This is the concluding episode of our conversation with New York-based Jazz musician Rudresh Mahanthappa. In part III Rudresh discusses his collaborations with Vijay Iyer, Kadri Gopalnath and IndoPak music group.

Rudresh talks about the notion of hybridization and how that influenced his music. We hear about the first time he heard Carnatic music and what kind of impact it had on him. "I feel a strong connection with it (Carnatic music)," he says. Listening to Carnatic music is as exciting as listening to John Coltrane says Rudresh.

Rudresh describes his music palette as eclectic and has incorporated Indian music traditions in his music and compositions. He is currently working with Kadri Gopalnath, Vijay Iyer and the IndoPak Jazz band.

Rudresh is currently collaborating with Indian saxophonist Kadri Gopalnath on a project titled "Dakshina Ensemble."

Recently, Rudresh and Vijay Iyer's first album titled Raw Materials was released by Savoy Jazz. The two musicians have been working together for the past 10 years. Rudresh has worked as a sideman with jazz musicians such as David Murray, Steve Coleman, Jack DeJohnette, Samir Chatterjee, Von Freeman, Tim Hagans, Fareed Haque, Vijay Iyer, Howard Levy, David Liebman, Greg Osby, and Dr. Lonnie Smith.

As a composer, Rudresh has received commission grants from the Rockefeller Foundation MAP Fund, American Composers Forum, Chamber Music America, and the New York State Council on the Arts to develop new work.

Rudresh lives with his family in New York.

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