The unchallenged genius of G HARISHANKAR

During my studies and career as a percussionist, three players stood out for me personally that could be thought of in the category "Genius beamed down from another planet!" Zohar Fresco, (Frame drums) the late great Zakir Hussain (Tabla) and the unimaginably talented G Harishankar. (Kanjira - Also very sadly no longer with us). Here is a compilation of a few videos of the total mastery of G Harishankar, including sections of a Tani with the late great Mridangam master Karaikudi Mani. One thing that makes these particular players stand out is the absolute musicality and pure inspired spirit, combined with extreme virtuosity and complexity. Learning an instrument to such technical depths can sometimes lead a musician away from the pure spirit of music. It is so rare to see this level of perfection presented hand in hand with such a profound and deep musical soul. It is completely honest and genuine.

I was lucky enough to be at the concert featured in the final section of this selection of recordings. It was at Walthamstow town hall in London and I had not long been studying Mridangam and Natuvangam. I didn’t have the knowledge of the music at that time to really appreciate what I was witnessing. Sadly it was the only time I got to see the great man perform.

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