A virtuoso percussionist, Trilok Gurtu has attracted a world class set of collaborators over a long career; these started with John McLaughlin, in whose trio he was the featured soloist for 4 years, other jazz greats continued this path – Joe Zawinul, Jan Garbarek, Don Cherry, Bill Evans, Pharoah Sanders, Dave Holland were all attracted to Trilok’s burning sense of rhythm. Also, being deeply rooted in the Indian tradition, it is no surprise to see that collaborated with Indian musicians such as his mother, Shobha Gurtu, Zakir Hussain, L. Shankar, Shankar Mahadevan,Hariprasad Chaurasia, The Misra Brothers and Sultan Khan.
In 2013, Trilok released „Spellbound” as a tribute to his mentor and dear friend Don Cherry. The trumpet, which was the main instrument of the great Don Cherry, is featured throughout the album with guest appearances by trumpeters Nils Petter Molvær, Paolo Fresu, Matthias Schriefl, Ibrahim Maalouf, Ambrose Akinmusire, Hasan Gözetlik and Matthias Höfs, all of them playing compositions by Trilok as well as compositions by trumpet legends Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie.
The well-known artist was nominated twice for the BBC World Music Awards and once for the EMMA’s. Also, one of his great performances was at London’s Hyde Park, for the Queen’s 50th Anniversary.
Although his musical approach is non-stylistic, it is built upon a solid and deep understanding of many styles. The way he sings and creates is universal, personal and fuelled by tremendous love and discipline. Trilok Gurtu continues to define and redefine his position as one of the greatest innovators of all time.
Video:
„Bercida” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsjBVyhZBAI