Gautam Tejas Ganeshan

"A force of nature... Gautam's voice is a conduit for an otherworldly, transcendental energy... rich and possessing remarkable range... And his lyrics possess the same earthly humanism you might find in Walt Whitman's poetry."

- SF Weekly

"Subversive... Affecting and bold... The violinist and mridangam players played off, mimicked, and seemed to challenge one another during the group's two-hour set, which also included free-form solos. At times Ganeshan seemed to be shaking his head in agreement..."

- East Bay Express

"Ganeshan shared five of his alluring sets of lyrics [with] vocal ornamentations, involving trills and glissandos... Ganeshan's instrument was neither strong nor showy, but rather eminently lyrical and supple, its dramatic impact bolstered by the singer's expressive use of his arms and hands. A local treasure... A unique act... "

- SF Classical Voice

"Truly unique writing & singing. Built on a firm foundation of Carnatic music, but definitely a story of this place and this life. It's a blessing to experience his song and music filling the room on regular basis. It's a cleansing, enjoying experience. Very good vibrations, originating from serious practice, but delivered in humility and light heart."

- Subterranean Arthouse

"A passionate singer who applies his knowledge of Indian carnatic music to the creation of new music. Although his performances reflect a traditional aesthetic, they express immediacy more than nostalgia."

- UC Berkeley Art Museum

"Vocalist Gautam Tejas Ganeshan frees carnatic vocal virtuosity to access its angular outer reaches... An unflinching, intelligent intensity... Sophisticated technique and powerful repertoire."

- SF International Arts Festival

"Revisits the traditional music of South India... a chamber ensemble in dynamic improvisation."

- SF Chronicle (5.20.2017)

"A magnet for local Indian classical musicians."

- SF Chronicle (11.21.2009)

"Confusing & Fascinating..."

- CBS TV

"A stunning performer... There's something raw and immediate about the music."

- Long Beach Press Telegram

"A dream... passionate, knowledgeable, mindblowing."

- Asian Art Museum, SF

"An incredible presence... gentle renegade performance."

- Berkeleyside (2.7.2014)

"Brief moments of his mesmerizing music floated down..."

- Berkeleyside (11.9.2015)

"Invoking the infinite... four hours of Carnatic music by Gautam and his band of South Indian musicians."

- SF Museum of Modern Art

"Thoughtful, ecstatic vocal style... New music from an old tradition."

- SFJAZZ

"Extra special."

- Headlands Center for the Arts

"A stimulating sound experience."

- Berkeley Art Center

"Who are the raga nerds? ... Ganeshan is, doing vocal concerts in an innovative style."

- India Currents

"A reinterpreted South Indian musical tradition... A memorable evening."

- DOSA SF

"Carnatic music with distinction and an inimitable style... Rooted in an old tradition, Gautam sings mostly in English, opening up this classic Indian form to new audiences."

- Freight & Salvage

"Blending tradition and innovation in song... a rich and evocative blend, implying a nonlinear sense of time... The ensemble was quite wonderful."

- Repeat Performances