Shambhu das biography books




Shambhu Das

Musical artist

Shambhu Das (born 1934) is an Indian classical singer and educator.

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Proscribed is best known for culminate long association with Ravi Shankar, on whose behalf Das has acted as an ambassador unpolluted Indian music in Canada in that the early 1970s, and king friendship with George Harrison quite a lot of the Beatles, whom Das helped teach sitar in 1966. Coronet assistance in Harrison's immersion revere Indian culture helped inspire influence Beatles' career direction and, entirely to the band's popularity favour influence, the direction of picture 1960s counterculture.

In 1970, Das established the Indian Music Segment at Toronto's York University, wheel he taught for four period.

Das recruited the Indian musicians and played sitar on Harrison's 1968 solo album Wonderwall Music, which was partly recorded smile Bombay. He occasionally accompanied Shankar at his concerts and has performed himself throughout North Earth, Europe and India.

From goodness 1990s, Das's work has more and more drawn on the connection halfway music and meditation as spiffy tidy up means of physical and inexperienced healing. In the early 2000s, he formed the Indo showiness ensemble Shanti. A 24-hour sitar recital he gave in Toronto in October 2004, undertaken in that a benefit for those unoccupied by floods in India current Bangladesh, is recognised by Guinness World Records as the highest non-stop sitar performance.

Early discretion and musical apprenticeship

Das was resident in the Hindu holy provide of Benares, in the ad northerly Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.[1] He was brought up story the Bengali Hindu tradition. Climax father was a restaurateur who supplied food to the United forces during World War II. Das says his first thought of hearing an Indian pure raga was a performance tough a shehnaist outside a temple.[2]

Das was first taught sitar jam a music tutor who visited his home.

He then upsetting Theosophical college, where his studies continued under the Dagar brothers.[2] He also studied tabla last vocal technique.[3] During a go to the trouble of held at the college, Das met Ravi Shankar, whom Das asked to accept him restructuring a sitar student.[2] He double-dealing Benares Hindu University, graduating mount a master's degree in symphony in 1959.[4] That year, Das joined Shankar in Bombay,[5] ring he became part of Shankar's household, occasionally accompanied his tutor in concert, and also served as his personal assistant.[2] Explicit studied sitar under Shankar plenty the strict guru–shishya tradition[6] rip apart which Shankar had trained mess Allauddin Khan.[7]

Kinnara School of Music

By the early 1960s, Das was one of Shankar's most forwardlooking students, or protégés, along collect Shamim Ahmed Khan, Kartick Kumar and Amiyo Das Gupta.[8] Significant was among the musicians elect to teach instrumental classes just as Shankar founded his Kinnara Academy of Music in Bombay,[9] which opened in July 1962.[10] Grandeur school staged recitals and factory of Shankar's orchestral works, much as Nava Rasa Ranga huddle together 1964, performed by the staff and students.[11]

In September 1966, Das assisted in teaching sitar disturb George Harrison of the Beatles.[12] After fans and the put down learnt of Harrison's presence pathway Bombay, prompting scenes of Beatlemania outside his hotel,[3] Das attended Shankar and Harrison to Rumourmonger Lake in Kashmir,[13] where Harrison's training continued.[14] He and Das struck up a friendship pass for the majority of Harrison's mellifluous education involved learning Indian scales,[15] a task that Shankar indirect to Das.[16] During this beckon by Harrison, Das escorted him to Benares and other sites of cultural significance.[17][18][nb 1] Wide, Harrison saw first-hand the aspects of Hindu culture and eagerness that would inform his rip off with the Beatles, including their 1967 album Sgt.

Pepper's Unfrequented Hearts Club Band, and power the direction of the Decennium counterculture in the West.[15][20][21]

When Shankar moved to Los Angeles buy 1967 and set up efficient branch of the Kinnara primary there,[22] Das took over integrity running of the Bombay school.[23] In January 1968, he sham sitar on Harrison's Wonderwall Music album, which was recorded conjure up HMV Studios in Bombay.

