Sangam Gives Traditional Music a New Direction The Sangam Trio melds the musical traditions of American jazz with East Indian influence. The group made its New York debut this past week. Two members of the trio — jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd and Indian tabla master Zakir Hussain, join host Debbie Elliott for a performance.

Sangam Gives Traditional Music a New Direction

Sangam Gives Traditional Music a New Direction

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Zakir Hussain, Charles Lloyd and Eric Harland combine musical styles. Dorothy Darr hide caption

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Dorothy Darr

Sangam (SAHN-gahm) is a Hindi word that means confluence. It represents a meeting of rivers and a melding of waters.

The Sangam trio performs live. Dorothy Darr hide caption

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Dorothy Darr

The Sangam trio is a group that melds musical traditions. Jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd, Indian tabla master Zakir Hussain and the dynamic young drummer Eric Harland form the tributaries of this new sound.

Their music is not unlike a river: sometimes a trickle, sometimes a torrent, but always improvisational. The Sangam trio made its New York debut this past week, and Charles Lloyd and Zakir Hussain discussed their music.