While most of the classes offered at Bantaba were focused on dancing, many dance classes had life music provided as practice and performance for groups studying the music. Some drumming classes were also offered. Many renowned musicians from various cultures visited Bantaba and offered master classes and performances.
Kora (Senegal) & Tabla (North India) Music Recording
I studied and was familiar with the Kora, a 21-stringed West Africa instrument, as well as tabla drums common to the traditional music of North India. There are hints of historical influences between distinctive musics of these disparate regions. I recognized a kinship, especially in the rhythm patterns, of these two musics. A kora player from Senegal, Boubacar Diébaté, had become a local resident by means of a visa I sponsored. I had met a tabla player from north India, Vishal Nigar, in Seattle where he regularly visited with his mother, an accomplished kathak dancer, singer, and harmonium player. In 2003, I invited Vishal and Urmila to visit Colorado to collaborate with Boubacar on a multi-cultural creative music project. After several days of collaboration, the three did a live public performance which was recorded. The recording was then edited and produced as a CD. A few copies were printed for local distribution. I’ve always felt that this music should be more widely available. Here it is.
“Meetings Through Music” vol. 1. West Africa & North India
Boubacar Diébaté (Korafola), Vishal Nagar (Tabla virtuoso), Urmila Nagar (Vocal & Harmonium). Copyright 2003 Bantaba Artists, Bantaba World Dance & Music