Niladri Kumar (Sitar/Zitar) – The Space Between The Notes

Niladri Kumaar – The Space Between The Notes

Honoring Ustad Zakir Hussain

Sitarist Niladri Kumaar has been described as a maverick musician and composer, a game changer, and a powerful exponent of Indian Classical Music. Niladri was a frequent collaborator with the late Ustad Zakir Hussain. Their sitar-tabla duo was one of the most popular and prominent collaborations. Space Between the Notes is an extraordinary recording of a live concert of these two maestros in Mumbai, India —releasing later this year — as their only recorded performance together. Honoring the musical tradition they come from and that brought them together, Niladri Kumaar continues to expand the reach of Indian Music and brings a specially curated 2026–2027 tour, with his Sitar, Zitar, and an ensemble of Indian and American musicians.

Niladri Kumaar weaves together his magical melodies in his much loved unique style with centuries-old tradition and creative innovation. The tour also honors the special musical bond between the two masters through portions of their album recording presented in the tour. Niladri Kumaar’s Space Between the Notes tour is a musical journey — rooted in tradition, and sure to deeply resonate with the hearts of the listeners.

Joining Niladri Kumar on stage for this evocative journey are Satyajit Talwalkar (tabla), Charlie Lindner (keys), and Dèmitrio Albano (drums).

Satyajit Talwalkar:
Satyajit Talwalkar is a young, talented, and promising tabla player of the present generation. He belongs to a rich heritage of music as he is the son and disciple of Great Guru Padmashree Taalyogi Pt. Suresh Talwalkar and renowned Indian classical vocalist Smt. Padma Talwalkar. He started learning at the age of four and gave his first public performance when he was nine.
He has accompanied the great musicians of India including Ust. Amjad Ali Khan, Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Pt. Shivkumar Sharma, and Pt. Jasraj, and regularly performs with Niladri Kumaar, Rakesh Chaurasia, Amaan Ali Khan, Ayaan Ali Khan, Purbayan Chatterjee, and Rahul Sharma. Satyajit is also very interested in fusion and world music and has performed with renowned percussionists Trilok Gurtu and Shiva Mani.
He has been awarded with the prestigious Bharatratna Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar by the Sangeet Natak Akademi and Aditya Birla Kala Kiran Puraskar.

Charlie Lindner:
Charlie Lindner is an International multi genre musician from Rochester, NY. He has explored and mastered a wide variety of musical styles, releasing albums in progressive rock, funk, jazz, and electronic dance music. One of his most notable projects was the electronic duo “The Manhattan Project,” which wowed audiences at numerous large festivals, including MANN Amphitheater in Philly, Camp Bisco, and Rootwire. Lindner’s jazz projects have also earned him critical acclaim, with performances at prestigious venues such as the Smith Opera House in Geneva, the NAMM Show in Los Angeles, and the Rochester International Jazzfest. The Pickle Mafia, one of his current projects, is a unique and innovative fusion of all of Lindner’s varied musical interests, creating a sound that is entirely its own. With each new project, Charlie Lindner continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences around the world, cementing his status as a beloved figure in the music world.

Dèmitrio Albano:
Demi Albano is a versatile touring drummer based in Los Angeles, California. Originally from Rochester, New York, Albano grew up learning drums with an educational focus in jazz, while privately expanding into various genres under the pop music umbrella. Following a brief time in New York City after studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Albano moved to Los Angeles, where he has been touring as a drummer and music director for various international artists, including Luisa Sonza, Alex Sampson and Jamie Miller.