Ashok Pathak is the current bearer of the torch for the Pathak gharana of dhrupad performers. He plays the sitar and surbahar equally well, with the surbahar lending itself better to the ancient and stately dhrupad (which is properly a vocal form). Taught thoroughly by his father, the innovative Balaram Pathak, Ashok was an early performer on a number of instruments, from whence he developed his style of playing. He also draws influences from the Mallick gharana on his mother's side of the family (which includes the noted C.N. Mallick, known in the West as Ravi Shankar's pakawaj player) as well as the legendary Dagar family, who were friends to the Pathaks. After receiving a masters degree from the Praya Sangeet Samiti in Allahabad, Pathak spent 15 years as an instrument builder in Calcutta before moving to Europe where he now performs, records, and teaches at the Hague. Ashok has four albums to his credit, the largest release being World Arbiter's Ancient Court Raga Traditions from 2001. ~ Adam Greenberg