I am thrilled to play with Jethro Tull: Anoushka

By Sanjeeb Baruah, New Delhi, Nov 18 : Sitarist Anoushka Shankar is thrilled at the prospect of playing alongside legendary rock band Jethro Tull, saying her fans would appreciate the 'cross-cultural ties' they plan to showcase in a series of concerts across India later this month.

Ian Anderson is known throughout the world of rock music as the flautist and main vocalist of this famous band.

They will perform in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi between Nov 27 and Dec 3. A performance is also scheduled for Dubai Dec 4.

"I'm very excited to have the opportunity to perform with Jethro Tull. Ian Anderson is a wonderful man and incredible musician, and I look forward to working with him in these concerts," says Anoushka.

"I know he has so many avid fans around India who are looking forward to his return, and I hope they also appreciate the cross-cultural ties we plan to reference through the course of the music we play together," she told IANS in an email from Los Angeles.

This would be Anoushka's first concert tour in the company of Jethro Tull.

The concerts will feature solo sets by each of them and then a joint performance featuring each of their own compositions and new music written specifically for the tour, her office said.

Anderson has been to India many times. This is his 40th year as a recording and performing musician.

Anoushka's recent works include "Charu Keshi Rain" from the album "London Undersound" and Thievery Corporation's recently released "Radio Retaliation", which features her on the track "Mandala".