{{Short description|Indian tabla player}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2018}} {{Use Indian English|date=August 2018}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Amit Kavthekar | image = Amit Kavthekar performs tabla in concert.jpg | caption = Kavthekar in 2014 | image_size = | birth_name = Amit Suhas Kavthekar | alias = | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1984|8|11|df=y}} | death_date = | origin = Mumbai, Maharashtra, India | instrument = Tabla | genre = Hindustani Classical Music, Jazz, Fusion, World Music, Classical Music | occupation = Musician | years_active = 2003–present | label = | associated_acts = Alla Rakha, Zakir Hussain (musician), Shahid Parvez, Aditya Kalyanpur | website = {{URL|http://www.amitkavthekar.com/}} | current_members = | past_members = }} '''Amit Kavthekar''' ({{langx|mr|अमित कवठेकर}}; born 11 August 1984) is an Indian tabla player known as the last ganda-bandhan (ordained disciple) of Alla Rakha and a prominent disciple of Zakir Hussain.<ref>{{cite news |last=Venkatraman |first=Deepika |date=28 March 2017 |title=Rhythm Divine |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/rhythm-divine/article17692930.ece }}</ref> Kavthekar is regarded as one of the leading young artists of Indian Classical music and tabla.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kapoor |first=Nivedita |date=11 July 2011 |title=Straight from the art |url=http://dnasyndication.com/dna/article/DNIND4184 }}</ref>
==Background== Kavthekar was born and raised in the Shivaji Park neighborhood of Mumbai to a Deshastha Brahmin family. His father is acclaimed rangoli artist Suhas Kavthekar.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kavthekar |first=Amit |date=27 October 2011 |title=Rangoli Portraits |url=https://www.facebook.com/tablaamit/media_set?set=a.230272433703947.61014.100001635767421&type=3 }}</ref> He attended Balmohan Vidyamandir in Dadar, and graduated from Ruparel College.
===Musical training=== Regarded as a child prodigy, Kavthekar (aged 6) was brought before Alla Rakha for consideration as a disciple.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bostonvoyager.com/interview/meet-amit-kavthekar-new-england-school-music-tabla-instructor-tabla-player-soloist-accompanist-nashua-acton-shrewsbury-wellesley-lexington-billerica/|title = Meet Amit Kavthekar of New England School of Music – Boston Voyager Magazine | Boston City Guide| date=12 June 2018 }}</ref> At age 11, he became a ganda-bandhan (ordained) disciple of Allarakha in a ceremony attended by Bhai Gaitonde, Suresh Talwalkar, Taufiq Qureshi, and Aditya Kalyanpur.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kavthekar |first=Amit |date=27 October 2011 |title=My Ganda Bandhan- Gurupurnima- Ustad Allarakha Khansaheb (Abbaji) |url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=176327222431802&set=a.176326625765195.48774.100001635767421&type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Fscontent-sea.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-xpa1%2Fv%2Ft1.0-9%2F261858_176327222431802_6060980_n.jpg%3Foh%3Db96ae8ae3136e1df4c46c32ad04c7e76%26oe%3D560CBE5B&size=720%2C538 }}</ref> After Alla Rakha's death in 2000, Kavthekar continued his training exclusively with Zakir Hussain, though he had been learning with him since age 7.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.prweb.com/releases/world_jazz_ensemble_natraj_and_amit_kavthekar_internationally_renowned_tabla_player_to_perform_benefit_concert_for_worcester_homeless_shelter/prweb12272440.htm|title = World-Jazz Ensemble Natraj and Amit Kavthekar, Internationally-Renowned Tabla Player, to Perform Benefit Concert for Worcester Homeless Shelter}}</ref> He has also studied the nuances of tabla with Deepak Nerurkar and Sudhir Mainkar.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.warrensenders.com/journal/playing-for-the-planet-home-page/playing-for-the-planet-world-music-against-climate-change/|title = Playing for the Planet: World Music Against Climate Change « Running Gamak: Warren Senders' Blog}}</ref>
==Career== Kavthekar's performing career began in the early-2000s in Mumbai. He performed alongside Zakir Hussain and Sivamani for Zee TV on Indian television. He also appeared in Jabbar Patel's documentary about Shivkumar Sharma, accompanying the maestro in concert.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.amitkavthekar.com/#!about/c786|title = HOME}}</ref>
