MUSIC REVIEW : Alla Rakha, Son at Occidental

Within the large domain of the complex Indian music system, with its thousands of different ragas, lie sophisticated rhythmic patterns, or talas, which could be considered musical compositions by themselves. When the tabla--a set of tuned drums that almost always accompanies a melodic Indian instrument or voice--plays the atypical role of solo instrument, this rhythmic world of Indian music can be revealed profoundly.

In the hands of the father/son tabla team of Alla Rakha and Zakir Hussain, this rare tradition of soloing became a protracted display of virtuosity at Herrick Chapel, Occidental College. Sponsored by the Music Circle, the three-hour Sunday performance--not including a dinner break--also included the artistry of Sultan Khan on sarangi-- a multi-stringed Indian fiddle.

Alla Rakha, well-known as a longstanding accompanist for sitarist Ravi Shankar, brought a mature, solid expertise to the music. His son, also active in traditional Indian music circles as well as the jazz/pop world, took a more energetic, aggressive approach, often inciting thunderous applause.

Together, they took turns presenting the complex patterns, trading off parts, while Sultan Khan accompanied on sarangi , constantly repeating an innocuous melodic pattern. Other aspects of the well-paced session included a traditional hand-clapping conducting method, in which a few audience members also participated, and tongue-twisting vocalizations that both tabla players substituted now and then for their impressive tappings.

Sultan Khan opened the evening meditatively, bowing and strumming his fragile instrument, with apt accompaniment by Zakir Hussain. His presentation of a traditional raga, as well as a shorter folk melody, revealed a considerable range of melodic invention and virtuosic brilliance.