- published: 18 Oct 2014
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Trilok Gurtu (Kashmiri: त्रिलोक गुर्टू (Devanagari), ترلوک گرٹو (Nastaleeq)) (born in Mumbai, India on 30 October 1951) is a Kashmiri Indian percussionist and composer, whose work has blended the music of his homeland with jazz fusion, world music and other genres.
He has released his own albums and has collaborated with many artists, including Terje Rypdal, Gary Moore, John McLaughlin, Jan Garbarek, Joe Zawinul, Bill Laswell, Maria João & Mário Laginha, and Robert Miles.
Gurtu attended Don Bosco High School (Matunga) in Mumbai. His mother, singer Shobha Gurtu, encouraged him to learn playing tabla, and he studied playing the instrument under Shah Abdul Karim.
Gurtu began playing western drum kit in the 1970s, and developed interest in jazz. In a 1995 television special on Jimi Hendrix, Gurtu mentioned having initially learned western music without awareness of overdubbing, which, he said, forced him to learn multiple parts which most musicians would have never attempted. In the 1970s, he played with Charlie Mariano, John Tchicai, Terje Rypdal, and Don Cherry.
Kai Eckhardt (15 June 1961) is a German musician and composer who plays bass, best known for his work with John McLaughlin, Vital Information, the band he co-founded Garaj Mahal and Billy Cobham. The Jaco Pastorius-influenced bassist is known for his ability to play lightning fast, and for his unique combination of funk, jazz, and world music which he combines in his playing.
Soon after learning to play bass guitar at age 15, Kai began to establish himself as a respected musician, working with the likes of Aydin Esen, Alphonse Mouzon, Randy Brecker, Torsten de Winkel, Steve Smith, and Stanley Clarke, shortly after entering college. Kai's first major undertaking came in 1988 when he formed the John Mclaughlin Trio with percussionist Trilok Gurtu, and John McLaughlin. The trio toured extensively in the years to come and recorded a number of albums, including Que Alegria in 1992. Afterwards, Kai turned his attention to composing, while performing meanwhile with the Billy Cobham International Quartet. He currently tours with Garaj Mahal.