Artist description All images and audio Copyright Cassius Khan 2003 (c)

Music Style Indian Classical

Musical Influences Ustads Mehdi Hassan, Rukhsar Ali Khan

Artist History "The North-American cultural experiment has yielded a true modern prodigy in the midst of its cultural mosaic" Cassius Khan is nothing short of a musical genius. As the sole disciple, Cassius has developed his explosive Tabla style under Ustad Ruksar Ali Khan of the Lucknow Gharana. His Tabla solo and accompaniment performances have captivated audiences throughout North America, but he has not let his music rest there. The mezmorizing pulse of his Tabla is surpassed only by his haunting voice, carefully sculpted and developed under the tutelage of Mushtari Begum. Today, Cassius is the only known ghazal singer who accompanies himself on the Tabla, a sight that is remarkable when seen, but even more admirable when attempted. Cassius’ greatest gift is perhaps the remarkable ability to apply his rhythmic knowledge of several Tabla techniques, and taalas, as well has his diverse arsenal of melodic raagas to any musical context. From ghazals and classical instrumental accompaniment, to slam guitar, Flamenco and drum ‘n bass, Cassius is at home in the sea of all sounds. Despite his disciplined classical training, Cassius remains open to all forms of musical experimentation, while staying true to his Indian classical background. He has conducted extensive research into Tabla theory and as a result, learned to combine bols from different gharanas in his Tabla solos. As well, thorough his vocal explorations ranging from Indian classical Khayal and ghazal gayaki, to R&B and jazz, he has developed a voice that is incredibly dynamic. Cassius has worked with many diverse artists over the past several years, including guitarists Pavlo, Dave Martone and Dan Mani, Kelly Dean, Francis Kumar and Bill Bourne, Santoor artist Amir Amiri, latin master percussionist Tilo Paiz, Sitar player Seema Ganatra, Kathak dancer and Harmonium player Amika Kushwaha, western classical Flutist and Vocalist Meera Varghese, child prodigy and Tabla wizard Rohan Bhogal, as well as several other prominent World musicians. It is not rare to find Cassius and his Tablas on stage with a grand piano, a West-African Dijembe, aFlamenco dancer or a rack of laptops and synthesizers. Cassius now brings this genius to Omnesia Records, having worked with Anuj on several compositions spanning many modern musical boundaries. The chemistry between these two artists was instantaneous, as the piece "Raseele Tore Nene" seemed to have happened the moment Cassius walked into the Omnesia studio. The two have formed a combined sense of musical vision and a true respect for the talents of one another. Cassius gift has helped elevate the music of Omnesia to another plane, and his fluid approach to sound has only begun to open the doors of our minds

Group Members Amika Kushwaha Meera Varghese Seema Ganatra Anuj Rastogi Rohan Bhogal

Instruments Tabla, Harmonium, Vocal

Press Reviews http://www.pcmasociety.com/images/press/leader-article.jpg http://www.pcmasociety.com/images/press/apna-roots.jpg

Location Edmonton, Alberta - Canada

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