Podcast Summary: "Remembering Tabla Prodigy Zakir Hussain"
Podcast Information:
- Title: All Of It
- Host: Alison Stewart
- Episode Title: Remembering Tabla Prodigy Zakir Hussain
- Release Date: December 19, 2024
- Description: A tribute to the legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, exploring his illustrious career, his contributions to Indian classical music, and his influence on global musical collaborations.
Introduction and Tribute
[00:17] Alison Stewart:
Alison Stewart opens the episode by acknowledging the recent losses in the music world, including the passing of Zakir Hussain due to chronic lung disease at age 73. She highlights Hussain's status as a child prodigy from Mumbai, lauded as the greatest tabla player of his generation. The introduction sets the stage for an in-depth conversation with Hussain, recorded in October 2024, just two months before his passing.
Notable Quote:
"2024 saw the loss of many musicians including Quincy Jones, Cissy Houston, Phil Les, Kris Kristofferson, and this past Sunday, the Grammy Award winning tabla player Zak, who passed away from chronic lung disease at the age of 73."
— Alison Stewart [00:17]
Understanding the Tabla and Its Role in Music
[01:11] Zakir Hussain:
Hussain elaborates on the distinction between Western drummers and the tabla in Indian music. He explains that while Western drummers often serve as solo performers and band leaders, the tabla functions both as an accompanying instrument and as a solo instrument with a rich repertoire developed over 300 years. He emphasizes the tabla's versatility in harmonizing with various drum types and its ability to provide both harmonic and rhythmic elements.
Notable Quote:
"One thing about tabla is that it's an instrument that lends itself well to being able to fit in with technical abilities of any other drums... it allows for that harmonic experience as well as a rhythmic experience."
— Zakir Hussain [01:11]
[03:03] Zakir Hussain:
Discussing improvisation, Hussain draws parallels between Indian classical music and jazz. He notes that while jazz improvises over a set of chords, Indian music improvises over a single melodic raga, fostering a different yet complementary form of spontaneous creativity.
Notable Quote:
"In Indian music you set up a melody in a raga mode like say one chord. And then the whole song is based in that one chord more melodic form as opposed to a harmonic form."
— Zakir Hussain [03:03]
Early Life and Musical Foundations
[03:35] Zakir Hussain:
Hussain recounts his early introduction to rhythm through the "kanakal," a traditional method where rhythmic patterns are sung and exchanged like a conversation. This foundational practice ingrained in him the importance of storytelling and emotional expression in music, distinguishing the tabla from other percussion instruments.
Notable Quote:
"We learn it as a language. And so when we play we think about it as something that we are telling. It's a story, it's a happening."
— Zakir Hussain [03:41]
Grammy Achievements and Collaborations
[05:18] Alison Stewart:
Stewart congratulates Hussain on his three Grammy wins earlier in the year, acknowledging his ongoing influence and success in the global music scene.
[05:27] Zakir Hussain:
Hussain humbly attributes his success to collaborations with other talented musicians, mentioning his 50-year partnership with John McLaughlin in the band Shakti and his recent work with banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck.
Notable Quote:
"I ended up connecting with some incredible musicians and, and, and, and, and you ride on their shoulders."
— Zakir Hussain [05:27]
Creating Award-Winning Music During the Pandemic
[07:10] Zakir Hussain:
Hussain shares the story behind the creation of the album that won the Best Global Music Album. Amid the pandemic, he and John McLaughlin exchanged musical ideas remotely, utilizing digital tools to collaborate. The project culminated in a live recording in Monte Carlo, encapsulating their five-decade-long musical journey.
Notable Quote:
"We were sitting in our own little homes dealing with the Pandemic and just kind of talking with each other, connecting... That's how the album was born."
— Zakir Hussain [07:10]
Exploring Cultural Fusion in Music
[09:03] Zakir Hussain:
Discussing his Grammy-winning track "Pashto," Hussain explains its homage to his father's friend who blended Northern Indian folk music with Celtic influences. He highlights the historical cultural exchanges between British military musicians and Indian folk traditions, showcasing music's power to transcend social and political barriers.
Notable Quote:
"Even at that time, with such violence around us, there were these musicians who crossed over all those hindrances and made music together that had something positive to say."
— Zakir Hussain [09:03]
The Art of Listening in Music
[10:28] Zakir Hussain:
Hussain emphasizes the critical role of active listening in musical improvisation. He shares an anecdote involving David Niven and Charlie Chaplin to illustrate that true musical conversation depends on attentive listening, allowing each musician to contribute meaningfully without overshadowing others.
