Shujaat Hussain Khan Gayakiang CD - Import

Shujaat Khan is probably best known for his involvement with the ensemble Ghazal, which brought together Middle Eastern and Indian music. Here, on his most recent solo outing, he breaks no new ground, but shows just how masterful a sitar player he is on the extended alaap improvisation on "Raga Khem," where he displays a powerful imagination, and once the raga proper begins with able tabla accompaniment from Shankha Chatterjee, Khan also shows a light, mellifluous vocal style. The other major piece here, "Janna, Meri Janna" offers an indication of his range, moving into a folkier style with a thumri that's more melodic than the raga. In the light of his previous work, this is more a holding action, but one that also offers a master class in technique and improvisation. ~ Chris Nickson

Audio Mixer: Marco Cimino.

Recording information: Officina Sonora, Torino, Italy (10/2005).