- country:United Kingdom
- style(s):Bhangra
- label:ECC Records
- type:Band, Large Ensemble
- gender:male
- instrumentation:percussion
- artist posted by:Midnight Mango Ltd
Line up
- Johnny Kalsi (Dhol)
Links
The Dhol Foundation are a UK based collective, founded by charismatic Master Drummer Johnny Kalsi. For over 20 years, they have been showcasing the thunderous rhythm of the Dhol to audiences across the world. Whether on a festival stage or venue, the group have become well known for their joyous, high energy performances. Their music has also been featured in Hollywood films such as Gangs of New York and The Incredible Hulk.
In 1989 while Johnny Kalsi was touring the the Bhangra supergroup Alaap playing the Dhol Drum, he made a name for himself and people began to recognise Kalsi for his unique style of “Modern” Dhol Drumming.
Starting a class in Slough. He soon found himself among a whirlwind of wannabe Dhol drummers, all eager to learn and go on to become teachers. The school really was the foundation for the this amazing instrument that gave his students the Inspiration & knowledge for a platform to start their own classes.
In 1989, Johnny was touring with the Bhangra Supergroup Alaap, in 1995 he switched to crossover bands like, Asian Dub Foundation, Trans-Global Underground and Fun^Da^Mental that he was asked to join Womad in Caceras to conduct a Dhol drumming workshop. It was during this time that things took a bigger spin and The Dhol Foundation had their first taste of a MainStage. From there, Kalsi began to produce music for their own albums.
In 2001 Big Drum Small World was released and the final track on the album made the Hollywood movie, Gangs of New York. Fast forward to 2017 5 albums and 8 Royal engagements later, The Dhol Foundation are the choice of the Royal Commonwealth for fanfares and openings for prestigious events.
Their latest Album Basant was released in 2017 and features the Grammy Award Winning vocalist from Benin, Angelique Kidjo. A new album is in the making for 2024, TDF are busy with a full band, including Bhangra dancers. They also have a DJ set with live musicians and for the weddings and fanfares they do performances with the Dhol drummers alone.