===Performances=== As an accompanist, Kavthekar has performed with prominent musicians like Ravi Chary,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/nm49WxkpdpaXVcKDML2MrK/The-TimeOut-Mint-Planner-23-August-2013.html|title = The TimeOut Mint Planner, 23 August 2013|date = 22 August 2013}}</ref> Ronu Majumdar,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://lexington.wickedlocal.com/news/20170717/new-group-bringing-indian-classical-music-greats-to-lexington|title=New group bringing Indian classical music greats to Lexington}}</ref> Shahid Parvez,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.salem.org/event/shahid-parvez-khan-sitar-concert-with-amit-kavthekar-tabla/ |title=Shahid Parvez Khan, Sitar Concert with Amit Kavthekar, tabla - Destination Salem |access-date=9 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109194323/http://www.salem.org/event/shahid-parvez-khan-sitar-concert-with-amit-kavthekar-tabla/ |archive-date=9 November 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/unwind/things-to-do-in-ahmedabad-today/articleshow/73128044.cms|title = Ahmedabad News – Latest & Br}}</ref> Amjad Ali Khan,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.americanbazaaronline.com/2018/10/26/sarod-maestro-amjad-ali-khan-to-perform-in-new-york-on-nov-3-435538/|title = Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan to perform in New York on Nov. 3|date = 27 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newsletter.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2019/10/14/indian-sarod-master-performs-at-wesleyans-43rd-annual-navaratri-festival/|title = Indian Sarod Master Performs at Wesleyan's 43rd Annual Navaratri Festival}}</ref> Pandit Jasraj, and Lata Mangeshkar.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bronxartsensemble.org/amaan-ali-bangash-and-ayaan-ali-bangash-to-perform-with-bronx-arts-ensemble/|title = Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash Performance | BAE}}</ref>
He has also performed with Shahid Parvez at the Berklee College of Music, Aashish Khan at LearnQuest Academy of Music's Annual Conference at Regis College, Buddhadev Dasgupta, Kushal Das at the MIT's Wong Auditorium, Ashwini Bhide-Deshpande,<ref>{{cite news |last=Kavthekar |first=Amit |date=4 April 2014 |title=Ashwini Bhide Performs in Salem on Monday - Articles - Arts & Entertainment |url=http://www.indianewengland.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&AudID=DF568A126C8B4DBEBB671850EBEFBDD3&tier=4&id=04723334D82A41109C311BBEBCB90962 }} {{Dead link|date=September 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> and Ken Zuckerman,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.berklee.edu/events/indian-classical-music-master-class-clinic |title=Modal Improvisation Clinic with Ken Zuckerman and Amit Kavthekar |work=Berklee College of Music }}</ref> among others.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/opinion/columnists/shanta-gokhale/singing-in-the-rain/articleshow/60198217.cms |title=Singing in the rain - Mumbai Mirror |access-date=1 April 2020 |archive-date=2 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902093846/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/opinion/columnists/shanta-gokhale/singing-in-the-rain/articleshow/60198217.cms |url-status=dead }}</ref>
As an ensemble player, Kavthekar has played in jazz and fusion groups in the United States, Europe, Japan, and India.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/specials/summer-arts/2018/05/18/critic-picks-from-newport-rockport-points-between-best-jazz/9Ga4NbMefnJf2O7sDSdkDI/story.html |title=Critic's picks: From Newport to Rockport to points between, the best in jazz |date=18 May 2018 |newspaper=The Boston Globe |access-date=9 November 2018 |archive-date=9 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109234624/https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/specials/summer-arts/2018/05/18/critic-picks-from-newport-rockport-points-between-best-jazz/9Ga4NbMefnJf2O7sDSdkDI/story.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegram.com/entertainmentlife/20180118/saxophonist-phil-scarff-performs-music-of-india|title=Music of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.ku.edu/professor-pushes-boundaries-music-through-his-math|title=Professor pushes boundaries of music through his math|date=17 October 2018}}</ref> He has also played in Chicago's World Music Festival with Josh Feinberg and Kunal Gunjal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/world-music-festival-chicago-2019-guide-schedule-concerts/Content?oid=73024260|title = The Reader's guide to World Music Festival Chicago 2019|date = 10 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = https://abc7chicago.com/entertainment/2019-world-music-festival-chicago-music-lineup-announced/5418611/| title = 2019 World Music Festival Chicago music lineup announced - ABC7 Chicago| date = 25 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://indianewengland.com/2019/09/shadaj-presents-east-meets-west-music-concert-on-sept-27th-in-lexington-ma/ |title=Shadaj Presents "East Meets West" Music Concert on Sept. 27th in Lexington, MA - INDIA New England News |access-date=1 April 2020 |archive-date=26 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926105221/https://indianewengland.com/2019/09/shadaj-presents-east-meets-west-music-concert-on-sept-27th-in-lexington-ma/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegram.com/entertainmentlife/20180118/saxophonist-phil-scarff-performs-music-of-india|title=Music of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/entertainment-and-culture/2019/7/25/8929655/world-music-festival-chicago-2019-lineup-september|title=World Music Festival lineup boasts Ragamala and Pan Latin Music celebrations, Global Peace Picnic, and more|date=25 July 2019}}</ref>
