Hailing from a background that reverberates with the taal of the tabla, music has been Fazal Qureshi's natural inheritance. PT got in conversation with him while he was in town to do a concert for a nobel cause. He has been practicing music since his childhood. Under the guidance of his Guru and father the great tabla maestro, Late Ustad Alla Rakha Qureshi, Fazal has developed a unique style. And, now what does he feel about the today’s age percussionist? He says, “Lot of various instruments has happened thanks to globalisation. Lots of fusion music has come to India and it is easily available in the form of CD’s, internet, etc. SO, people are aware of the global music. But, it is for a limited period. One has to have the proper foundation, for example table, you have to go and learn the basics of it to go ahead and do more on it. I feel lot of intake has happened.”
Fazal has expanded his horizons by being involved with other styles of music across the globe. He is an expert in Hindustani classical, western classical, jazz, rock and world music. So, how diversifying is the field of music? To that he says, “I feel music is going through a metamorphosis. The classical music has become fast and quick now. Everyone wants to hear everything fast. They don’t have that patience and concentration span, so it caters well to the younger audiences.”
The legacy he has been carrying for so many years needs a lot of hard work and effort. How does he manage to keep the tradition alive for younger musicians or artistes? To that he replies, “Lots of people come and learn tabla from us in our institute in Mumbai. I see lots of potential in them and encourage them, but there are other things where music takes a back seat. If at all person is interested, s/he is restricted by so many other things like peer pressure, parents pressure etc, that stops them from pursuing their dream. So, it is very difficult to do two things at a time. You have to make your choice.”
Having performed in many parts of the world, does he have any fond memories and also if has thought to perform for Broadway? Smiles and says, “There is one snooty club in Mumbai. It was made during the British time. I was apprehensive performing for the audience. The way they were enjoying my music - young, old was amazing. I did my own interpretation of Vande Matram. I gave a whole spectrum of music starting from classical, folk, percussion, fusion and a lot of variety was happening on stage which they appreciated. And, about Broadway. I never really thought, but I am sure it is an interesting prospect.
After exhibiting the unique sense of music all around the world, how mature are the people of Pune for the kind of music you are playing today? “Pune has grown out to be a multi-cultural city leave alone being the cultural capital of India. As there have been a wide variety of music shows happening in the city, over the years, I feel my kind of music will appeal to them. The base is classical, so am sure they will love it,” says he. Finally he signs off, asking the reading to listen to the music, especially classical music. as everything is begins with a classical base.
