Ekendra Das

Ekendra das is a multi-percussionist whose relationship with spiritualaity and Drums goes back to his early years. Raised in the New York music scene Ekendra Das watched and jamed with musicians who played in the coronet night club managed by his father, those musicians included John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespe, Elvin Jones though just a child this made a deep impression on him, and when Ekendra was a little older his uncle, famous Kathrine Dhunham dancer Walter Nicks arranged for him to play percussion and sing on a recording by Harry Belefonte. After these early sparks the fire of music grew leading to high school bands and drum corps other interest took place over the next years as Ekendra became involved in sports and martial arts, however Ekendra never lost his feel for the music. After entering college Ekendra studied music and also became interested in yoga and vedic teachings. After college Ekendra went to Africa and India where he continued his musical and spiritual studies culminating in becoming a Vedic Priest his Guru is Srila Narayana Maharaja master of the Bhakti Yoga tradition. Ekendra is also an OMO ANYA initiate in the sacred drum tradition. Ekendra has worked with artist from Kashif to Dizzy Gillespie, The Jazz mobile Allstars,Living colors Vernon Ried, Havana Select,Mary Ann Redmond, Al Williams David Bach, Mosaic,Roberta Flack, Marcus Johnson, Angela Bofil,Bottomland,Frank Mccomb,Jerry Gordon , Imani and many more.Ekendra has also done work with international stars like Chucho Valdes (cuba),Susana Baca(Peru), Armand Ntep(cameroon),Nalini Devi(India, Maritrell(Spain),Origem(Brazil), and was part of the Smithsonian Institute tribute to Ciela Cruz with Havana Select. Currently the percussionist for Fertile Ground ,One of the hottest recording and touring bands in the world. Ekendra Das continues to offer his talent and spirt to all types of music.Ekendra also Teaches and does workshops,and clinics, as well as recording and performance. Member PASIC.