Raga Pianist: Utsav Lal

Completely improvised, slowly expanding from a single note outwards to complex waves of rhythms and virtuosic passages, Utsav Lal’s innovative handling of ragas on the piano blends his diverse musical influences and leaves listeners spellbound. With unfailing clarity of technique and  rhythmic virtuosity, his work is deeply influenced by Dhrupad and gains inspiration from a vast array of sources such as The Necks, Thelonious Monk, Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou and Cecil Taylor.

Choosing to perform on an instrument that has traditionally been considered unsuitable for Hindustani Classical Music and treading the careful line between an ancient tradition and the innate desire for innovation with utmost respect, Lal’s ground-breaking work has garnered an impressive career spanning two decades, with solo performances at world famous venues like Carnegie Hall (New York), Southbank Centre (London), Kennedy Center (Washington DC), Steinway Hall (New York), Asia Society (Hong Kong),  Arts Center (Melbourne).

Recognized for his musical achievements from an early age, and endorsed as Young Steinway Artist, TiE Aspire Young Indian Achiever,, Yamaha Jazz Scholar, Lal has been recognized for his extensive collaborative work with Irish, Scottish, Jazz and Experimental artists including leading names like  Martin Hayes, Dennis Cahill, Winifred Horan, Australian Contemporary Circus Theatre CIRCA, Talvin Singh, George Brooks, Rajna Swaminathan. Lal has 7 solo record releases which include a historic world’s first album on the microtonal “Fluid Piano” (2016). Lal holds a Masters in Contemporary Improvisation (New England Conservatory of Music), Bachelor’s in Jazz (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland)  and is a disciple of  Dhrupad vocalist Ustad F. Wasifuddin Dagar.