Zhakir Hussein (tabla)

Attended 'Nirvana 2014' a republic day special concert of Zhakir Hussein (tabla), Louis Banks (piano), Shankar Mahadevan (vocal), Taufiq Qureshi (multiple purcussion instruments) and Niladri Kumar (sitar & zitar) at Madinat Arena, Dubai on 25th January 2014 with Aditi, Thangaokar family, Pooja, Prachi, Prakash, Vijay, Pawar and Raju. This was the second time I was witnessing live performance of 'The Legend' Zhakir.

Concert started with solo performance of Zhakirji. It's amazing to see him playing extremely difficult pieces effortlessly. Wherever his fingers danced, they created magic. Fabulous!!! This start set the tempo of the concert.

Then came an overture called 'dove' a joint performance by Zhakirji, Louis Bank, Niladri and Taufiqji. A section of this piece somehow reminded me of Mongo Santamaria's 'watermelon man'.

Zakir and Louis were joined by Shankar Mahadevan for next performance 'color of love' followed by 'shadows'. Shankar did not sing any song, he just recited the bols (बोल).

Next piece was called 747 by Louis, Toaufiq and Niladri on 'zitar' an instrument he invented by combining sitar and guitar To play fusion and western music. The instrument sounds different. Niladri's fingers fly!

Next piece was played by Louis, Niladri, Taufiq & Zhakir with spotlight on each one, one by one. Taufiqji played his signature vocal instrumental and was applauded multiple times. He also made audience to play rhythm (clap) with him.

Next performance was jugalbandi between Shankar and Zhakir. Started with south Indian classical and migrated to north Indian thumri composed by Zakirji (kori chunar mori..), jocularly dubbed as masala dosa + mutton biryani.

Next was a composition called 'Doors of desire' by Louis, Shankar, Zhakir and Taufiq.

Grand finale was brought up by all the artists performing together. This included 'breathless' of Shankar.

Program started almost one hour late. It was a very big hall, so the cosy atmosphere was missing. Sound system of Mujib Dadarkar was excellent.

Interestingly all five did not play simultaneously till the last piece. All the artists were so good (एक से एक) that it was difficult to choose the best performer. I would like to attend Niladri Kumar's solo concert. Shankar's voice was not at its best today.

Again I came out of the auditorium with a feeling that it was a fabulous concert but there was not enough of Zhakir Hussein.

An excellent concert. Rating 8.5/10.