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Quotes "The ultimate show-and-tell artist...He's the sizzle and the steak. In an era when concerts are too likely to be low-protein, one young American artist is offering generous double portions...Ashu charmed the Lyric Theatre audience with music full of bold, colorful personality, and an overwhelmingly beautiful sound. A human mobile, Ashu moves constantly as he plays...Ashu created not just environments but also entire worlds." (Click here to read more)
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"Riveting...Brilliant...Pizzazz to burn!...Great rhythmic flair...lovely singing line....very attractive sound...gives the impression of great freedom..." - Miles Hoffman, National Public Radio "Performance Today" commentator ."..played so lovingly...indeed a terrific player, wonderful artist, and virtuoso...a pleasure to hear music so well played...glorious!" - John Corigliano, Pulitzer Prize and Oscar winning composer "...just as much fun to watch him as it is to listen to him." - Anshel Brusilow, Dallas Morning News
"Ashu is a bright young man musically mature well beyond his years...he has a heart for music and a soul filled with passion...his music was brilliant, flawless and inspiring. As he concluded his performance with Fantaisie sur un theme Original by Jules Demersseman, you could see in his eyes and you could hear through his saxophone the true nature of this bright and shining star...he is musical passion personified." - Vision Magazine (2007)
"...a brilliant musician. His control over the instrument, his intensity, the breathtaking fingering of the keys, his clear ability to 'feel' the composer's emotional intent, all kept the full attention of the audience. Ashu was one with his instrument and played it easily, despite the obvious challenges of the composition...The young artist then took the microphone to express his appreciation...his delightful personality captivated the audience. The next selection lent strength to the genius of the artist. At the conclusion, the audience was quick to rise in a standing ovation." (Click here to read more) - Roswell Daily Record (2007)
"If listening to this doesn't take your breath away, somebody needs to take your temperature."
- John Farrer, The Californian (2007)
"The Charlotte Symphony featured a brilliant saxophone soloist, Ashu, a 24-year-old already known worldwide. Ashu's lithe body movements and dramatic facial expressions combined with his staccato saxophone notes to evoke the suspense of the film. He demonstrated how sweet an alto sax can sound, as well as his profound fingering dexterity...his solo replete with subtle phrasings...The audience's response was overwhelming in its approval. As an encore, Ashu played a work which he orchestrated...Ashu's lyrical solo sparkled with romantic flourishes, glissandos, technical brilliance and tonal perfection." -
"The audience in Ainay, France had the great pleasure of hearing the top American saxophonist in a fully packed hall. Ashu was in truly top form tonight. Upon opening the first piece, one was immediately struck by his brilliant tone and technique mastery. He plays with a sound and a sensitivity which emanates freely from his body, as if in a perpetual movement. It is truly a joy to watch and his fresh, eclectic program warms the heart. Ashu has truly placed the bar very high as the opening concert of the festival." [translated from French] (Click here for full article) - Le Berry Républicain (2007)
"Ashu dazzled the audience...with his ability to make the alto sax fall into soft, soft whispers, then weave quixotically around a bed of string instruments, and then suggest rather firmly that you listen to its emotional outbreaks. Ashu, a top-caliber saxophonist with plenty of stage presence to boot, boasts a decidedly rich, wonderful tone. Beyond that very buttery sound, Ashu shows a spectacular range, hitting that seemingly unreachable high note...and then bringing the instrument down to a whisper...as his fingers flew over the keys for both pieces." (Click here for full article) - Times Record News (2008)
"Ashu was the shining star...the varying moods and tempos of this complex piece clearly represented Ashu's exceptional musical abilities. Only 24, Ashu has a resume that could make a concert saxophonist twice his age envious..." -
"...a really sensational musician." - Christopher Rouse, Pulitzer Prize winning composer
"Very impressive and artistic - a real virtuoso" - Leonard Hokanson, internationally recognized concert pianist,
"[Ashu] is a world-class musician. His musicianship on alto saxophone dazzles audiences." - Jeffrey Bell-Hanson, Music Director, KSO "...A brilliant concert saxophonist..." - L'Attitudes "...Ashu is a great audience pleaser...[he] established a fine rapport with the audience while introducing the compositions he played. Ashu's repertoire is hugely varied...played with a technique that must be the envy of older players. The end of the concert came almost too soon, as does all good things." - Ocean City Sentinel "Its treacherous moments of virtuosity were easily negotiated by Ashu, while the slow section was expressively interpreted...with soulful solos by the saxophone...once more, Ashu displayed his mastery." - Palm Beach Daily News
"Excellent stage presence...Very exciting for the audience...lovely opening...well thought phrases....Good character in music." - Gail Williams, internationally recognized French hornist and "Very poised...remarkable technique...a fine musician." - Henry Charles Smith, Minnesota SO resident conductor and "Superior in every aspect." - Christopher Weait, internationally recognized bassoon recording artist
"Lots of imagination! [He] makes this piece interesting." - Doriot Anthony Dwyer, principal flutist
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