's Ghazal playing was derived from his classical roots and unique style of classical playing, there should me no doubts that Ustad Tari Khan dazzles audiences with his classical accompaniment. Accompanying such artists as Pandit Jasraj, Rais Khan, Salamat Ali Khan, Vilyat Khan, Sultan Khan, Dr L. Subramanium, V.G. Jog, Shaid Parvez, and many others. Ustad Tari Khan has a great following of young generation tabla players mimicking his classical style. He has even played the art of Qawwali, accompanying such greats as Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Badar Ali Khan and Rahat Ali Khan.
His solo is even greater than his accompaniment, being able to express himself in such complicated tals as 5 1/4 beats and 8 3/8 beats. Every element of his solo is unique. One can listen to the roots of his Ustad's creations blended in with the innovations and creations of Ustad Tari Khan himself. His solo will leave you in a state of utter amazement and great appreciation.
Whether you are interested only in modern pop/rock/rap music or a hardcore classical enthusiast, Ustad Tari Khan will be sure to leave a positive impression on you. He is truly the most versatile tabla player in the world today.
(A more complete biography will be posted upon it's completion)
