Badal Roy, born Amarendra Roy Chowdhury on October 16, 1939, in Comilla, British India, was an iconic figure in the world of music. Renowned for his unique style and innovative approach to the tabla, Roy’s contributions to jazz, world music, and experimental music left an indelible mark on the industry. His journey from a small town in Eastern Bengal to the global stage is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and passion for music.
Early Life and Introduction to Music
Badal Roy was born into a Hindu family in a predominantly Muslim region. His mother, Sova Rani Roy Chowdhury, was a homemaker, and his father, Satyenda Nath Roy Chowdhury, was a government official. The name “Badal,” meaning “rain,” “cloud,” or “thunder” in Bengali, was given to him by his grandfather after he began crying in the rain as a toddler.
Badal Roy grew up speaking Bengali, English, Hindi, and Urdu, which later helped him navigate the diverse musical landscapes he would explore.
Badal Roy’s uncle introduced him to the tabla, igniting a lifelong passion for percussion. Although American popular music initially captivated him, with artists like Elvis Presley, Pat Boone, and Nat King Cole among his favorites, it was a concert by Duke Ellington in Karachi, West Pakistan, in 1963 that opened his eyes to jazz. This experience set the stage for his future musical explorations.
Academic Pursuits and Move to New York
Badal Roy’s academic journey led him to earn a master’s degree in statistics. In 1968, he moved to New York City to pursue a PhD, armed with only eight dollars in his pocket. To make ends meet, he worked as a busboy and waiter in various Indian restaurants in the area, including Pak Indian Curry House, Taste of India, and Raga. Despite these challenges, Roy’s passion for music remained undiminished.
Badal Roy eventually received lessons from Alla Rakha, a distinguished tabla player who performed with the sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar and was the father of Zakir Hussain. These lessons further honed Roy’s skills and deepened his understanding of Indian classical music.
A Chance Encounter and Breakthrough in Jazz
Badal Roy’s breakthrough came unexpectedly while performing at an Indian restaurant in Greenwich Village. John McLaughlin, the renowned guitarist, noticed Roy’s talent and invited him to join his jamming sessions.
This collaboration resulted in the album “My Goal’s Beyond” (1971), a landmark in Indian-themed jazz. The album’s success catapulted Roy into the spotlight and opened doors to further collaborations.
Steve Gorn, a prominent figure in the jazz world, also discovered Roy in a Manhattan restaurant. This connection led to an invitation from Miles Davis, one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time.
Roy’s work with Davis included recordings on albums like “On the Corner” (1972), “Big Fun” (released in 1974), and “Get Up with It” (1974). These collaborations solidified Roy’s reputation as a versatile and innovative percussionist.
Collaborations and Legacy
Throughout his career, Roy collaborated with an array of leading jazz musicians, including Dave Liebman, Pharoah Sanders, Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, Lester Bowie, and Ornette Coleman. His versatility extended beyond jazz, as he performed with Brazilian guitar duo Duofel and the fusion trio Alankar, featuring Ken Wessel and Stomu Takeishi.
Roy’s influence also reached the realm of education. He appeared and conducted workshops at various festivals, such as RhythmFest, the Starwood Festival, and the SpiritDrum Festival. These events showcased his ability to inspire and educate aspiring musicians, leaving a lasting impact on the next generation.
Unique Musical Style and Innovations
Unlike many tabla players, Roy did not come from a family of professional musicians. His self-taught background, coupled with brief studies under his maternal uncle Dwijendra Chandra Chakraborty and Alla Rakha, gave his playing a unique and free-spirited quality. Roy often played a set of up to eight tabla tuned to different pitches and two baya simultaneously, creating a melodic as well as rhythmic sound.
His innovative approach and willingness to experiment set him apart from his contemporaries. Roy’s contributions to albums like “Miles From India,” a tribute to Miles Davis, which received a Grammy nomination in 2008, further cemented his legacy.
Final Years and Lasting Impact
Badal Roy’s final recording was with Michael Moss’s Accidental Orchestra on the album “Helix” in 2016. Despite his passing on January 18, 2022, due to COVID-19, his influence continues to resonate in the music world. His life and career serve as an inspiration to musicians and music enthusiasts worldwide.
Also Read:Latchmie Kumarie Vainmati Kallicharran: Indo-Guyanese Cultural Pioneer