Trilok Gurtu (b-1951)
I was out of the music representative business. There was a shift in ownership from several large Florida music stores. I’m talking about Ace Music and Thoroughbred Music. Mars Music opened a very large store in Orlando. I saw several drum clinics there. I also performed myself and taught lessons.
One of the highlights was a clinic by Trilok Gurtu. I somehow missed the period when he was part of the John McLaughlin Group.
What I saw that afternoon was highly innovative and musical. Several unusual aspects of his playing include sitting on the floor without a stool. His sound was built on Tabla and other toms and percussion. What I found most fascinating was his traditional playing of the ride cymbal. His technique reminded me of jazz drummers: Al Foster, Gary Jenkins, Alphonse Mouzon, Eric Gravatt, and Sonship.
His performance was one of the most unique drumming events I’ve ever seen. His discography includes: John McLaughlin, Oregon, Pharoah Sanders. He has a very nice web site with news, press, media and more. Future gigs include performances with Jan Garbarek Group.
I still use his drumsticks. They are Zildjian – Trilok Gurtu Series. They have a unique notch at the fulcrum with a dip coating.