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By NAOMI ZWOLINSKI
Staff Writer

This particular article is about a group of musicians and dancers that are neither new nor independent in nature, but rather quite well established in both the GTA as well as internationally. Their music is somewhat of a specific genre but I was so taken aback that I wanted to introduce them to a demographic here at Soundline that might not have otherwise been interested.

The instrument is a drum of sorts called a tabla. It's a set of two drums actually and is used in classical North Indian music but has this sonorous beat that is quite spiritual and calming. It's funny to use the word calming in the same sentence as a percussive instrument, but you would be truly surprised at how very much this makes total sense when you see them execute their style. I found myself in tears from the performance alone because it just had such spiritual undertones in its very nature and the dance that accompanies it or the lyrical songstress that was there when I saw them are all just magical.

This group combines such diverse music and dance from around the globe that I would be surprised to hear that people from all ages couldn't find something to relate to in it. I am talking about a Toronto group called The Toronto Tabla Ensemble. My dear friend Ritesh Das is the founder and artistic director of the group that has studied the tabla with gurus from both India and the United States. Ritesh has also toured across Canada and the United States with a sundry of singers and bands.

Noted as one of the best tabla players in the world, Ritesh plays the tabla like it's more of an extension of his own hands and fingers than an actual instrument. He plays as if he were all alone in the room with only his soul to guide him ... it truly is a spiritual experience that I think everyone should encounter. When he directs the other students/musicians, they too are entranced with his style and masterful ways. He's such a personable soul that the group has astounded audiences from varied musical backgrounds around the world.

For those of you that are up early enough to catch the morning news program on CBC radio, you will have been given a taste of the Toronto Tabla Ensemble because they recorded a musical interlude for the series. Although short in length, it gives you the idea of what they are about in a very small sense. They have also played at folk, jazz and art festivals and have appeared on television and have even done their music video.

They currently have 6 CD's that can be purchased on-line from their website www.tablaensemble.com. This is also where sound clips of the amazing group can be heard. They have many glowing reviews from all over the place that give much kudos to both Ritesh and the group combined.

They have a section where their performance schedule can be seen and I encourage each and every one of you to expand your musical palette and check out the website and get out to see The Toronto Tabla Ensemble. You won't soon forget it and I believe your life will be enriched because of the experience.