India Alba are:
Sharat Srivastava - Violin
Ross Ainslie - Border Pipes, Whistles, Cittern
Nigel Richard - Cittern
Gyan Singh - Tablas, Frame drum, Shakers
“This band have a sound of their own which is not an imitation of any other band
or genre. Their strong melodies are supported by having an excellent balance
between sur and tal (melody and rhythm). I have seen Sharat's playing growing
over the years and his involvement in many different fields of music, so I am
happy to hear this new development where he has collaborated with these three
other fine musicians.”
Ustad Amjad Ali Khan
“About four years ago I had a great musical evening with Sharat and Nigel sharing
their improvisations on whistle and small pipes, and was taken aback by how often
particular modes and notational progressions reminded me of Gaelic songs or
tunes from our own tradition in Scotland.
When I heard the CD, where they are joined by Gyan on tabla and Ross on pipes
and whistle, it reminded me of the optimism and ideas expressed that night, of
collaborations like this being followed through. I hope there will be many more
expressions of kindred spirits at this musical level.”
Allan Macdonald (Glenuig)