Singing Strings of the East and West
Chris Votek is an acclaimed cellist and producer living and breathing music in Los Angeles. A disciple of the legendary Indian violinist Dr. N. Rajam, he is one of the only cellists in the world performing Gaayaki-Ang, vocal style Hindustani raga. His ceaseless curiosity and devotion to musical traditions from around the world have guided him along a musical path that is perpetually branching out, his compositions are a conversation between the East and the West. He has collaborated with Ustad Zakir Hussain, Julia Holter, Kala Ramnath, The Silk Road Ensemble, Homayoun Shajarian, The Marias, Kamasi Washington, Father John Misty, WildUp, and many more.
Kamaljeet Ahluwalia is part of the new wave of Asian musicians emerging from the UK. She began her training at the age of 7 under Sitar Maestro Dharambir Singh (MBE). She continued her studies with Santoor Maestro Harjinderpal Singh and is currently under the tutelage of legendary Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma. She uses her Indian classical roots to walk an innovative path on the Santoor, a rare and exquisite hammered dulcimer/zither that can simultaneously explore vast sublime melodies and intricate detailed rhythmic patterns.
American-born Jas Ahluwalia studied the illustrious Tabla under the world renowned Ustad Tari Khan. Jas has learnt the Tabla in the traditional Ustad/Shagird relationship which entails a deep bond between master and disciple. Entrenched in the classical mode of training, he is utterly conversant in a variety of genres and is a favorite accompanist among touring musicians and an accomplished solo Tabla artist.