I love performing. I derive my energy and inspiration for my improvisations from the audience. Beginning in 2003, I had audience members describe my performances as healing and emotional (read this inspiring reminiscence from one of my performances). Hearing my sitar guru, Ustad Usman Khan, craft an incredible and indelible performance at 4:30 am of the beautiful raga Basant Mukhari, I cried for the first time listening to music. I strive to make music both emotionally powerful and playfully surprising. 

Solo Sitar

Performing the sitar solo is a tradition passed on in the form of Alaap, typically performed at the beginning of each different collection of pieces one might play. Sometimes the sitar is used entirely as a solo instrument, as in the ‘Dhrupad’ tradition. I primarily perform South Asian Classical music on sitar, which involves some traditional composition structures but also relies heavily on improvisation for its development and excitement for the audience. I love playing for both small groups and large crowds and both the very young and very wise enjoy this inspiring music.

Sitar & Tabla

Sitar and Tabla move together like a river and its banks. Their sounds compliment each other while the melodies of the sitar interlock perfectly with the tabla’s intricate rhythms. Improvisations between Sitar and Tabla make performances engaging and entertaining.  Enjoy the videos below with Seattle-based tabla player, Ravi Albright.

Sitar & Dance

Sitar & Sound Artist Chigusa Fukushima

Sitar & Poetry

Debut release from J.J. Gregg X Sherman: Boot-stomping beat poet experiments cut into crisp sitar grooves. The album uses a sparse yet diverse array of sounds from sitar to tabla-beat-box to interlocking bells. Somehow the instruments and voice seem to leave space for each other, the recordings simultaneously cacophonous and clear. J.J.’s sitar or bells provide a circular platform for each track; this allows Sherman’s poetry to drop in, taking its time – the sounds spreading out “in answering echoes.”