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Dr. Trichy Sankaran is a virtuoso mrdangam vidwan whose mastery on this instrument is respected throughout the world. Born in South India, in the year 1942, he had his early musical training first under his cousin the late Sri P.A. Venkataraman, and later became the star disciple of the legendary mrdangam maestro late Sri Palani Subramania Pillai. He made his debut at the age of 13, and since then has performed with all the leading musicians of India. Winner of gold medal in 1955, and the President?s award in 1958, Trichy Sankaran is one of the top ranking mrdangam artists of India today. Dr. Trichy Sankaran is the founding Director of Indian Music Studies and Professor of Music at York University - Toronto, Canada. He came to York in 1971, and over the years has built up a highly respected program in South Indian music at York University. He has trained many South Asians and North American students in the theory and techniques of South Indian drumming. Trichy Sankaran is also the founder and artistic director of Kalalayam, an institution created by him in Toronto, Canada for the promotion of the science and techniques of percussive arts. In addition to performances in traditional settings, he performs with jazz, electronic, African music ensembles and his own group Trichy?s Trio. He has concretized on four continents with Nexus and World Drums. As a composer, he has produced works for contemporary gamelan, South Indian dance, chamber orchestra and Afro-American percussion ensembles. He has given numerous lecture demonstrations and workshops at various universities in Canada, U.S.A., Germany, and India. About Laya Vinyas: A traditionalist specializing in acoustic South Indian music, Trichy Sankaran is known for playing the mrdangam, a double-headed barrel drum that shouldn't be confused with the tabla drums of North India (though there are some similarities). Sankaran's drumming is consistently inspired on Layas Vinyas, which finds the musical scholar joined by Lalitha Sankaran on tamboura (the instrument known for its drone), Karaikkudi Subramaniam on the vina (a very recognizable string instrument) and Andrew Timar on finger cymbals. Most of the material is instrumental, though singer Talavadya Kacceri contributes a rhythmic wordless vocal. It's important to know the difference between Sankaran's style of music and modern Indian pop. While the latter uses a lot of synthesizers and shows an awareness of American and European pop and dance music, the music heard on this enriching CD is based on a tradition that goes back centuries. Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
1. Mrdangam Solo In Adi Tala 2. Mrdangam Solo In Misra Chapu Tala 3. Kriti: Padavini (Adi Tala) 4. Kanjira Solo In Khanda Eka Tala 5. Talavadya Kacceri In Khanda Eka Tala 6. Kavadichindu In Misra Chapu Tala