Just watch him in the middle of his Kit Set Up and you will go crazy wondering as to how this wizard of his art must be manipulating the whole musical paraphernalia and creating magical and mind blowing sensational music. A Star is born in the music world.
An enigma to drum up the sounds from around the Globe is our very own Mumbai prodigy, “Mukul Dongre”. Mukul is a well oiled percussion machine equally brilliant with indian taal system as on drums in the land of tabla. As a Percussionist and a Modern Drummer, he is a class of his own, having played with the best and the greatest. Mukul Dongre, son of the well known Indian classical violinist Mr. Madhav Dongre, is one of the rare musicians who have brought the flavour of Indian music through western ways, keeping western grooves rocking.
Cricketer turned Bodybuilder turned Drummer, is one of the forerunners in the industry, forever pushing the limits and boundaries of music and leading to creative and unconventional drumming. He is capable of subtler, funkier grooves on the one hand and awe-inspiring solo improvisations on the other. In fact his technical virtuosity is such that his flash could sometimes overwhelm his music.
Mukul’s drumming reflects power, technique, dynamics and musicality. He adds his own innovative concepts and strengths, thus creating a percussive punch that’s unique and his alone, yet highly musical and groove-oriented. He can play in a wide variety of musical genres, but is perhaps most notable for his fusion and Latin music playing. He is mostly known for Afro Cuban Latin drumming which is rare in India. He uses all four limbs both individually and as a collective to present multi-timbral sound scapes, adding Konnakol (the art of performing percussion syllables vocally) which is the fifth element in his Independence drumming, defining the drum set as a contemporary solo instrument for the world stage.
Generally acclaimed as a fusion drummer, Mukul harnessed his amazing dexterity into South & North Indian complexities. Not only does he attack the boundaries of a solo performer but he is credited to have had the honour to have performed with eminent artists as Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Pt.Suresh Talwalkar, Pt. Vishwamohan Bhatt, Trilok Gurtu, Fazal Quereshi, Taufiq Quereshi, Rekha Bhardwaj, Niladri Kumar, Aman & Ayan Ali Khan, Rakesh Chaurasia, Kai Eckhardt, George Brooks,Pt. Ronu Majumdar & many more top artists from India…
His drumming entices you invoking curiosity as to what else he’s going to offer. His sensational drumming skills make him an extraordinary stage performer. He is highly disciplined and is always keen to explore new ways of connecting with his audiences.Mukul endorses Premier Drums Artist Maple Series & Meinl Cymbals
His special tour was with world renowned guitarist Jeremy Spencer of Fleetwood Mac. His credentials also include performances with accomplished Indian classical artistes. Besides jazz he is comfortable performing both Hindustani and carnatic styles of Indian classical music.
Mukul has performed all over the world, including locations such as London, USA, New Zealand, Malaysia, South Africa, UAE, Singapore and many more.
His performances entertains you rhythmically and musically, as he mixes large doses of creativity by taking standard, classic and complicated material which have captivated audiences not only in India, but around the world.. These high accolades have been received for Mukul’s solos across the world for which he has received exceptional reviews.
An explosive, energetic, foot-tapping, exciting & most intense drumming *Weaving an interesting percussive display, his solo demonstrates solidarity of his skills…
His DEBUT ALBUM” AFTER U”- b’coz music matters is released recently, as a composer.
AFTER U have various styles of music. It’s a perfect blend of elements of jazz,Classical ragas, bollywood rock, Latin, devotional jazz fusion, hip thumri, afro techno thus
Creating the effect of modern world fusion music. It’s a sonic adventure.
Smooth soulful vocals, dynamic jazzy drumming, authentic tabla bols, afro Cuban clave Solos, face melting rock guitars, uplifting harmonies, Indian Oral Percussions (konnakol) are the Highlights of the album.
The album features world renowned bassist Kai Eckhardt,singers Rekha Bhardwaj,Vijay Prakash, Shounak Abhisheki,Vivienne Pocha, Nueman Pinto.. and of course Mukul’s first song as singer as well. The other best musicians associated with album are guitarist Sanjay Divecha,Rakesh Chaurasia, Chintoo Singh, Floyd Fernandes, Harmeet manseta, Aggi Fernandes, Santosh Mulekar,sonu sangameshwaran & sangeet mishra among others..
Composed & produced by Mukul Dongre, Lyrically designed by Rajan Ranade, K.C.Loy & Asif Ali Beg, After U has bold new rhythmic approach towards melodies, foot tapping grooves, Interesting new pickups which will get your creative juices flowing… and will leave you asking for more…”B’coz Music Matters.”
