“We make bridges, not barriers. This is what the world requires”, says Trilok Gurtu – a name already known in Timişoara. Six years ago, he filled to the brim the Concert Hall at Ion Vidu High School, and the same thing happened thereafter at the Palace Hall in Bucharest.

In the early 70′s, a young Indian was waiting for the reply of the famous Berkeley Academy of Music in America. “Rejected” called the verdict – one that only managed to convince the artist that America wasn’t good enough for him. He came to Europe, and started an impressive story here: “I wanted with all my heart to get to play like a true American percussionist, but God has arranged things so that I only play like Trilok Gurtu. Not to resemble anybody else”, says our Indian.

World-class percussionist, Trilok Gurtu has attracted numerous musicians who wanted to work with him over the years: John McLaughlin, Joe Zawinul, Jan Garbarek, Don Cherry, Bill Evans, Pharoah Sanders, Dave Holland, Neneh Cherry, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Pat Metheny, Gilberto Gil, David Gilmour. These are just a few of those who were bewitched by the burning sense of the rhythm that Trilok posesses.

Deeply rooted in Indian tradition, Trilok Gurtu manages to create rhythms that make tens of thousands of people worldwide stand up. Appointed for five years the best percussionist in the world, this Indian has an impressive C.V.: appearances on 126 albums, 54 compilations, five DVDs and his music is given as an example in two books on percussion performance . His solo albums have shocked and fascinated at the same time. Trilok Gurtu managed to bring into spotlight India’s musical breath, to stirr sensation in Western music and combine everything with flamenco, African, Brazilian or Chinese rhythms.

www.trilokgurtu.net
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