"Mahanthappa displays a visceral tone and a grab-you-by-the-collar attack that dares the listener to turn away. [A] talent to keep a steady eye on." - The New Yorker

"The Music of Kadri Gopalnath would make a stone melt and he can do anything with the bass [register] except eat it." - The Illustrated Weekly, India

With two masters of the alto saxophone at the helm --Kadri Gopalnath, a living legend of South Indian Carnatic music and Rudresh Mahanthappa, a fiercely innovative Indian American jazz musician -- the Dakshina Ensemble stands to make a contribution to modern music that bears no precedent. While both are improvising musicians with ties to South India and play alto saxophone, the similarities and differences in how they approach their respective traditions are complex and intriguing. The body of work created by these co-composers highlights the multi-faceted intricacies and intersections of Jazz and Carnatic music- a sound that clearly transcends the label of "Indo-Jazz fusion!"

Commissioned work and USA Tour produced by the Asia Society

Co-sponsored with Magic Triangle Jazz Series and FAC Director's Office

Media Gallery

Artist's Website

Media Gallery

Artist's Website