Anika's Song
Jimmy Wolling and Lynn Geddes Wolling
The Story Behind Anika’s Song
Release Date: December 19
Anika’s Song was born from a devoted journey into Indian classical music, one we began later in life, guided by humility, perseverance, and the sacred bond between teacher and student. Although we did not grow up within this tradition, we were deeply blessed to achieve a level of dedication and professionalism that allowed us to play properly with the guidance of our teachers.
Our path began in Varanasi, India, where we first encountered the depth and discipline of Indian classical music. Rooted in the guru-shishya tradition, these teachings emphasize a lifelong commitment to developing an intuitive understanding of melodic frameworks (ragas) and rhythmic cycles (taal), progressing from foundational technique to expansive improvisation.
When the COVID-19 pandemic made continued travel to India impossible, we were called to carry our studies forward in the United States. It was during this time that we found our new teachers in Austin, Texas, Indrajit Banerjee (sitar) and Gourisankar Karmakar (tabla). Their guidance, generosity, and devotion to the tradition became the foundation for everything that followed.
In August 2019, we arrived in Austin for a 30-day immersion with these maestro teachers. We were welcomed with extraordinary warmth and kindness. At Indrajit’s home, we met his wife Sonalee, who had returned from the hospital a few days before after giving birth to their first child, a beautiful daughter named Anika.
The very next day, our studies began in earnest, setting a new course of action that would quietly shape the years ahead. Jimmy recorded every lesson with Indrajit, preserving not only the music but the living essence of the teacher-student tradition. Over time, Anika’s presence allowed her sounds, rhythms, and growth to become woven into those recordings. You can hear her in the background as a natural part of the lineage being passed on.
August 2019 marked the beginning of a new chapter, not only in our musical journey, but in a new life itself. A new cycle of life was born for Anika, Jimmy, and Lynn. Anika’s Song is the sound of that arrival. It is a story of hope, devotion, and quiet miracles unfolding over time.
We remain deeply grateful for the privilege of studying under such gifted and devoted teachers, each of whom leads their own schools in both the United States and India. Alongside our study of traditional ragas, we have been developing original compositions that blend Indian classical music and World music.
With the blessings of our Gurus, we are honored to share this music with the public.
Anika’s Song is an offering. Enjoy!
