For the Love of Tabla

North India’s favourite percussion instrument, the tabla, has always been relegated to being an accompaniment and it was the subservient, in-the-shadows status of this twin-drum that compelled Ritesh Das, founder and artistic director of the Toronto Tabla Ensemble (TTE) to form the group in 1991 with the aim of composing music that puts the tabla front centre. For the Love of Tabla is the Juno-nominated group’s eighth studio release featuring tabla as a lead instrument and fusing it with different styles of music from many artists resulting in an album that is mainly instrumental with some vocal recitation of tabla bols (rhythmic syllables). Opener ‘Encore 21’ engages one immediately as it starts with one of the most energetic recitations by Das. The track ‘Spellcheck’ is a witty reference to Das’ annoyance with his spellcheck constantly correcting the word ‘tabla’ to ‘table’ so he, literally, turns the tables by first playing on a table, followed by a drum kit to pick up the groove after which the tabla makes a grand entrance. There is also some singing to accompany the percussive theme of the album, for instance, ‘Prayer for the Mother’ features singer Bif Naked’s expressive vocals followed by a kathak dance-inspired recitation from Das, enhanced by Japanese taiko drums. This is a high voltage offering that will appeal to lovers of percussion.