Artist description Rudresh Mahanthappa represents a new generation of American jazz musicians by portraying the culture of his ancestry through his music. Jazz is an indigenous American art form yet Rudresh, having been raised as a first-generation Indian-American by immigrant parents, has fused his various cultural influences to creatre a truly unique style. At the age of 31, he has already made appearances with Steve Coleman, Jack DeJohnette, Harry "Sweets" Edison, Von Freeman, George Garzone, Tim Hagans, Fareed Haque, Vijay Iyer, Howard Levy, David Liebman, Joe Lovano, Greg Osby, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and Clark Terry. Rudresh has also participated in several international jazz festivals including JVC Jazz Festival Paris, JVC Jazz Festival Saratoga, India's Jazz Yatra, the Chicago Jazz Festival, the Jamaica Jazz Festival, the Toledo Jazz Festival, Jazz in the Sangres, the Verona Jazz Festival, and the Flint Jazz Festival. Mahanthappa has his Bachelors of Music Degree in jazz performance from Berklee College of Music and his Masters of Music degree in jazz composition from Chicago's DePaul University. He now teaches at The New School. Rudresh Mahanthappa currently lives in New York where he is clearly emerging as an important and influential voice in the jazz world. ˇ

Music Style Jazz

Musical Influences John Coltrane, Steve Coleman, Indian Music

Similar Artists None

Group Members Rudresh Mahanthappa - Alto Saxophone, Vijay Iyer - Piano, Liberty Ellman - Guitar, François Moutin - Bass, Elliot Humberto Kavee - drums

Instruments Alto Saxophone, Guitar, Piano, Bass, & Drums

Albums Yatra, The Preserver (unreleased), Black Water

Press Reviews The Press Says . . ."compelling and fiercely individualistic... The vibrancy of his tone, the unflagging drive of his rhythms, the speed of his bebop-influenced passages, and the mercurial nature of his improvisational ideas establish Mahanthappa as a pla yer with a great deal to say." -The Chicago Tribune "His solos ring with an almost religious fervor" -Chicago Reader "a prodigy . . . a saxophone phenom" -New City "One of 24 young New York jazz musicians to watch in the year 2000." -Jazzman Other Artists Say . . ."Rudresh Mahanthappa is one of the freshest, strongest young voices on the alto saxophone that I've heard in a long time. With his experience of the rich tradition of Indian music and jazz, his music is full of rhythmic surprises and swing. He's got something to say and the future is his! Check him out!!" -Joe Lovano "How delighted I was to hear Rudresh Mahanthappa play the alto saxophone. His sound is rich and mature and those ideas!!! . . . twisting, turning, colorful lines with lots of suspen se. He is a true improviser with blistering technique. Watch out for Rudresh!!" -Tim Hagans "It's very refreshing and encouraging to hear music of this intensity coming from a young saxophonist. Rudresh exhibits a rare harmonic and melodic fluency which projects his ideas beyond mere craft, to a well developed form of art." -Ernie Watts "This is some very exciting and adventurous music by a promising young alto saxophonist. Rudresh Mahanthappa is ready to be heard." -David Liebman

Additional Info Check out http://www.rudreshm.com for info about upcoming performances and recordings!!

Location Brookyln, NY - USA

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