Since 2019, he has performed in the ensemble quartet Purna Loka Ensemble with Purnaprajna Bangere, Jeff Harshbarger, and David Balakrishnan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.ku.edu/2020/02/10/math-inspires-musicians-creative-breakthrough|title = Math unlocks a musician's mind|date = 10 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/long-reads/geometry-sings-blues-in-indian-american-mathematicians-radical-new-music-system-7856691.html|title=Geometry sings the blues in Indian-American mathematicians radical new music system}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiawest.com/entertainment/global/indian-american-math-professor-purnaprajna-bangere-is-building-bridges-between/article_77d8cc86-50c1-11e9-be50-6b9b294af10d.html |title=Indian American Math Professor Purnaprajna Bangere is Building Bridges Between Music and Math | Global | indiawest.com |access-date=1 April 2020 |archive-date=29 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329034940/https://www.indiawest.com/entertainment/global/indian-american-math-professor-purnaprajna-bangere-is-building-bridges-between/article_77d8cc86-50c1-11e9-be50-6b9b294af10d.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/02/10/arts/bach-north-indian-music-make-fine-pair/|title = Bach and North Indian music make a fine pair - the Boston Globe|website = The Boston Globe}}</ref>
In 2018, he accompanied Amjad Ali Khan, Ayaan Ali Bangash, and Amaan Ali Bangash at the UN Day concert in New York City,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://indianewengland.com/2018/10/amjad-ali-khans-concert-on-peace-non-violence-tribute-to-gandhi-guterres/ |title=Amjad Ali Khan's concert on 'peace, non-violence' tribute to Gandhi: Guterres - INDIA New England News |access-date=9 November 2018 |archive-date=9 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109195310/https://indianewengland.com/2018/10/amjad-ali-khans-concert-on-peace-non-violence-tribute-to-gandhi-guterres/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> before the General Assembly, in honor of Mahatma Gandhi's legacy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sentinelassam.com/news/amjad-ali-khans-concert-a-tribute-to-gandhi-antonio-guterres/|title=Amjad Ali Khan's Concert a Tribute to Gandhi: Antonio Guterres - Sentinelassam|date=26 October 2018}}</ref>
Kavthekar performed in 2020 at the Dorchester's Ashmont Hill Chamber Music series, in a program that combined Western and Indian classical music, that was reviewed by ''The Boston Globe''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 10, 2020 |title=Bach and North Indian music make a fine pair |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/02/10/arts/bach-north-indian-music-make-fine-pair/ |access-date=2023-10-23 |newspaper=The Boston Globe |language=en-US}}</ref>
Beginning in 2021, Kavthekar began touring with guitarist Al Di Meola.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.qctonline.com/festival-quebec-jazz-en-juin-ends-on-a-high-note-with-guitarist-al-di-meola/ | title=The Quebec Chronicle-Telegraph | date=12 July 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://relix.com/news/detail/al-di-meola-at-blue-note-nyc-a-gallery/ | title=Al di Meola at Blue Note NYC (A Gallery) | date=7 September 2021 }}</ref>
In 2022, Kavthekar performed at Carnegie Hall with Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan Ali Bangash, Ayaan Ali Bangash, and Ojas Adhiya.<ref>https://www.carnegiehall.org/Calendar/2022/08/15/Amjad-Ali-Khan-Amaan-Ali-Bangash--Ayaan-Ali-Bangash--Lidiya-Yankovskaya-with-t-0700PM</ref>
In 2022, Kavthekar made his debut at the prestigious Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav, accompanying Amjad Ali Khan with Anubrata Chatterjee.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcTlGKyUtbk | title=Ustad Amjad Ali Khan | Rain Raag | Sarod & double Tabla | Pune | Sawai Gandharv Mahotsav 2022 | | website=YouTube }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-hsxv1EBus | title=Ustad Amjad Ali Khan performs during the Inaugural day of 68th Sawai Gandharv Bhimsan Mahotsav | website=YouTube }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/after-2-year-hiatus-capacity-crowd-on-day-1-as-old-timers-youngsters-throng-music-festival-8325234/ | title=After 2-year hiatus, capacity crowd on Day 1 as old-timers, youngsters throng Sawai Gandharva music festival | date=15 December 2022 }}</ref>
In 2022, Kavthekar made his debut at the prestigious Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan, accompanying Anupama Bhagwat.<ref>https://www.harivallabh.org/programme.php</ref>
In 2024, he performed alongside Igor Iwanek of Boston University for his TEDx talk.<ref>https://www.bu.edu/articles/2024/tedxbu-talks-childhood-privilege-and-fungi/</ref>
In 2024, he accompanied Anupama Bhagwat and Amaan Ali Bangash at Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav in Pune.
