Trilok Gurtu (born 30 October 1951) is an Indian percussionist and composer whose work blends the music of India with jazz fusion and world music.
He has worked with Terje Rypdal, Gary Moore, John McLaughlin, Jan Garbarek, Joe Zawinul, Michel Bisceglia, Bill Laswell, Maria João & Mário Laginha, Stefano Bollani and Robert Miles.
Deadmau5 (Joel Zimmerman) mentions Trilok Gurtu as his hero and once added: "You know who's a big hero of mine? Trilok Gurtu... Indians should know this. Indian traditional percussive algos (algorhythms) and modes blow my mind. Check him out. Full-on retarded isolation skills. I can't even chew gum and walk. There's a whole different language/notation to a tabla."
Style
"An open-minded musician who embraces Jazz, Indian classical music, abstract improvisational and Asian pop, a dazzling percussion virtuoso, an accessible entertainer" – The Guardian UK.
He is self-confessedly strongly influenced by the rhythms of Africa and African beats and drumming patterns.
Awards
Gurtu has garnered a number of prestigious awards and nominations, including:
- Best Overall Percussionist winner, DRUM! Magazine, 1999
- Best Overall Percussionist winner, Carlton Television Multicultural Music Awards, 2001
- Best Percussionist winner, Down Beat's Critics Poll for 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002
- Best Asia/Pacific Artist nominee, BBC Radio 3 World for 2002, 2003, and 2004.