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David Dalle
Thursday August 22nd, 2024 with David Dalle
Guest Hindustani pianist Utsav Lal joins me to discuss his unique career and his new album.

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"Hindustani pianist" should be an oxymoron, but pianist Utsav Lal has forged an unexpected musical path, developing a brilliant, unique piano technique in order to play Hindustani classical music on this most ill-suited of instruments. His performances are breathtaking and after releasing three beautiful "Raga Shorts" in the past three years, I asked him if he would be releasing a "Raga Long". Ask and you shall receive! He has just released "Raga Bhimpalasi", which is a full, hour-long, recording of Rag Bhimpalasi with alap-jod-jhala followed by two compositions. This album is a dream!
Utsav Lal joins me to discuss his music and new album.
https://utsavlal.bandcamp.com/album/raga-bhimpalasi
Raga Bhimpalasi: Alap
Utsav Lal & Tejas Tope - Raga Bhimpalasi - Independent New
Raga Bhimpalasi: Jod, Jhala
Utsav Lal & Tejas Tope - Raga Bhimpalasi - Independent New
Raga Bhimpalasi: Gat in vilambit teental
Utsav Lal & Tejas Tope - Raga Bhimpalasi - Independent New
Raga Bhimpalasi: Gat in drut teental
Utsav Lal & Tejas Tope - Raga Bhimpalasi - Independent New
Following with more instruments crossing traditions with Derek Gripper and Ballaké Sissoko's new self-titled album, another gorgeous, stunning release! Superlatives are all I have for the music today!
Koortjie
Derek Gripper & Ballake Sissoko - Derek Gripper & Ballake Sissoko - Matsuli New
A new album from Nova Scotian based composer Amy Brandon, featuring compositions for different instruments, today we hear her "Threads" for string trio.
Threads
Amy Brandon/Chartreuse Trio - Lysis - New Focus Recordings Canadian New
Koye Ye Yan
Derek Gripper & Ballake Sissoko - Derek Gripper & Ballake Sissoko - Matsuli New
Interactive CKCU
PeterB
(Sneak peeking.) Welcome and greetings Utsav Lal! i am REALLY looking forward to this! Even though, as often for me, i will not be able to catch much 'live' today. It will certainly get a concentrated real listen late night OnDemand later. 'Raga Bhimpalasi' is a real treat. Pleasingly extended. Thank you. And 'The Fluid Piano' remains a favourite for me, for quite some time now. Very innovative treats, all, to keep ears wiggling happily. ;^) i have also personally aired Utsav's works many times on CKCU as well, and so have others. Curious types (like me) can search here: https://cod.ckcufm.com/programs/search.html?searched=1&searchstring=utsav&type=All+Fields&programid=* Peace

1:28 PM, August 22nd, 2024
PB
David: i would humbly amend "Hindustani classical music on this *seemingly* most ill-suited of instruments" q;^)

1:33 PM, August 22nd, 2024
David Dalle (host)
I apologize for the technical issues. We are conducting the interview with different technical means today. :(

2:12 PM, August 22nd, 2024
Grace
Just a minor delay between question and answer. I enjoyed the interview. And yes, it is time for a shehnai resurgence! He is a very talented artist.

3:47 PM, August 22nd, 2024
Neil & my pal Sir Francis D.
WOW !! (to quote you David)........and now 2 for 1 Wow!!! I was just emailing a friend about the show and realized that I was at a loss for words trying to describe just how I felt about these 2 albums today. I think, in the end, the best I can come up with to capture the feeling listening to both artists is simply exhilerating. Once again, you have introduced me to an incredible musical artist, Utsav Lal . I am already familiar with the wonderful work of Derek Gripper, but not Ballake Sissoko. A delightful duo! So thank you once again, David for this show and your passion for the music..

3:52 PM, August 22nd, 2024