Ravi Shankar Master Of Sitar CD - Import

One of the best things about the compilations that Nascente issues is that they are generally comprised of vintage material that, while it may not be immediately recognizable to an uninitiated or perhaps less-than-wholly educated listener, is nonetheless truly representative of an artist. This four-raga selection of Ravi Shankar's work could easily have been entitled "A Guide to Indian Sitar Music." These four ragas cover the gamut of Shankar's many stylistic tendencies on the instrument, and they also illustrate the various mannerisms in which Indian classical melodies are architected and established within a raga. Here the various sections are discussed in the liner notes and are readily discernible for anyone interested. That said, each of the four selections here represents a different time of the day and a different mood setting. There is "Raag Alahya Bilawal" for morning that contrasts a slow Vilambit composition in teentaal (of 16 beats) with a faster Gat in ektaal (12 beats). Also, there is "Raagh Samat Surang" for afternoon, featuring a quicker Gat in jhaptaal (ten beats), with table accompaniment throughout by the late Ustad Alla Rakha, Shankar's teacher. Finally, there are two ragas for early and later evening that are distinguished by meditative mood and folk versus urban styles. On "Raag Bihag," Ustad Ahmedjan Thirakhwa plays tabla. Shankar's music here is very dignified, wonderfully ornate without business, and full of sacred emotion. This is one heck of an introduction or addition to any Shankar library. About the only thing dislikable about it is the lack of a liner credit for the tabla player on two of the selections; it's a small complaint. The sound on this disc is also superlative, painstakingly remastered from the original analog masters. ~ Thom Jurek

UK release featuring four tracks from the legendary Gramophone Company Of India's vaults, all selected for different periods of the day. This music is for melting into the sofa, spiritually uplifting & contemplative. Total playing time 73 minutes and 55 seconds. 2001 release.

Arranger: Ravi Shankar.

Personnel: Ravi Shankar (sitar).

Liner Note Author: Jameela Siddiqi.