First of its kind in the state of Gujarat, TAAN was formed in the year of 2007 by Rushi Vakil. It’s an Indo-World Fusion band created under the banner of Rhythm Riders Productions and includes Rushi on Keyboards, Percussions and Harmonica, Aniket Khandekar on Vocals, Steven Francis on Bass, Milind Sheorey on Flute, Vishal Vaghela on Percussions and Monark Khatri on Drums. The guest musicians include Shyam Raj on Saxophone, Swapnil on Guitars and Amit on Percussions. Taan is a creative exploration of Indian and world music, made with the desire to show the beauty of Indian classical music by presenting it in a form for all to enjoy and showing its relevance to music from around the globe. Each track composed by the band is different from the other one. In one, you find Irish fiddling with Goan folk, while another compares jazz with the classical raga of Bhairavi. There are club beats overlaid with tabla vocals and a Ugandan folk song recreated with Indian improvisation techniques. Add a few strums of Sitar – Guitar with Blues to that and you’ve got yourself music of TAAN. The compositions of TAAN have music from all over the world.
Rushi believes that Taan is for masses, and especially for younger audiences. Their objective is to attract the generation to the strains of classical music. He deems that young people can also appreciate and like the classical music if they listen to it carefully. Rushi brings world music genres to his compositions and presents it in a contemporary manner without losing the real essence of classical music. For him, the fusion can only be justified if it’s blended perfectly.
Demo Videos
Demo Videos
Artist Profile
Rushi Vakil
Band Leader / Multi – Instruments
Rushi believes that Taan is for masses, and especially for younger audiences. Their objective is to attract the generation to the strains of classical music. He deems that young people can also appreciate and like the classical music if they listen to it carefully. Rushi brings world music genres to his compositions and presents it in a contemporary manner without losing the real essence of classical music. For him, the fusion can only be justified if it’s blended perfectly.
Aniket Khandekar
Vocals
With a vast experience of almost 33 years in Indian Classical Music, Aniket’s name is quite familiar and famous amongst music enthusiasts. As a vocalist as well as a composer, Aniket has coached thousands of students in classical music at his academy since past few decades. Along with Aniket, his students have also managed to make global recognition for themselves in the music industry and are performing at various renowned international music festivals.
Milind Sheorey
Flute
Milind had an inclination towards Flute since a very early age which persuaded him to learn Indian Classical Music. Being an incredible artist in Indian Classical Music, he also had a chance to be featured in National Program of Music at All India Radio. Apart from doing several stage performances, Milind also works as a session musician for music and film industry where he creates his own style that reflects the melodious Malhar baaj.
Steven Francis
Bass
Giving performances since 1972, Steven is considered as one of the senior-most bass guitarists of the independent music scene. His initial journey began as a freelancer who used to perform at five-star hotels but his passion for every genre of music and his abilities to play more than one instrument led him to play all around the globe at different festivals with various bands. In addition to that, Steven has also had the fortune to work on Bollywood projects.
Monark Khatri
Drums
Born in a family that is musically devoted, Monark was bound to choose the same path for his career as well. He began his training at the young age of 3 and there was no stopping him then. Quite versatile with his skills, Monark is considered to be one of the first percussionists who brought live DJ and live drumming culture in the city. Monark has made a remark for himself by working with a range of celebrity singers such as Neha Kakkar, Neeti Mohan, Aishwarya Majmudar etc.
Swapnil
Guitar
Adding a younger touch to the group, Swapnil is considered to be a natural performer as he is frequently visiting different cities and countries to give performances with renowned artists. A promising musician who has had the fortune to work with Team Roohani, Taan and artists such as Raag Mehta, Balraj Shastri, Kosha Pandya, Parth Oza as a Guitarist appeals to the younger Gujarati audience of today and likes involving himself in different genres of music.