Internationally acclaimed DJ Karsh Kale has spent the last three months carrying a laptop loaded with ProTools recording and editing software through the chaos and inspiration that is India. Relishing both the miracles of technology and the wonders of the ancient, Kale stopped in Madras, Delhi and Bombay, popped open the lid of his mobile studio and recorded many of the musicians who will appear on his soon-to-be-released album, the followup to 2001's "Realize."
Among the many instruments that found their way into Kale's computer are the tabla, sarod, sarangi and flute, as well as drums and electric guitars, a mixture that is rich with Indian classical elements, of course, but which also reflects the eclectic and somewhat raw perspective of someone who grew up in New York City. When the India sessions were finished, Kale mixed them with the tracks he'd previously recorded back in New York with the bassist and producer Bill Laswell and tabla great Zakir Hussein. This music is currently making yet another journey as it accompanies Kale on his first trip to Japan for a set in Tokyo this weekend.
Kale has been DJing clubs in North America, Europe and India for the better part of a decade now. If the man is in constant motion, his recordings have traveled even farther afield, penetrating locations that he hasn't even been to yet.