Press kit, Abbos Kosimov · Press kit, official use
Hi-Res Photo (300 dpi, 6.2 x 10) of Abbos Kosimov International phenomenon Abbos Kosimov is a master of the doyra (frame drum with metal rings) and an ambassador of Uzbek culture. A roughly 2000-year-old instrument originally played by women as an accompaniment to singing, the doyra features a cow skin head and a frame cut from a single piece of wood with a set of 64 rings evenly spaced around the perimeter. In the mid twentieth century, men began to play doyra and new playing styles began to emerge. Abbos is known for taking the instrument to unprecedented new heights. He developed finger tapping techniques inspired by North Indian tabla masters, adding new dimensions to the instrument's sonic capabilities. When asked about doyra, Abbos said: "Uzbek culture and national identity is deeply rooted in its music and dance traditions. As such, dorya has grown with the country over time and evolved to play a deeper role in reflecting Uzbek history, religion, heritage, and cultural traditions. Dorya is my life and I cannot live without it."Abbos also plays qayroq (flat oval stones and metal used as clappers or castanets), darbuka (single-head membranophone with a goblet-shaped body), tar (ancient single-headed frame drum), dof (round thin headed wooden frame with jingles), riqq (circular drum with jingles of the tambourine family), and cajón (box-shaped percussion instrument originally from Peru). Abbos was born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to a highly musical family. His father played santoor (hammered dulcimer) and his brother played ney (flute). He began studying doyra at age ten, beginning with his brother Umar Kosimov and father Rakhmat Kosimov. His brother soon introduced him to the honored Uzbek doyra artist Tuychi Inogomov. He also attended the doyra school of the famous doyra musicians Brothers Islamovs. In 1988, Abbos graduated from the College of Culture and Music under dorya master Mamurjon Vahbov.
