Indian-American multi-instrumentalist Karsh Kale honed his chops as a student playing cafe gigs in New York, setting himself on a genre-bending, globe-trotting journey that spans decades and includes a performance at the White House. The maestro has proven himself to be as talented as a percussionist—jamming with the likes Bill Laswell and Zakir Hussain—as he is an electric tabla pioneer. He has redefined the sound of the Asian Underground while also excelling as a solo composer and constantly pushing the boundaries of fusion music.