Notable Quote:
"If you are not listening, you're not aware of the conversation. In improvised form of music, that is an essential part."
— Zakir Hussain [11:35]
Mentorship and the Evolution of Music
[13:38] Zakir Hussain:
Highlighting the importance of tradition, Hussain observes that modern musicians adeptly blend ancestral musical forms with contemporary innovations. He praises the younger generation's confidence in maintaining traditional integrity while embracing progressive elements, fostering a dynamic and evolving musical landscape.
Notable Quote:
"The young people of today realize the importance of tradition... making it acceptable in present day or even in the future, and still maintaining the facade that has been laid out before us hundreds of years ago."
— Zakir Hussain [13:38]
Learning from Younger Generations
[15:02] Zakir Hussain:
Hussain expresses gratitude for the support and inspiration drawn from younger musicians. Their fresh perspectives and enthusiasm reinforce his commitment to his craft, ensuring the continuity and relevance of Indian classical music.
Notable Quote:
"It gives me confidence to be able to keep doing what I'm doing and to have that support from the youngsters."
— Zakir Hussain [15:02]
Cross-Cultural Collaborations in Film
[15:21] Alison Stewart:
Stewart introduces a segment featuring director Dev Patel discussing his collaboration with Hussain for the film "Monkey Man."
[15:41] Dev Patel:
Patel describes his inspiration to incorporate the tabla into the film, aiming to blend Indian classical music with cinematic storytelling. He envisions a dynamic interplay between Hussain's tabla and his own musical creations, enhancing the film's cultural depth.
Notable Quote:
"You're gonna speak to me with your instrument and help me tune mine. And, and, then it's gonna kind of explode and get bigger and bigger."
— Dev Patel [15:41]
The Universality of Percussion and Modern Connectivity
[17:02] Zakir Hussain:
Hussain reflects on how modern technology fosters global musical exchanges, making diverse cultural expressions more accessible. He explains that instruments like the tabla can metaphorically connect with universally recognized elements, such as characters from popular culture, enhancing cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
Notable Quote:
"The young people understand that the acceptance of what somebody does in Japan or in Indonesia or in India, in Africa, in any part of the world is now a natural progress in being able to speak it, speak that language in a universal form."
— Zakir Hussain [17:02]
Legacy and Mentorship Through Generations
[18:26] Zakir Hussain:
Hussain discusses his long-term collaboration with Rahul Sharma's father, a pivotal mentor in his early career. Continuing this legacy, he works with Rahul Sharma, appreciating the fresh perspectives and challenges brought by younger musicians. This intergenerational collaboration fuels his creativity and keeps his musical journey vibrant.
Notable Quote:
"It keeps the fire burning and keeps things more present and more fun."
— Zakir Hussain [18:26]
Continued Evolution and Adaptation
[19:47] Zakir Hussain:
Addressing the ever-evolving nature of music, Hussain acknowledges that today's musicians integrate diverse global influences, pushing the boundaries of traditional forms. This continuous innovation keeps him engaged and motivated, ensuring that his music remains relevant and dynamic.
Notable Quote:
"When I played with Ravi Shankar... things have changed since then. Sit down and stay current with so many layers of incredible harmonic influences... keeps me on my toes."
— Zakir Hussain [19:47]
Closing Remarks and Live Performance
[21:13] Alison Stewart:
Stewart concludes the interview with heartfelt gratitude to Zakir Hussain, acknowledging his monumental contributions to music. She announces that listeners will soon hear Hussain's live performance in the WNYC studios.
[22:42] Alison Stewart:
The episode closes with Hussain's live performance of "Dunkir Hua" with Rahul Sharma, showcasing his enduring virtuosity and emotional depth.
Performance Highlight: "Dunkir Hua" with Rahul Sharma
[23:52] Zakir Hussain Performing:
Hussain delivers a mesmerizing rendition of "Dunkir Hua," collaborating with Rahul Sharma. The performance exemplifies the seamless blend of tradition and innovation, capturing the essence of their musical synergy.
Conclusion:
This episode of All Of It serves as a profound homage to Zakir Hussain, celebrating his legacy and exploring the intricate tapestry of Indian classical music. Through engaging discussions and evocative performances, Alison Stewart offers listeners an insightful glimpse into Hussain's artistic journey, his dedication to tradition, and his role in fostering global musical dialogues.
Additional Resources:
- Performance Video: To watch Zakir Hussain's performance of "Dunkir Hua" with Rahul Sharma, visit newsounds.org.
- Related Interview: For more insights, explore John's interview with Zakir Hussain available on Newsounds.