EPK
Bio:
Sandeep Das (tabla) & Mike Block (cello/vocals) are a dynamic, cross-genre duo that originally met as members of Yo-Yo Ma’s Grammy Award-winning Silkroad Ensemble. Featuring a combination of the Tabla: a pair of Indian drums used in Hindustani Classical Music, Cello: a bowed string instrument used in European Classical Music, as well as Vocals: both rhythmic and melodic, this energetic duo has been performing since 2013, sharing their music throughout America and India via tours and residencies, and even on the stage of Carnegie Hall. Their debut album includes compositions from Western Classical and North Indian Hindustani traditions, adaptations of music from around the world, and several of their own original compositions.
Press Quotes:
“Raw, organic, eclectic and soulful dialogue”
— JAZZIZ
"never before has such an unorthodox pair of instruments sounded so deeply powerful."
— NPR/WBUR
“an extraordinary variety of sounds, moods and styles from just twin Indian hand drums and a cello.”
— Gramophone Magazine/Songlines
"a unique project by two imaginative, talented, and spiritually connected musicians that will stir the heart and mind. Both players have an excellent musical understanding and fluidity that combines into a beautiful sound."
— Staccatofy
"their journey of musical discovery seamlessly traverses a myriad of traditions and cultures to create something that is both respectful and innovative."
— I Care If You Listen
“Breathless … half dance, half dare”
— NY Times
“… truly is a stunning piece of work. Listening to the record is like watching two of the top dancers in the world perform for you in an empty room where you are the only audience. What’s captured here sounds like nothing else out there today and should be heard by as many people as possible.” — WeAllWantSomeone.org
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Individual Bios:
Celebrated as a “creator of myths with Houdini-like skills” (The Sydney Morning Herald, Australia), Sandeep Das is one of the leading Indian Tabla virtuosos in the world today. Recipient of the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship and disciple of the legendary Pt. Kishan Maharaj ji of the Banaras Gharana, he debuted at the age of 17 with renowned Sitar maestro Pt. Ravi Shankar ji and went on to lead a prolific international career that now spans more than three decades. He has collaborated with top musicians and ensembles from across the globe such as Yo-Yo Ma , Paquito D’Rivera, Bobby McFerrin, and iconic orchestras like the New York Philharmonic, among others.
Das’ music projects sit at the crucible of ancient tradition and modern innovation. His original compositions have been performed in over 50 countries at venues like China’s Forbidden City Concert Hall, Australia’s Sydney Opera House, and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California, enchanting audiences worldwide with a “roadmap for irresistible aural adventures” (Downbeat Magazine, USA). Driven by a vision for a brighter future, Das is the founder of two nonprofit organizations: the Layālaya Arts Initiative in the United States and Harmony and Universality through Music (HUM) in India. He is also an active public speaker, and has presented at multiple conferences and university residencies. To learn more about him, please visit www.sandeepdas.com.
Mike Block is a pioneering cello player, singer, composer, and educator, hailed by Yo- Yo Ma as the "ideal musician of the 21st-Century". Mike is member of Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Ensemble (SRE), having joined in 2005 while a student at The Juilliard School. Touring extensively throughout the world with SRE, he has been featured as cello and vocal soloist, contributed arrangements and compositions, and earned a Grammy Award in 2017 for their album, Sing Me Home. As an innovator, Mike is among the first wave of cellists to adopt a strap in order to stand and move while playing. With The Block Strap, Mike was the first standing cellist to perform at Carnegie Hall. The NY Times characterized the performance as, "Breathless ... Half dance, half dare." As an educator, Mike is passionate about creativity and collaboration, and is the founding director of Silkroad’s Global Musician Workshop, and the Mike Block String Camp.
