Karsh Kale

Percussionist/songwriter Karsh Kale (pronounced Kursh Kah-lay) is primarily known for his tabla (the paired hand drums of northern India) and electronic percussion playing skills. Born of Indian parents, Kale grew up in the U.S., but was equally influenced by music of the East and West, resulting in the creation of a highly original style — where electronic dance and meets Indian folk. Kale’s debut on record was as part of Tabla Beat Science (the 2000 release Tala Matrix), while his own debut album, Realize, was issued in July of 2001. The debut featured guest appearances by such notable Indian classical musicians as sarangi player Sultan Khan, bansuri (flute) players Ajay Prasanna and Steve Gorn, as well as Ethiopian pop vocalist Gigi. A few weeks before the album’s release, it’s first single, “Distance,” was issued — featuring a total of four remixes, one by Kale himself — plus additional remakes by Banco de Gaia and fellow Asian Massive producers Midival Punditz and Capt. Groove, both of whom are based in India. In 2002, Kale released Redesign, which offered remixes of the songs from Realize by such artists as Bill Laswell and DJ Spooky. ~ Greg Prato