Zakir Hussain: The SF Jazz Sessions

(2013, 3 hrs, Directed by Anisa Qureshi & Taylor Phillips)

On the special night that was to see South Asia Institute supporting the great tabla player, Ustad Zakir Hussain on stage at the Chicago Symphony Center presenting his bi-annual Master’s of Percussion concert, we will gather at South Asia Institute instead to honor to remember the late, great maestro of rhythm. It is a chance to join together with friends, fellow fans, music lovers and Zakir’s own family to witness the great percussionist in this rarely seen incredible concert film directed by Zakir’s own daughter, Anisa Qureshi and his son-in-law, Taylor Phillips.

Filmed and recorded in 2013, during the historic inaugural season of the SF Jazz Center, the film tells a story of four extraordinary nights showcasing the formidable talents and genre-bending collaborations of the peerless tabla virtuoso, percussionist, composer Zakir Hussain, in concert with some of his favorite musicians. These sessions highlight the consummate virtuosity and improvisational genius of one of the world’s greatest musicians and the easy, personable charisma which have made Zakir an international celebrity. The presentation of the music is interwoven with insightful interviews, personal commentary and intimate glimpses of life, offstage and backstage. The phenomenal artists who came together during the SF sessions include Zakir Hussain, tabla, percussion • Bela Fleck, banjo • Edgar Meyer, bass • Steve Smith, drums • Giovanni Hidalgo, conga • Eric Harland, drums • Ganesh Rajagopalan, violin • Rakesh Chaurasia, flute • Niladri Kumar, sitar • George Brooks, saxophone • Antonia Minnecola, Kathak dance • Molly Holm, vocal • Dana Pandey, tabla • Osam Ezzeldin, keyboard • Sanket Acharya, tabla • Salar Nader, tabla.

The film screening will be followed by a Q&A with the Directors and a short reception.

Funds from the program will go to support the launch of the Zakir Hussain Music Institute, founded to further the knowledge of classical Indian percussion music and its place in contemporary music, instruct and inspire future generations of musicians and archive this recorded body of work, along with Zakir’s concerts, lectures and appearances.

*The Chicago Symphony Center is a promotional partner for this performance.