Bhumika, TTE’s sixth full-length recording, was produced as a dedication to artistic director Ritesh Das’ brother, kathak legend Acharya Chitresh Das, who greatly influenced Das’ identity as a composer. The other key artistic inspiration is Das’ guru Maestro Swapan Chaudhuri, one of the great tabla masters of the current age. The album reflects Das’ artistic vision: to display the intensity and complexity of North Indian classical rhythm through collaboration with other World Music forms.
Each song draws from the depth of tabla’s solo repertoire and the mathematical complexity of Indian rhythmic cycles. Two pieces on the album are played in time signatures of 5½ and 9½ beats. Under Das’ guidance, guest artists play their instrument in a way that suits the theory and style of Indian Classical music to create a unique synergy. Some of the instruments heard on the album include drum kit, violin, flute, Japanese taiko, and Chinese Guzheng. The result is a novel contemporary sound that has been much acclaimed by World Music lovers since the band’s first concert in 1991.
On September 9th, Bhumika will be released on digital streaming platforms along with a music video for the single Faceoff. TTE’s next concert will be held on Friday, November 9th at the Harbourfront Centre where pieces from Bhumika will be played along with new compositions from the Toronto Tabla Youth Ensemble. TTE and Ritesh Das would like to thank Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council, and the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR) for their support of the production and release of Bhumika.
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