Madjid Khaladj

Among the rising younger talents in Iran's classical music circles, this performer on the tombak and related traditional instruments has forged the widest connections with Western audiences, even when those links involve film scores for undistinguished Hollywood productions such as Geronimo and Last Man Standing. His artistic foundation lies distant from such commercial efforts, situated instead in the sophisticated realm of Iranian dastgah. Comparable to the Indian raga with which it shares affinities, this tradition rests on distinct modal systems that musicians elaborate at length, frequently reaching rapid, intricate climaxes that percussionists find especially compelling. The instrument central to Madjid Khaladj's work is called tombak in Iran, dombak in Turkey, and possesses an Irish counterpart in the bodhran. He commenced lessons at age seven, channeling early rhythmic experiments into a distinguished trajectory as a traditional musician, pedagogue, composer, and lecturer. Mastery extends across an array of Iranian percussion instruments, among them the daf, esteemed as a mystical drum. Khaladj's path has encompassed partnerships with the traditional Armenian vocal ensemble Kotchnak and sessions amid Ry Cooder's relaxed California world-music environment. Departing further from his origins, he joined pianist Leszek Mozdzer for the album Chopin, Impressions, an endeavor whose results prove consistently intriguing. Advancing beyond the supportive function typically allotted drummers, he has spearheaded numerous international festivals, concerts, and recordings. Since 1984 he has instructed in the percussion practices of his homeland at the Center for Study of Oriental Musics in the Institute of Musicology of Paris-Sorbonne. In 1996 he established the College of Tombak, a Paris-based hub for Iranian percussion study. Beginning in 1999 he has received regular invitations to teach at the Music Academy of Basel in Switzerland. A striking dimension of his artistry lies in an expansive repertory of solo improvisations. Leading Iranian musicians who enlist his percussion support widely acknowledge his preeminence in both instrumental timbre and precise delivery of a broad spectrum of traditional rhythmic patterns. His steady collaborators include tar virtuosos Dariush Talâ'i and Hossein Alizâdeh as well as ney master Hossein Omoumi.