Bhawalkar’s exploration of Bhimpalasi is intense. He plunges into the lower notes and glides to the higher notes during the alap and jod, discovering intricate patterns at the end of each phrase. The melody is developed through jhala in a leisurely manner, touching both the octaves and packing it simultaneously with ample microtones. The recital is concluded with a Dhrupad composition. Sukhvinder Singh is an effective and flamboyant team-player as usual, as he gives accompaniment with the jori.

Bhawalkar is a leading dhrupad singer. As a teenager he trained at the Dhrupad Kendra in Bhopal, and now follows the dagarvani style of his later gurus - Zia Fariduddin Dagar and Zia Mohiuddin Dagar. In 1987 he was awarded a gold medal by Nasir Aminuddin Dagar, one of the senior Dagar brothers, kick-starting an acclaimed performance career. In 1992 he helped establish the Veena Foundation in memory of Zia, aiming to promote dhrupad and to give scholarships to economically challenged students.

Sukhvinder Singh (affectionately known as ‘Pinky’) is a singular percussionist, specialising in low-tuned tabla and jori. Hailing from the Punjab, his first musical immersions were in dholak and pakhawaj, playing traditional Sikh devotional music. His style is deeply influenced by the Punjab and Benares gharanas. His career has featured accompaniment slots with Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Vilayat Khan, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, and other leading Hindustani instrumentalists. He is a charismatic performer and teacher, dedicated to bringing the tabla to audiences around the world.

Uday Bhawalkar (dhrupad)
Sukhvinder Singh (jori)
Raag Bhimpalasi