Daniel Paul (PT 2): Tabla and the Mood of Devotion

Sacred Community Podcast

Part two of Hari Scott Whitmore's interview with his tabla teacher and Indian classical legend Daniel Paul. Daniel is a captivating storyteller, and he shares about his time with masters such as Ali akar Khan and Zakir Hussain, the origins and history of Indian Classical music, and the inherent sacredness of tabla rhythm. Whether a lover of classical or new to the form, everyone can benefit from this episode and gain a deeper appreciation for this ancient and sacred art form.

Daniel Paul is an India Fulbright award-winning tabla drummer and graduate of the Ali Akbar College of Music, who for three decades has been accompanying many of today’s top kirtan singers on the international chanting circuit. From his long association accompanying Grammy nominee Jai Uttal and the exotic global vocalist Gina Salá, Daniel has also toured South America backing the soft prayers of Snatam Kaur and throughout North America contributing to the rocking chants of Dave Stringer and the Guru Ganesha Band.

Daniel has maintained a varied eclectic career from music director for the Off-Broadway play "Ghashiram Kotwal" to decades of informal kirtan in the jungles and beaches of Maui. From Carnegie Hall to the Waikiki Bandshell, in a cave under old Jerusalem, to the temples and all night music festivals of India, whether through kirtan, classical sitar and sarod, Kathak dance and bansuri flute recitals, or his "Rhythms of the Heart" workshops, Daniel continues to introduce new audiences to the magic of the tabla. Learn more at: https://www.tabladaniel.com/

Hari Scott Whitmore began leading kirtan over ten years ago in Ram Dass’s living room, where he served as a personal caregiver. Over the years he has had the honor of accompanying many incredible kirtan wallahs including Krishna Das, Nina Rao, Devadas, and his bandmates in Kripa. During his time as the Director of Outreach for the Call and Response Foundation, he helped organize kirtans in prisons and recovery centers throughout the United States. This work is now carried out by the Sacred Community Project, of which Hari is a founding member. You can find more information at sacredcommunityproject.org and explore his musical offerings on https://kripa.guru

The Sacred Community Podcast is an inter-spiritual hub of the universal teachings, “Love, Service, Remembrance, and Truth.” Home to Sacred Community Project interviews, live workshop recordings, dharma talks, and meditations, each episode is carefully curated to ensure its alignment with SCP values.

SCP works to lower the barriers of access to contemplative and devotional practices through free, donation-based, and affordable offerings, spiritual support, and prison outreach. Learn more and make a tax-deductible donation at: https://sacredcommunityproject.org

SCP Logo: Beverly Hsu

Music: Carl Golembeski