There are some names which are always good bets: Ali Akhbar Khan, Nikhil Banerjee, Ram Narayan, Zakir Hussein, Mahapurush Misra. The last two are tabla players, the first three play sarod, sitar and sarangi respectively. They are the best-known and always good but that doesn't mean lesser-known artists can't turn in some great performances.
My own favourite musician is Zia Mohuiddin Dagar on rubra vina. This is an antique instrument that very few know how to play, and Z. M. does the slower movements exclusively: alap and jor. To me it is very profound and meditative music.
Perhaps I should mention that the only living persons I name are Ram Narayan, who is over 80, and Zakir Hussein, who will soon be 60. I would love to know more about the younger generation.
My own favourite musician is Zia Mohuiddin Dagar on rubra vina. This is an antique instrument that very few know how to play, and Z. M. does the slower movements exclusively: alap and jor. To me it is very profound and meditative music.
Perhaps I should mention that the only living persons I name are Ram Narayan, who is over 80, and Zakir Hussein, who will soon be 60. I would love to know more about the younger generation.