Ritesh Das & Bif Naked Beg The Forgiveness Of Trees

The tabla master & the rock icon team up on a dynamic environmental statement.

Ritesh Das seeks The Forgiveness Of Trees with the help of Bif Naked and Ash Ravens on his new single and video — showcasing today on Tinnitist.

The second single from the Indian-Canadian tabla master’s debut solo album To Begin With, Forgiveness Of Trees delivers a dynamic, driving and distinctive blend of tabla and rock, fuelled by the raw vocals of Naked and the powerful guitar work of Ravens. The track was inspired by a shared concern for nature and humanity’s impact on the environment. Das, impressed by Bif’s sensitivity, proposed the theme of “trees” for their latest collaboration, prompting her to write lyrics pleading for forgiveness from nature itself.

Das’s solo venture unfolds a new chapter in his illustrious career as the celebrated leader and founder of the Toronto Tabla Ensemble. Stuck at home during a time when travel was no longer an option, the 66-year-old percussion maestro, mastered composing and recording software, leveraging technology and his home studio. The album not only highlights his diverse musical skills but also features a unique fusion of live instrumentation with programmed beats, samples and orchestral instruments.

Born in Calcutta, India, Das embarked on a remarkable career marked by innovation and cultural fusion. As the artistic director of the Juno-nominated TTE, he blends traditional tabla rhythms with diverse musical elements from around the world. His dedication to pushing the boundaries of traditional music has earned him recognition and acclaim, establishing him as a respected authority in the world of percussion and fusion.

Naked is a celebrated and notorious performer in music, TV, film, and dance; a writer and poet; and a tireless advocate and humanitarian. Orphaned in India, emancipated by punk rock, and empowered by surviving breast cancer, kidney failure, heart surgery, divorce, she is a platinum-selling recording artist, a best-selling author, a passionate entrepreneur, and advises and coaches other artists as a mentor and manager.

Nominated for Newcomer of the Year 2022 by the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition, and recipient of the SEED Award from the city of Ottawa, the Bangladesh born, globe-trotting artist Ravens lived in Australia and L.A. before making Canada his home. Although new to our music scene, he is already making waves with his guitar-driven, virtuosic instrumentals.

Watch the video for The Forgiveness Of Trees above, check out To Begin With below, and keep up with Ritesh Das on his website, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.