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Stephen
James is one of the rare occidental
musicians who has mastered the
Sarod. This wonderful instrument,
a 25 string fretless member of
the lute or guitar family, has
been described by Yehudi Menhuin
as the most beautiful and most
difficult instrument in the world. |
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One of the most brilliant Sarod players
of his generation, Stephen James, the
major Sarod disciple of Pandit Ravi
Shankar in the west, brings a fresh,
innovative approach to Sarod playing
as well as displaying a remarkable mastery
of traditional Sarod elements, such
as Bol Tans, Ekhari Tans, Toras, and,
his speciality, Layakari.
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Born in New York in 1956, he
began violin and guitar as a
child. Then, in 1973, he began
to study in the traditional
Indian manner with the late
Shri Vasant Rai, Disciple of
Baba Ustad Allaudin Khan (Guru
of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and
Pandit Ravi Shankar) and teacher
at Baba's school in Maihar.
In 1983 he began to study from
Pandit Ravi Shankar, from whom
he received Khas Talim (Special
training), and from whom he
continues to study with to this
day.
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An international
artist, Stephen James has received
high praise for his recitals
in India, Europe, and America.
He has performed with many top
tabla players, such as Anindo
Chatterjee (with whom he has
recorded), Zakir Hussain, Shankar
Chatterji, Fazal Quereshi, Prabhu
Eduoard, and the excellent western
tabla players Raimund Engelhardt
and Ray Spiegel, as well as
the Kathak legend Sitara Devi
and the famous American poet
Robert Bly.
REVIEWS
"Showed immense maturity
in the exposition of the Rag
while his handling
of the instrument was most remarkable"
Hindustan Times
"Stephen James' achievement
in Indian music is outstanding
gentle
grace interspersed with sudden
flights of spontanaity a tranquil,
unhurried pace. "
Times of India
"....Pandit Ravi Shankar's
mark on his style was unmistakable..."
Statesman-New Delhi
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