In the very strange landscape of 2020, I have found a lot of comfort in revisiting the foundational links of music and friendship. That’s exactly what happened when I reconnected with my friend Karsh Kale. Karsh and I shared some time in New York City when we were students and he was at the beginning of a blossoming music career. Karsh is a true musical pioneer, framing the Asian Underground music scene in the 90’s to a storied career as a producer, songwriter, composer, and DJ. While his musical talents are as diverse and eclectic as his audiences, a love of drums and tabla are at the core, offering the music world the true innovation of the “electric tabla”. His collaborations have included work with Ustad Zakir Hussain, Anoushka Shankar, Norah Jones, Sting, Herbie Hancock, Amel Larrieux, and Bill Laswell, among many others. His scoring of the music for the 2019 film Gully Boy was recognized last month at the Asian Film Awards, capturing the award for best original music. He’s also the subject of the documentary “Rock Disco Tabla”, which chronicles his terrific journey throughout the years. We had a chance to catch up recently and reflect a bit on the magnitude and breadth of his career, on American influences, and the importance of savoring moments.