===Teaching=== Kavthekar has given musical lectures around the world and is currently a visiting professor at Salem State University.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amitkavthekar.com/about|title = ABOUT}}</ref> After settling in Boston, Kavthekar became leading faculty of the New England School of Music (NESOM) where he actively teaches tabla to dozens of students.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newenglandschoolofmusic.org/#!about2/cpe7 |title=NESOM ABOUT |work=New England School of Music }}</ref> He also teaches tabla at the American School of Bombay.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.newenglandschoolofmusic.org/faculty2 |title=NESOM |access-date=9 November 2018 |archive-date=9 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109234545/https://www.newenglandschoolofmusic.org/faculty2 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Among his disciples includes the prodigy, Keshava.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.radioandmusic.com/entertainment/editorial/press-releases/180718-pancham-nishad-presents-tribute|title = Pancham Nishad presents a tribute to Ustad Shafaat Ahmed Khan}}</ref>
==Artistry== Kavthekar's playing style is based on the Punjab baaj with influences from Delhi baaj and contemporary tabla players, particularly Zakir Hussain. His style is regarded as sensitive.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/rhythm-divine/article17692930.ece|title=Rhythm divine|newspaper=The Hindu|date=28 March 2017|last1=Venkatraman|first1=Deepa}}</ref>
==Awards and recognition== Kavthekar was awarded the ''Taal–Mani'' by Sur Singar Samiti in Mumbai.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.learnquest.org/conference2012/artist_profile.php?artist=17 |title=LearnQuest Classical Music Conference |work=LearnQuest Academy of Music |access-date=6 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304120641/http://www.learnquest.org/conference2012/artist_profile.php?artist=17 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
== Discography ==
{| class="wikitable" |- ! Album !! Year !! Musicians !! Label |- | ''Rising Stars - Manas Kumar'' || 2011 || Manas Kumar || Sonic Octaves |- | ''The Young Masters of Tomorrow'' || 2011 || Sandeep Ranade || Surasik |- | ''Hamari Atariya Pe'' (Single) || 2019 || Aarti, Jiten Singh, Amitraj || Saregama |- | ''Metaraga'' || 2020 || Purna Loka Ensemble (featuring Purnaprajna Bangere on violin, David Balakrishnan on violin, Jeff Harshbarger on double bass, and Amit Kavthekar on tabla || [Origin Records]] |- | ''Across the Universe'' || 2020 || Al Di Meola || earMusic |- | ''Strings for Peace''<ref>https://www.aspentimes.com/entertainment/a-harmonious-improvisation/</ref> || 2020 || Sharon Isbin on guitar, Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan Ali Bangash, and Ayaan Ali Bangash on sarod, and Amit Kavthekar on tabla || Zoho Music |- | ''Raga of the Radiant Moon'' || 2022 || Phil Scarff || Galloping Goat |- | ''By the Moon Raga Behag (Live)'' (Single) || 2024 || Sharon Isbin on guitar, Amaan Ali Bangash on sarod, Amit Kavthekar on tabla || Sharon Isbin Productions |- | ''Sangam'' || 2024 || S. Akash on bansuri, Manas Kumar on violin, Amit Kavthekar on tabla || No Limits Music Co. |- | ''Twentyfour''<ref>https://jazzviews.net/al-di-meola-twentyfour/</ref> || 2024 || Al Di Meola || earMusic |}
==References== {{Reflist}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Kavthekar, Amit}} Category:1984 births Category:Living people Category:Musicians from Mumbai Category:Tabla players Category:Hindustani musicians Category:Jazz fusion musicians Category:Indian male classical musicians Category:Indian male composers Category:21st-century Indian drummers Category:21st-century Indian male musicians Category:Indian male jazz musicians Category:Indian world music musicians