“…this single is required listening…..a single that belongs in the spotlight around the world right now…” THE INDIESOURCE
“The melodic elements in this track are stunning…”INDIEPULSE MUSIC
“…a staggered symphonic opus… jubilantly colorful and crisp…”SKOPEMAG
“…percussive prowess and anthemic, groove-based charisma..unique and cinematically engaging..”VENTS
“Toronto Tabla Ensemble’s Dream Symposium Video is Child’s Play
The Indian classical music masters share the first video from their seventh album.”
Darryl Sterdan, The Tinnitist
“There’s so much we admire about the Toronto Tabla Ensemble. The listening experience of this ensemble is so joyful given the colorful array of talent and musical instrumentation from Eastern culture made fresh and styled a way that also catches and pleases Western ears. We highly recommend this musical journey.”
Thomas Baker, Ph.D., Founder, Global Music Awards
“Ultimately Bhumika is all about rhythm. The grooves are infectious, giving ample demonstration of why Indian rhythm systems have fascinated Western musicians from George Harrison to John McLaughlin. There is more than enough imagination and zest packed into this album to commend it.”
-Liam Izod – Songlines Magazine UK
“I would certainly recommend this world-class caliber ensemble to any festival, World Music venue or independent concert programmer for their unique music, talent, stage presence, professionalism and general demeanour.”
Dan Behrman, Program manager, Montreal International Jazz Festival
“Attending a Toronto Tabla Ensemble concerts can be like visiting a giant laboratory, where artistic director, Ritesh Das plays the role of a master chemist gleefully mixing music and dance from around the world. It is always exciting to see such skilled and experienced dance artists working things out on stage together, rising to meet each other’s skill and the virtuoso musical energy.”
Rebecca Todd, The Globe and mail
Tabla master Ritesh Das has lead this classical Indian music ensemble since 1991. In that time, the group has become a mainstay on Canada’s vibrant traditional music scene as well as branching off to collaborate with all manner of artists. The seven songs that comprise the group’s sixth full length recording showcase the quartet’s fierce playing. The title is Sanskrit for Earth and begins with the title track paying homage to the late Acharya Chitresh Das, Ritesh’s brother. From there, the explore many of India’s musical styles always with a heavy rhythmic depth. Faceoff, as frenetic and impacting as it is, is not about hockey. Although the “energetic meeting of the Hindustani and Carnatic rhythmic systems” in the song would sound awesome as a backing track to game highlights. Just saying.
Stuart Derdeyn, The Providence
“Tabla maestro Ritesh Das weaves his magic once again”
Lise Watson, Independent writer on TTE Next concert
“Ritesh Das is certainly a born showman and a wicked tabla player.”
Susan Walker, Dance Writer, The Toronto star
“The Toronto Tabla Ensemble, along with dancer Joanna de Souza and bass player George Koller, demonstrated the magic that can happen when a group of creative, yet respectful and disciplined musicians set about to explore the interaction between different musical worlds. [They] performed with precision, spontaneity and an infectious enjoyment. Clearly an invigorating addition to Toronto’s music scene.”
Tamara Bernstein, The Globe and mail
“From the moment they walked on stage, the poly-ethnic percussion ensemble had the rapt attention of the capacity audience and proved that musical boundaries can be flexible. Yet just as essential to the Tabla Ensemble’s cross-cultural success is a keen sense of performance. Using the tabla as a launching point, the group combined light, voice and acoustics to create a bridge between the orchestrated precision of Kronos Quartet and the roof-raising energy of British dance innovators Stomp!, which had the audience on its feet demanding more.”
Matt Galloway, NOW magazine, Toronto