Jimmy Bombay J

Now Seeking

Vocalist - General, Rhythm Guitar, Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums, Other Percussion, Violin, Saxophone, Keyboard, Piano, Harmonica, Flute, Mandolin, Fiddle, Dobro, Cello.

About

TABLA - paired hand drums that are the primary percussion instrument of North Indian classical music, semi-classical music, dance and solo performances. Comprising of a Bayan (left hand bass drum) and Tabla (also called "Dayan", right hand-pitched treble drum), the instrument is capable of producing a variety of distinct tonal and percussive sounds covering the gamut from low growling inflections to staccato, torrential flurries to bell-like tones. The right hand drum is one of the only two drums in the world (both North Indian) capable of producing an accurate pitch with no conflicting overtones. Using combination of pressure and moving strokes varies the pitch of the left hand Bayan drum.

You hear Tabla in World music, Jazz, and of course Indian Classical, but NO ONE uses Tabla in Pop Music today. Why? Because (generally) not many Indian musicians know from Rock to Motown, and not many Pop, Rock, Acoustic, Folk, Funk, Dance, Blues, Hard Rock, Hip Hop or R&B Artists (plus many Producers in these styles) don't know about Tabla, or are familiar with Tabla's unique sound, or know how to execute the intricate rhythms (even the electronic samples of Tabla), and therefore, don't know how Tabla can compliment their music. Also consider that many artists don't know the Rhythm Language of Tabla (the rhythmic phrases are like sentences called "Bols" in Indian music), and each spoken word (Bol) match's the different notes and pitches of Tabla's sound. Tabla is an incredible "melodic" percussive instrument, and is like no other percussion instrument in the world.

HERE'S THE FACTS: Indian Classical Music has the most complex rhythmic system of any music in the world. Also consider Tabla is the most difficult instrument in the world to play (next to the violin), as the art of "playing" Tabla requires 15 to 20 years to master! So many Indian Tabla drummers "Masters" who studied and improvised Classical Ragas all their life, have no desire to play rock, pop or funk, etc., (it's not challenging or "spontaneous" enough for them), as most Indian Master's prefer performing and improvising to their amazing centuries old Classical Ragas, which is "their Art".

My DISTINCTION is my ability to blend Tabla's unique sound with any musical style (i.e., pop, rock, folk, acoustic, funk, R&B, dance, etc.). I am a Professional American Tabla player. I've toured with Major Acts Internationally, I've worked as a session musician for EMI, recording at Abbey Road Studios, among many other Legendary International recording studios and Production companies. I've had many years of exciting, challenging, and enjoyable musical experiences, having played with many talented Major Artists from around the world. I am a creative, melodic minded percussive musician, with a songwriting background. I like to improvise and can pick up on anything new quickly. I'm available for studio session work, and "live" performances including touring situations.

Influences

All the creative genius Composers throughout History, in any musical style.

Equipment List

I have Tabla's in all keys (as Tabla is tuned to the Key of the song), and all my Tabla's have a beautiful sweet distinctive tone. Both Tabla drums (Dayan & Bayan) are collectively called "Tabla". The right hand drum is called the "Dayan" and is made of the highest quality Shisham Rosewood shell. The "Bayan" (the left hand Bass drum) are made of heavy metal shells of different weights. Each Tabla (Dayan & Bayan) have goat skin drum heads, with a round black dot "Gab" (made of gum paste and iron fillings) on the center of the skins to provide open sustaining and closing of notes, and to also provide excellent tone. The black dot which was put on the plastic skin heads on drum kits that became popular in the 1970's, this black dot was on Tabla's centuries ago. When Tabla's are miked, their sound can range from soft bells for Folk music, to a sweet smooth sexy tone for Funk & R&B, to a metalic metal sound harder than Rock. Tabla can enhance and compliment any style of music. Bring a new dimension to your music with Tabla.

I also play Roland's HandSonic (played with finger tips (similar to playing Tabla) but on small pads). The HandSonic has 14 full Drum Kits, as well as every percussion instrument in the world (from African, Asian, Latin, Indian, Dance, to Orchestral, and all Electronic effects, etc).

My Tabla Stage Platform takes up less then 3 ft Sq. (16" high) and folds down in half for easy travel. I have all necessary equipment from quality mike's for stereo Panning, and Amps for Tabla and the HandSonic. I also have a complete vintage Voice of The Theatre PA system, with accompanying gear.

An interesting aspect about Tabla is in "live" performance, as Tabla brings curiosity, surprise, amazement, and Entertains audiences, as most people are not familiar with the Tabla's "look" or it's unique sound, as well as the Fingering movement when Tabla is played.

Be creative, add a unique percussive ingredient to enhance your sound. Any genre is welcomed. I prefer serious inquires, however, I will consider any interesting musical situation. Contact Jimmy at: PolySutra at hotmail dot com