Thursday, December 28, 2006

A soft-tabla for your daily riyaaz

For those of us who miss the accompaniment of a tabla as we practise on the keyboard/harmonium/vocal, here is a good option. There are some softwares that generate a variety of taalas on the PC / laptop, and you can even vary the tempo or create your own taal. Here are two useful links:
http://tablaguide.tripod.com/ A free download with a few preset taals and ability to generate your own.
http://taalmala.com/download.shtml A free 14-day limited trial edition, but worth buying the software (available in three versions).
I'm sure there are many more available on the internet, you just have to search with the correct keywords in Google. Of course, a dedicated hardware product like the taalometer or the taalmala from the innovative Radel Electronics is sure to create a near-live experience of the tabla, and those with a keen ear for music may find this a better choice.
And finally, the footnote to this article: There's no substitute to a real tabaljee when it comes to live music and serious riyaaz.

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