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Synthesizing jazz with the astutely improvised musical forms of South Asia, the Indo-Pak Coalition transcends any preconception of Indo-jazz fusion. Led by Indian-American saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa, this trio with Pakistani-American guitarist Rez Abbasi and rising tabla star Dan Weiss is turning heads internationally in both the jazz and world music scenes. Their debut album, Apti (Innova, 2008), reached #1 on the JazzWeek World Music radio charts and enjoyed long stints in the top ten of the JazzWeek Jazz, CMJ Jazz, and ChartAttack radio charts. Rolling Stone, the New York Times, and Downbeat among others have raved about both the ensemble and the album.

Guggenheim fellow and 2009 Downbeat International Critics Poll Winner (“Rising Star-Jazz Artist” and “Rising Star-Alto Saxophone”) Rudresh Mahanthappa is one of the most innovative young musicians and composers in jazz today. Named Alto Saxophonist of the Year in 2009 and 2010 by the Jazz Journalist Association, Rudresh has incorporated the culture of his Indian ancestry and has fused myriad influences to create a truly groundbreaking artistic vision.

As a performer, he leads/co-leads seven groups to critical acclaim. His recent release for Pi Recordings, Kinsmen (2008), featuring Carnatic saxophone legend Kadri Gopalnath was named one of the Top Jazz CDs of 2008 by numerous news sources including the New York Times, NPR, BBC, Boston Globe, slate.com, JazzTimes, and the Village Voice to name just a few. His previous quartet release for Pi, Codebook (2006), was named one of the Top Jazz Albums of 2006 by the Village Voice, JazzTimes, and The Denver Post and received rave reviews from Downbeat, wired.com and Science Magazine.  On September 28, 2010, Pi Recordings will release Rudresh's latest CD, Apex, a co-led group with alto saxophonist Bunky Green featuring Jason Moran, Francois Moutin, Damion Reid and special guest Jack DeJohnette. 

For more information, visit www.rudreshm.com

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