Trilok Gurtu (born 30 October 1951 in Mumbai) is an Indian percussionist and composer who has spent five decades bridging North Indian classical rhythms with jazz, world music, and funk. Raised in a musical family - his mother Shobha Gurtu was a celebrated classical singer - he took up tabla at six and later built an unorthodox kit that places Western drums on the floor alongside tablas and hand percussion. He has collaborated with John McLaughlin, Jan Garbarek, Joe Zawinul, Don Cherry, Pat Metheny and many others, and won the Down Beat Critics Poll for Best Percussionist seven times.
Gurtu released 'Mirror' (Jazzline), his 22nd album as leader, recorded with the Arkè String Quartet in Mantua in May 2024.
Jazz Journal reviewed 'Mirror', calling the 56-minute programme the quintet's finest achievement to date.
Gurtu performed a duo concert with Stefano Bollani at the Teatro Romano di Verona as part of the Estate Teatrale Veronese 2025 festival.
Gurtu is scheduled to perform with the Jan Garbarek Group at Die Glocke in Bremen in November 2025.
Gurtu and the Arkè String Quartet performed at the Garda Jazz Festival in Arco, Italy in August 2024.
Norwegian saxophonist Jan Garbarek's group performs with Indian percussionist Trilok Gurtu in Munich.
A jazz concert by Norwegian saxophonist Jan Garbarek with special guest Indian percussionist Trilok Gurtu.
World-class jazz masters Jan Garbarek and Trilok Gurtu perform together in Katowice.
Legendary saxophonist Jan Garbarek and percussionist Trilok Gurtu perform at the 31st Summer Jazz Festival in Kraków.