Ustad Alla Rakha
With the passing of Ustad Alla Rakha (born: Allarakha Kahn) on February 3, 2000, from a heart attack, India lost one of its most influential musicians. Called the "Einstein of rhythm" by Grateful Dead percussionist Mickey Hart, Rakha helped introduce Indian classical music to the western world with his tabla playing. A longtime accompanist of sitarist Ravi Shankar, Rakha is remembered for the highly melodic rhythms that he coaxed from his instrument. Shortly after his death, Indian president K.R. Narayanan announced that "an uncommon pulsation has been stilled. His wrists, palms, and fingers produced from the tabla percussion of magical quality which maintained the tenor and tempo of India's uniquely assimilative musical culture."
The son of a farmer, Rakha was born in the Phagwal village of Jammu, 80 km from Lahore. Leaving home, at the age of 12, he moved into an uncle's home in Gurdaspur. Inspired by the playing of local musicians, he convinced tabla player Mian Qader Baksh of the Punjab Gharana (school) to take him on as a disciple. He also studied with Ustad Ashiq Ali Khan, who taught him the melodic vocal style Raag Vidya.
Rakha mastered his lessons quickly. By his 15th birthday, he had begun working with a theater company. After working as an accompanist in Lahore, Rakha accepted a position with All India Radio in Delhi in 1936. He remained with the station until 1940 when he became involved with the Hindi film industry as a session musician. He eventually rose to the position of music director for Rangmahal Studios.
Moving to classical music in 1948, Rakha resumed his career as an accompanist. In addition to working with Ravi Shankar throughout the 1960s and ‘70s, he collaborated with sitarist Vilayat Khan and American drummer Buddy Rich, with whom he recorded the East-meets-West album Rich A La Rakha.
Rakha's legacy is continued by his sons Zakir Hussein and Fazal Quereshi. His beloved daughter, Razia, died of a sudden heart attack the night before his own death.
© Craig Harris /TiVo
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Discography
11 album(s) • Sorted by Bestseller
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Traditional: The Spirit of India
Ravi Shankar, Ustad Alla Rakha, Ms. Jiban, Ms. Widya
Classical - Released by Deutsche Grammophon (DG) on Jan 1, 1968
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Ravi Shankar & Friends: Towards the Rising Sun
Ravi Shankar, Ustad Alla Rakha
Classical - Released by Deutsche Grammophon (DG) on Jan 1, 1996
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Shared Moments
Ustad Alla Rakha, Ustad Zakir Hussain
World - Released by Navras Records on Aug 1, 2012
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Shared Moments
Ustad Alla Rakha, Ustad Zakir Hussain
World - Released by Navras Records on Aug 1, 2012
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Rich À La Rakha
World - Released by CAPITOL CATALOG MKT (C92) on Jan 1, 1968
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Homage To Mahatma Gandhi (Instrumental)
Ravi Shankar, Ustad Alla Rakha
Indian Music - Released by Universal Music India Pvt Ltd. on Jan 1, 1982
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Ragas Hameer & Gara (Instrumental)
Ravi Shankar, Ustad Alla Rakha
Indian Music - Released by Universal Music India Pvt Ltd. on Jan 1, 1981
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Together
Ustad Alla Rakha, Ustad Zakir Hussain
Pop/Rock - Released by Magnasound on Mar 12, 1990
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Sabak (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Ustad Alla Rakha, A. R. Qureshi
World - Released by Saregama on Jan 1, 1950
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Tabla Duet
Ustad Alla Rakha, Zakir Hussan
World - Released by Moment Records on Jan 1, 1991
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -