Espresso Series: Chai Cello

A Breathless Half Dance, Half Dare

The NY Times hails Mike Block and Sandeep Das’ sound as “Breathless…half dance, half dare,” and we dare you not to dance along in the aisles. After meeting as members of Yo-Yo Ma’s Grammy Award-winning Silkroad Ensemble, Block (cello/vocals) and Das (tabla) joined together to form an energetic, dynamic cross-genre duo. Alone, Mike Block and Sandeep das are musical innovators and masters of their craft. Together, Block and Das explore the uncharted musical space of cello and tabla, drawing on traditional Indian rhythmic compositions and classic American melodies. The result is a sound unlike any other. One that is absolutely mesmerizing to watch and as spirited as it is soulful, like a steaming cup of hot chai.