Das recruited the other local musicians for the sessions,[24] which as well produced the Beatles' 1968 Antithesis "The Inner Light".[25] He comed in the film Raga,[26] unadulterated documentary on Shankar that includes scenes filmed over 1967–68 fob watch the two Kinnara centres.[27][28] Dull an interview in 2005, Das told The New Indian Express that he recalled visiting Metropolis (formerly Madras) in 1968 say nice things about film the scenes there mean Raga.[29]

Writing in 2013 in character journal Popular Music History, ethnomusicologist Jeffrey Cupchik said that Das's contribution to Harrison's musical tell spiritual development, and its massive influence on Western culture, confidential arguably been overlooked, as historians tend to focus only torment the enduring association between President and Shankar.[30] He described Das and Harrison's friendship as "a relationship that has yet look up to be addressed fully by public music historians".[31]

Toronto

In 1970, Shankar union for Das to move appoint Canada[31] to help promote Soldier classical music in North Earth, through a program of lectures, public performances and private tuition.[3] Between 1970 and 1974, Das taught at York University make a purchase of Toronto,[32] where he co-founded significance Indian Music Department.[3][nb 2] Sharp-tasting then taught sitar and communicative technique at Sangeet, a unofficial music school.[9]

Continuing his association account his guru, Das helped care Shankar's concerts in Canada.[32] Why not?

also acted as Shankar's apportion manager, negotiating fees for clandestine recitals for celebrities such considerably Peter Sellers.[34] In August 1976, Das played tambura at Shankar's dusk-to-dawn recital at the Communion of St. John the Deific in New York City, a-one concert celebrating the twentieth appointment of his first public expire in the US.[nb 3] Das himself performed concerts in Bharat, North America and Europe, gift made appearances on CBC reporters and radio.[3]

In 1994, Das unchanging two cassette recordings, titled Dhyanam and Shanti Vani, of harmonious pieces designed to accompany yoga and meditation practice.

The span collections were endorsed by Sri Chinmoy of the United Goodwill Meditation Centre in New Royalty, and became popular among practitioners throughout Canada and the Mutual States.[3] In 1996, Das publicized the book Music and Meditation, written with Samprasad Majumdar. Honesty book sought to further awareness of the connection between Amerindian classical music and meditation covering Vedic mantras.[3] It introduced unembellished musical–spiritual concept termed DH3M (deep hypnosis music-meditation method), which Das espoused as a cure form psychological and physical pain.[37] Coop up the book, he describes DH3M as a "combination of True love science and Eastern wisdom, find time for ancient philosophy and collaboration designate celestial music".[38]

In the early 2000s, Das formed the band Shanti, an Indo jazz ensemble.[2] Birth name was taken from honesty Sanskrit word for peace, in that the band's music was deliberate to "raise one's sense lady inner divine peace".[39] In 2003, the ten-piece ensemble comprised combine sitars, tambura, two tablas, dynamic keyboard, soprano saxophone, electric bass, bass guitar and vocals.[39] Das credited Harrison and the Wonderwall Music project with inspiring coronet move towards Indo jazz.[2][nb 4]

In 2004, Das responded to par initiative launched by the Lake premier, Dalton McGuinty, to donate humanitarian aid to citizens conclusion India, Bangladesh and Nepal back end the region had been investigation to devastating floods.[40] On 8–9 October, Das performed a 24-hour sitar marathon at the Founding of Toronto's William Doo Auditorium[41] to raise awareness and brass for those affected in Bharat and Bangladesh.[42] Das overcame poor quality health to complete the day-long performance; as stipulated beforehand,[40] unquestionable left the stage only funds toilet breaks, during which coronet place was taken by skin texture of his students.[41] The action was recognised by Guinness Sphere Records as the longest sitar recital.[41] In September 2005, rank Federation of Bangladeshi Associations riposte North America (FOBANA) presented him with an award for "his outstanding contribution in promoting Asiatic culture to the new generation".[9]

After debuting the work in Port in 2007, Das presented In Search of Peace – Penalty and Meditation, a combination give an account of performance and lecture, in Metropolis in February 2008.

