Nepali American Saxophonist, Composer, and Educator, Pawan Benjamin, started his musical training at a young age in Madison, Wisconsin, receiving guidance and mentorship from jazz luminaries such as bassist, Richard Davis, AACM founder Roscoe Mitchell, and many others in the Madison area. Pawan’s knowledge of Western harmony, and the Jazz tradition, paired with his knowledge of the music of India and Nepal, has allowed him to play in musical scenarios across the globe with world class artists such as Roscoe Mitchell, Ranjit Barot, Taufiq Qureshi, Mike Stern, Candido Camero, and many more.
 
Featured in the performance will be a few traditional Nepali instruments.
 
First, the Bansuri, or Bamboo flute, is a staple in the traditional folk and more recently classical music of Nepal and Northern India. The sonority of the instrument represents the signature sound of the Himalayas, and is also the traditional instrument seen with Lord Krishna.
 
The Madal is a traditional Nepali drum, that comes in many different sizes and is the most popular drum used in Nepal. The drum is the backbone of Nepali folk rhythm and is heard in the music of almost every region of Nepal.
 
Pawan Benjamin official site