Indian music - Sitar & Tabla performances & workshops in Devon, South West UK.

Jon Sterckx (Tabla) & Ricky Romain (Sitar) have been regularly performing Indian music together since 2001 and have developed a strong performance rapport between them. Their shared understanding and appreciation of North Indian music is always apparent within their performances, as is their mutual enjoyment of each others playing, and of the music being created through their combined playing. Through the sound world of North Indian Rag and Taal, Ricky & Jon's highly engaging and dynamic performances range from slow, meditative, melodies through to fast and highly detailed exciting rhythmical interplay.

" . . .The brilliant sitar of Ricky Romain in duet with Jon Sterckx's tabla wizardry was a first class example of musicians "playing off" each other, their evident joy never becoming indulgent, and never compromising the aims of the music. . . ." - Colin Sell.

Jon & Ricky have performed Indian music together in Art centres, Festivals , private events, Weddings and functions and were performers at the National Celebration of British Asian Live Arts in 2008. They have also recorded 2 Indian classical Sitar & Tabla CD's together - Rag Ahir Bhairav & a live recording of Rag Kirvani ( see below )

They regularly perform Indian Music together throughout the South West UK - Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset and are available for performances throughout the UK (See events )

Jon & Ricky also work together delivering Indian music workshops to schools, colleges, universities and at festivals and other events. Click here for info

Contact for more information and booking details.

Click here for more info about Ricky

Click here for more info about Jon

Feedback, comments & testimonials:

"Talented percussionist Jon Sterckx was outstanding on tabla, and a longer solo from him would have been welcome." - Pippa Howell - Frome Festival Review.

"You and Ricky were superb at the ‘Wilsford Asian Festival’.  Thank you both so much for joining us and making it such a superb evening. The letters, cards and e-mails coming in from guests comment on your music and are gushing in praise." - Event Organiser.

"Your performances were truly mesmerising" - Esther White - University of Exeter, following the Clelebration Of British Asian Live Arts Concert 10.04.08

"Thanks Ricky it was a fantastic event and your sitar playing was amazing". - Sanjay Sharma - Plymouth South Asian Society.

"I was totally bowled over. Paul's family has never heard anything so wonderful and my family had not seen/heard anything so wonderful, let alone live." - comment from Verna Vyas (Bride - also testimonial below.)

"I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed it and was a refreshing change from the usual jazz trio or string quartet you often get at English weddings." - wedding guest.

Testimonial from bride: word file   pdf file

Indian Classical Music Sitar & Tabla Cd's:

£10 + postage

Rag Kirvani Live Recording ( 2006 ) Enhanced by spacious church acoustics, this recording captures the beauty and excitement of Ricky & Jons live performance of one of Indian musics most atmospheric and emotional Ragas, Rag Kirvani. Recorded live in The Minster, Axminster 5th May 2006. The performance was a benefit concert for The Tulsi Trust Indian Jungle Health & Education Project.  4 tracks - Alaap, Slow Gat, Tabla Solo & Fast Gat. Track 1 - Alaap Track 2 - Slow Gat in Tintal Track 3 - Tabla Solo Track 4 - Fast Gat in Tintal

sorry not available

Rag Ahir Bhairav ( 2001 ) Rag Ahir Bhairav is an early morning rag which combines phrases from the ragas Bhairav and Kafi. The Alaap is the free metre introduction to the notes of the rag played on Sitar. This is followed by a slow Gat, or composition in Tintal, which is a sixteen beat rhythmic cycle, counted 4+4+4+4. At this point, the Tabla joins the Sitar to give the rhythmic cycle. The final section is a fast composition, also in the rhythmic cycle of Tintal. Track 2 - Slow Gat  Track 3 - Fast Gat Sample 1 Track 3 - Fast Gat Sample 2