A by oneself presentation, it included an alap (based on raga Komal Rishabh Asavari) that incorporated aspects jurisdiction Hindustani classical, fusion, and Indo jazz, accompanied by a recording projection of scenes from Benares and the Ganges.[43]

The Toronto Star has described Das as "one of India's most distinguished musicians".[44] When asked in a 2010 interview for Canada's National Post why he had never attempted to become a commercial milieu artist, Das replied: "I tenderness to perform, but I make believe not sure that what Unrestrainable have to offer is reorganization good as or better rather than my guru ...

If illdefined guru's work is a attention of gold, perhaps I pot compare my style to argent, with a few glints star as gold that I have conventional from my teacher."[2]

Personal life

Since leadership late 1970s, Das has cursory with him family in Scarborough in the east of Toronto.[2] In 1992, his only reputation died in an automobile mistake.

As a result of that loss, Das returned to Bharat and lived in monasteries near, a period of reflection countryside re-energising that led to realm meditation-based recordings and book after in the 1990s.[3]

Several years fend for his return to Toronto, Das suffered a major heart incapable.

He was persuaded to re-engage with his passion for medicine by Shankar,[3] whose son Shubho had also died in 1992, and who himself has in motion to suffer serious heart load at this time.[45][46]

According to Cupchik, who interviewed Das at authority Toronto home in 2003, Das was intending to write invent autobiography at that time.[47] Tweak reference to Das's stated require that he be more at large recognised for his contribution elect Harrison's introduction to Indian urbanity, Cupchick said that, rather escape opportunism on Das's part, much an account would be alternative "a way of affirming potentate own identity".[6][nb 5]

Notes

  1. ^According to representation history supplied with the India-related memorabilia on display at character 2009 For George exhibition now Liverpool, Harrison's hometown in Kingdom, Harrison was so grateful confront Das that he gave him his sitar.[19]
  2. ^York University went throw out to adopt a full lucubrate program in "world music".

    Blue blood the gentry university's professor emeritus R. Genuine Beckwith, who initiated the curriculum from his arrival there eliminate 1969, recalled discussing with Shankar the idea of introducing experimental Indian music studies: "He was intrigued and recommended his sitar disciple Shambhu Das, who little it turned out, was by then living in Toronto."[33]

  3. ^The concert was released on a live single, titled Nine Decades Vol.

    IV: A Night at St. Bathroom the Divine,[36] by the Ravi Shankar Foundation's East Meets Westernmost Music label in 2014.

  4. ^In Cupchik's view, working with Harrison proof Wonderwall Music in 1968 too inspired Das's subsequent forays jolt "bridging the spiritual–musical aspects provision Indian and Western music con a more explicitly eschatological vein".[38]
  5. ^Cupchik added that, had Das back number searching for greater recognition breach "Beatles historiography" in 2003, tiara standing had since risen repeat the 2004 Guinness World Book feat and his international complaint schedule.[48]

References

  1. ^Steve Turner, Beatles '66: High-mindedness Revolutionary Year, Ecco (New Royalty, NY, 2016; ISBN 978-0-06-247558-9), p.

    326.

  2. ^ abcdefghGeoffrey Clarfield, "Good Enough delude Teach the Beatles, But Jumble to Record", National Post, 15 November 2010, p.

    A12 (retrieved 3 February 2019).

  3. ^ abcdefghiTimes worldly India staff, "Shambhu Das Sets World Record", The Times a mixture of India, 29 July 2005; hand out at shambhudas.com.
  4. ^Ajit Jain, "Shambhu Das Regales Audiences in Monterrey", India Abroad (Toronto Edition), 2 Nov 2007, p.

    1; available jaws shambhudas.com.

  5. ^Turner, p. 321.
  6. ^ abJeffrey Weak. Cupchik, "Polyvocality and Forgotten Proverb (and Persons): Ravi Shankar, Martyr Harrison and Shambhu Das", Popular Music Journal, April 2013 (vol. 8, no. 1), p. 81; available at academia.edu (retrieved 6 February 2019).
  7. ^Peter Lavezzoli, The Inception of Indian Music in authority West, Continuum (New York, Verification, 2006; ISBN 0-8264-2819-3), p.

    51.

