About
Growing up in Kolkata my musical exploration began with the tabla and then continued with other instruments. We formed a legendary band, Moheener Ghoraguli, India’s pioneer folk-rock band. In 1980 -- when Moheener Ghoraguli was invited to perform during the Kolkata International Jazz Festival, sharing the stage with Mingus Dynasty Orchestra and Rena Rama Quartet --- I switched from cello to double bass, which is what I play today.
My past as an environmental economist is not irrelevant to my life journey as musical performer and composer. Jazz celebrates the creativity and beauty that our world, for all of its dilemmas and challenge, makes available to us. Music gives a voice to our deepest longings and appreciations. I love being part of that, bringing a community together – Kolkata, New York City, and everywhere else I’ve performed.
My musical influences include Gautam Chattopadhyay, Nikhil Banerjee, John Coltrane, and also teachers Jean-Pierre André, Johannes Weidenmueller and Ron Carter. I’ve learned a great deal from the musicians I’ve played with, notably Bishop Norman Williams, Henry Irvin, Donald 'Duck' Bailey, Roy Hargrove and learned also from our audiences worldwide. I have performed in U.S. venues including the San Francisco Jazz Festival, Samoa Music Festival, the Museum of Modern Art --- and abroad in Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Greece, and Armenia.
