My Name is Giridhar Udupa

Having performed as a sideman with a myriad of world-class South Asian and Western artists, percussion virtuoso Giridhar Udupa releases the first solo album of his decades-long career. Produced in collaboration with electronic artist Sam Shackleton, this work is an intriguing blend of layered percussion and modern studio production. A master of the ghatam (clay pot drum) prevalent in Carnatic music, Udupa’s effortless control over ever-shifting cycles of rhythm is evident from opening track ‘Aadi – The Beginning’, wherein labyrinthine percussion patterns are underscored by ominous synth pulses. ‘Khushi – Joy’ sees Udupa utilising the ghata tarang, a set of pitched ghatam that adds another layer of melodic rhythm to beautiful effect, culminating in a thrilling tihai climax. ‘Chakra – The Wheel’ centres Udupa’s use of konnakol (spoken rhythm), with Udupa repeatedly establishing metric stability before pulling the rug from under the listener. Closer ‘Bhoomi – Mother Earth’ is a 17-minute tour de force, where the ideas and atmospheres set up by the preceding tracks coalesce. Shackleton’s production is highly effective, yet unobtrusive – always serving to enhance Udupa’s percussion and emphasise mood. A deeply interior work, My Name is Giridhar Udupa is both an immersive listening experience and a stunning masterclass in rhythm.