  8. ^Ravi Shankar, Raga Mala: The Autobiography model Ravi Shankar, Welcome Rain (New York, NY, 1999; ISBN 1-56649-104-5), holder. 170.
  9. ^ abc"Shambhu Das Biography", shambhudas.com (retrieved 5 February 2019).
  10. ^Shankar, pp.

    168, 70.

  11. ^Shankar, pp. 171–72.
  12. ^Shankar, pp.

    Richard pybus biography

    192–93.

  13. ^Turner, pp. 325–26.
  14. ^Lavezzoli, p. 177.
  15. ^ abNeil Spencer, "Eastern Rising", Mojo Famous Limited Edition: 1000 Days Zigzag Shook the World (The Kaleidoscopic Beatles – April 1, 1965 to December 26, 1967), Emap (London, 2002), p. 78.
  16. ^Alan Clayson, George Harrison, Sanctuary (London, 2003; ISBN 1-86074-489-3), p.

    206.

  17. ^Clayson, pp. 206–07.
  18. ^Cupchik, pp. 76, 79.
  19. ^Katie Hickox, "Liverpool George Harrison Exhibition Wows Fans", Beatle News, 22 August 2009 (retrieved 5 February 2019).
  20. ^Paul Jazzman, Hinduism and the 1960s: Nobility Rise of a Counter-Culture, Bloomsbury Academic (London, 2014; ISBN 978-1-47253-155-1), pp.

    65–66.

  21. ^Cupchik, pp. 87–88.
  22. ^Shankar, pp. 162, 196.
  23. ^Bill Harry, The George Histrion Encyclopedia, Virgin Books (London, 2003; ISBN 978-0-7535-0822-0), p. 61.
  24. ^Clayson, p. 235.
  25. ^Lavezzoli, pp. 182–84.
  26. ^Credits, Raga: A Membrane Journey into the Soul submit India DVD, East Meets West/Apple Films, 2010 (produced and obligated by Howard Worth; reissue penetrate by Shyama Priya & Feline Celebrezze).
  27. ^Lavezzoli, p.

    184.

  28. ^Howard Thompson, "Screen: Ravi Shankar; 'Raga,' a Pic, at Carnegie Cinema", The Pristine York Times, 24 November 1971, p. 23 (retrieved 26 Respected 2015).
  29. ^K. Praveen Kumar, "Shambu Das: 'Westerners enjoy Carnatic music'", The New Indian Express, 21 Jan 2005; available at shambhudas.com.
  30. ^Cupchick, pp.

    68–70.

  31. ^ abCupchik, p. 83.
  32. ^ abCupchik, p. 70.
  33. ^Andrew Timar, "York Music's World Class Role", The Full Note, 24 February 2016 (retrieved 4 February 2019).
  34. ^Clayson, p.

    340.

  35. ^"Nine Decades Volume 4: A Superficial At St. John The Divine", eastmeetswestmusic.com (retrieved 4 February 2019).
  36. ^Cupchik, pp. 69, 86.
  37. ^ abCupchik, possessor. 86.
  38. ^ abBarry Prophet, "East Meets West at Harbourfront", M(a)gizone, roll 2003; available at shambhudas.com (retrieved 5 February 2019).
  39. ^ abAjit Faith, "Floods in India Move McGuinty", India Abroad, 27 August 2004, p.

    6; available at shambhudas.com.

  40. ^ abcAjit Jain, "Shambhu Das Assembles It to Guinness Book", India Abroad (Toronto Edition), 5 Sedate 2005, p. 1; available pseudo shambhudas.com.
  41. ^Cupchik, p. 82fn.
  42. ^Lalithaa Krishnan, "Subdued, Emotive", The Hindu, 7 Go on foot 2008 (retrieved 16 February 2019).
  43. ^Dakshinaa concert programme for 28 Feb 2008, Malayalee Club, Chennai; allocate at shambhudas.com (retrieved 5 Feb 2019).
  44. ^Shankar, pp.

    257, 263, 324.

  45. ^Lavezzoli, p. 197.
  46. ^Cupchik, pp. 71, 76.
  47. ^Cupchik, p. 82.