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“Rakesh and Friends" (RAF) is a young group of extremely talented musicians comprising the versatile
Rakesh Chaurasia (Flute),dynamic Gino Banks (Drums), powerful Satyajit Talwalkar(Tabla), electrifying Sheldon
D’Silva (Bass Guitar), soulful Sanjoy Das aka Bapi (Guitar) and sparkling Sangeet Haldipur (Keyboard/ Vocalist &
Composer).
RAF effectively blends Indian Classical Music with World Music . Rakesh who has undoubtedly made his mark as
one of the finest young flute virtuosos brought about the initiative of extending the boundaries of his musical
realm. He combined his understanding of diverse Indian musical gharana styles with world music styles through
imaginative experiments.
The young brigade, led by ace flautist Rakesh has helped in giving wings to his artistic expressions.
RAF will present 8 to 9 compositions for 1hour 45minutes without intermission.
Artist Profiles
Rakesh Chaurasia
Rakesh Chaurasia, nephew of Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia,has carved a niche for himself as an accomplished
flautist in the world of music and is amongst the most promising musicians of the second generation.
Incorporating the tradition of his renowned uncle and infusing his personal style , he has evolved a style
which while maintaining the purity of the flute manages to capture the attention of the young listeners
too. His dexterous blowing technique coupled with his training of ‘swar, taal & laya exudes adeptly in his emotions
through the hollow space of bamboo. Rakesh has already globe trotted many times enthralling house packed
audience at classical and fusion concerts in countries like Japan, Australia, U.K., France, Germany, Italy,
Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, South Africa and USA. Rakesh has been the recipient of numerous awards
and accolades. He received the Indian Music Academy Award, presented by the Honourable President
Of India, Dr..A.P.J Abdul Kalam in 2007, the Aditya Birla Kalakiran Puraskar in 2008, the Guru Shishya
Award in 2011, IWAP-Pandit Jasraj Sangeet Ratna Award in 2013 and the Pannalal Ghosh Puraskar 2013.
Gino Banks
Gino Banks has proved himself as one of the best drummers of India. He has made his own place among the
masters. Being a part of many bands, he has broken all the boundaries of drum beats and exploded his versatility
in Fusion-Rock-Jazz genres the best. He toured Australia and China with his father’s indo-jazz fusion band SANGAM
playing percussion (roland octopad and shakers) when he was just 9 years old. Gino is a versatile player, this trait
leads him to performing with artists and bands of all types of genres, artists like his father Louiz Banks India 's
legendary jazz pianist and composer, Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and Hariharan; to various
fusion groups and rock bands.
Sheldon D’silva
Inspired by renowned bass guitarists Jaco Pastorius, John Patitucci, Gary Willis, Victor Wooten right until Sting’s
tasteful Bass playing, Sheldon D’silva hopes to change the way bass players are generally seen in the background
and bring to the forefront the actual importance and the real sound of the Bass guitar. Inspite of having explored
every genre of music right from pop and rock to jazz, funk and fusion, Sheldon still doesn’t believe in sticking to
one and wants to continue to explore various avenues and delve deeper into this mystical and creative world of
music.Sheldon D’silva gained invaluable experience playing his Six String Bass Guitar with adept musicians like
Louiz Banks, Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan, Ustad Rashid Khan, Shaan, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, U
Srinivas, Selva Ganesh, Colonial Cousins and many more.
Satyajit Talwalkar
Satyajit Talwalkar is the son of tabla legend Suresh Talwalkar and PadmaTalwalkar, two of the best-known
practitioners of Indian classical music. Right from a very young age, Satyajit received immaculate attention and
training from his parents in various aspects of Indian classical music. But his interest in percussion was nurtured by
his father, one of the most revered teacher and practitioner of the art of tabla playing. In following his father’s
footsteps, Satyajit has become a masterful accompanist to instrumental and vocal music. But he is also recognized
as a solo artist, and is at ease in performing as a member of Taal vadya kacheri (ensemble of Indian percussionists)
and his duets with Western drum ensemble have received critical acclaim.
Sanjoy Das
Sanjoy Das, also known as Bapi, would like to describe himself as a "new- age guitar player", and has worked on
over 50 recordings as a sessions' artist. Besides composing tunes, he's also worked as a music arranger, and
performed live with such well-known musicians as Hariharan, Jagjit Singh, Pt Vishwa Mohan Bhatt , Kavita
Krishnamoorthy, Farhad Darya, and Rashid Khan among others. Among percussionists, he's played with Bickram
Ghosh, Sivamani, Greg Ellis and Pete Locket. Back home most of his work includes composing for Bollywood
soundtracks and ad jingles.
Sangeet Haldipur
Sangeet Haldipur is one of the finest keyboard players ,singer and young music composers of India. Was one of the
members of the Channel V mixed popstar band “AASMA”. He has learnt various genres of music like jazz, Indian
classical & western classical of India. He has programmed music for various prominent Hindi as well as Marathi
movies. In his few years of music direction he has composed hit songs from film Murder 2, Blood Money, Aatma,
Fruit & Nut, Bird Idol and Hum Hai Raahi Car Ke. Sangeet Haldipur is a son of the India’s number one violinist and
famous composer Amar Haldipur. Sangeet Haldipur also has done albums and live concerts across the globe with
legends