FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT
KARSH KALE

March 29, 2017 | by Rusty Aceves

Karsh Kale

A pioneer of the “Asian Massive” club scene, tabla player and composer Karsh Kale has collaborated with musicians including Herbie Hancock, Dave Douglas, Lenny Kravitz, Yoko Ono, Ravi Shankar, and others. Here are five things to know about this prolific artist.

1. Described as “a visionary composer and producer by Billboard, Kale is, by far, one of the most versatile and inclusive artists in the world of “global fusion,” mixing Indian classical music, electronica, jazz, and hip-hop. He has performed in settings ranging from a White House performance for President Obama to a George Harrison tribute concert including Alicia Keys Norah Jones, and the Black Keys. 
2. After self-releasing his debut E.P. Classical Science Fiction From India and touring with legendary electronica artist DJ Spooky, he Kale was signed to San Francisco’s Six Degrees Records, making him the first Indo-American artist signed to a solo record contract in the U.S. 
3. He co-led and produced the acclaimed 2007 album Breathing Under Water with fellow Season 5 artist Anoushka Shankar, featuring guests Norah Jones, Sting, and Ravi Shankar 
4. Kale contributed to maverick producer and bassist Bill Laswell’s landmark 2000 album Tabla Beat Science with fellow musicians Zakir Hussain, Trilok Gurtu, Ustad Sultan Khan, and DJ Disk. The group mounted an extensive world tour, releasing a live DVD filmed at San Francisco’s Stern Grove Festival. 
5. In addition to work as a performer, he has an established career as a soundtrack composer, contributing scores to crossover and Bollywood films including Indian Cowboy, Chutney Popcorn, and Ocean of Pearls. His music has also been featured in the HBO series True Blood.