Kolkata based tabla genius Pandit Tanmoy Bose, who has performed with the likes of Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Amjad Ali Khan recently released his new album ‘Baul N Beyond’. On this album Bose explores one of the most native forms of music.

To those who do not know about Baul music, bauls are a group of mystic minstrels from Bengal and constitute both a synergetic religious sect and have a strong musical tradition for spiritual expression. Baul music falls in the folk genre. In one word it is the Bengal version of Sufi music. The great poet Rabindranath Tagore was greatly influenced by one such Sufi / Baul saint Lalan Fakir.

Excerpts from an interview held recently.

In short, how would you define Baul music to a new comer to music?
Baul music falls in the folk genre. In one word it is the Bengal version of Sufi music. The great poet Rabindranath Tagore was greatly influenced by one such Sufi/ Baul saint Lalan Fakir. Folk music is the mother of all music.

Taal Tantra ......your band consists of musicians from all over the world (correct me if I am wrong), how did you get them into your band?
Taaltantra has been my platform of experimentation. Because of my extensive traveling I had the privilege of meeting musicians from all genres. Exchanging ideas made them interested in my project. Hence I invited them to collaborate and they readily agreed.

On the new album you have collaborated with new artists, how does this confluence come about?
All the musicians who played in the album are known to me for many years. As a matter of fact I have performed with all of them on many occasions.

Your album title Baul ‘n’ Beyond, goes further from Baul music. What are you trying to convey through the album?
The whole idea of this album is to create a language which is an extension of lyrics taken forward through instrumentation.

You also have added lyrics to your music, what do the lyrics convey?
As a matter of fact I tried to use the words and the songs as a form of instrumentation. I deliberately broke the conventional interlude/prelude concept. I want the listeners to grow with music.

Can you tell us something on the making of the album and working with all these artists?
Making of this album has been a learning process for me also. It took me days to design each track. I was careful and wanted to create new sounds and designs for each track. The meaning of the songs helped me structure the mood of each number. I had great time in my long recording sessions sharing moments of great music.

You have fused Jazz, Indian classical music on this album gelling with lyrics of Sufi Saint Lalan Fakir. What are you trying to achieve?
I want to convey the message of music coming full circle. I do not believe in compartmentalizing music. I want to achieve a level as a musician where my language will be taken as a parameter of good music.

Have you done any work for Bollywood, if yes explain.
I have not yet scored for bollywood. But my first film score ‘ANURANAN’ which was dubbed in hindi got National Award. Since then I have worked only on one film ‘DHAKI’(Life of a Drummer). My performance schedule keeps me busy through out the year.

What about foreign collaborations........with artist abroad and playing on their albums......?
I have recorded with many musicians on their project. However I prefer to work on my projects. Off course I have performed with many artists on stage, live.

Can you tell us how you came to be a musician....starting from your childhood?
My parents wanted me to learn music. It is a tradition in Bengal to get initiated in some form of art I started as a vocalist, even though I learnt tabla at the same time. But later I persuaded just tabla. I have also learned the techniques of some latin percussions from my German friend Andreas Weisser.

What does the future hold for you?
For any musicians I think it is an life long journey. -A quest to get better with expression. Off course you learn everyday. I want to be remembered as a musician and composer of depth and substance.

Which is your favorite place to play a concert? What is the response you get from people?
I had been very lucky to have played in every corner of the world. Auditoriums from Carnegie Hall, Albert Hall, Disney Hall, Champ du Elessees you name it. I think I am happy and comfortable in performing in every city in the world I went. Good music will always prevail. Audience everywhere appreciates good music

Interviewed by Verus Ferreira