Bobby Singh is marking a major moment in his musical life with a new album that draws together teachers, long-time collaborators, and some of Australia’s most respected artists. The ARIA Award-winning tabla player has announced that Sutradhaar will be released on 19 December, with the first single, ‘Awakening’, out today. The album was composed by his guru, Dr Aneesh Pradhan, arranged by Sydney saxophonist Sandy Evans, and shaped through a recording process that brought in musicians from across the country.
Sutradhaar takes its name from a Sanskrit word meaning string-holder or narrator, which fits the way the project has been built. The compositions written by Dr Pradhan sit at the heart of the work, but the album is carried by the interplay of artists such as Jeff Lang, Greg Sheehan, Lara Goodridge, Shenzo Gregorio, Ben Walsh, Zela Margossian and Tjupurru. Their sounds move between Indian classical tradition, jazz and blues, grounded by the unmistakable presence of the didgeribone.
Singh sees this as a milestone in a long journey. “This album was an incredible moment for me, to not only play and record with my dear friends, but also to work with my teacher, the incredible Dr Aneesh Pradhan,” he said. He describes the recording as a chance to capture something that sits outside any single style. “We were really able to catch something very special showcasing our long musical relationship, and with the support of all my dear friends we are able to present this work to you all.
“I am deeply honoured and very proud of this work and hope whoever listens to it feels that special bond that music can create across all cultures and languages.”
‘Awakening’, the first track to be released, offers an early look at that spirit. Singh calls it a piece that demonstrates the range of the musicians involved. “‘Awakening’ is a musical journey that really showcases the sounds of this album, sublime solos, incredible grooves, and virtuosic interplay between all the musicians,” he reflects.
The album is now available for preorder on Singh’s website, with a busy run of shows planned into early 2026. Performances at Woodford Folk Festival in December will be followed by dates in Sydney, Melbourne, Byron, Bellingen, Perth, Newtown and Wauchope in February and March, giving audiences a chance to hear the music live soon after its release.
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