Customer Reviews

Anoushka

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Your (collective) words are tough love, it's true... I think the reviewers here are correct that she has a world of growing up to do, but no need to be so harsh towards her. It is not her fault that her father is so famous, it is circumstance-- and it's not her fault that the big music corporations want to cash in on her legacy (much like sister Norah.)

Both young women show promise, and over-exposure of an unmatured talent can negatively affect it... granted.

But the hostility here is merely so that "others" stop giving Anoushka and her music good ratings without having greater understanding of the process behind the music.

And yet... if the music moves someone who doesn't "understand"... well, then... it has still served its purpose, hasn't it? Music, like all art forms, like poetry and prose, cannot dictate who is allowed to enjoy or not enjoy. It is a two-way contract between giver and receiver. And if the receiver feels the magic, and has his or her emotions stirred, then the music (via the performer) has been true to its mission.

Soon, Raviji will be gone, and if Anoushka is serious about her music and the sitar, it will be reflected in her career. For now, her "light" sound could be a blessing for those not so versed in classical Hindustani music; they could grow with her! I would urge anyone intrigued by Anoushka to continue to explore. Ustad Ali Akbar Khan or Pandit Nikhil Banerjee would be great places to continue your 'education.'

It *should* be understood that young people cannot truly be "virtuosos" within this style of music... they simply lack the depth of experience and feeling to properly convey the nuances in the very complex musical forms. Perhaps this is why we see so many young stars in the West, where traditionally-popular music requires no such similar depth of expression.

But with Indian classical music, even more so than western-style classical music, that depth is critical to a trained listener's ear. In this style of music, not only something so subtle as the weather or time of day affects the raga, but the very mood and character of the performer. It goes without saying that the more seasoned the human being, the greater gift they will have to give to the music in this case.

I would say-- Do not be angry with her that she has been pushed by the machine. Be angry with her if someday she lets it ruin her chances to be a great sitar player. But wait... why be angry at all? It will have been her loss if she goes that road.

And one cannot control what others will think of Indian classical music or Indian culture; if they are interested, they will begin that journey. But coming to a public place and harshly criticizing a young person's dress and face, etc. shows any reader something about the person who is so judgmental.

Briefly: I won't hold it against one's *culture* if one chooses to be inflexibly unforgiving, or lacks tact and decent manners. However, I do hold the individual very responsible.

Om Shanti

beware those who would dictate what Anoushka needs and doesn't need. The only thing she needs is to be herself and listen to the wisdom that grows inside of her. I find it pathetic, those who question the integrity of anyone who buys her music. Who cares what else I have on the shelf, or whether I know what a raga is (I do)? Anoushka is not cheating anyone here. Her music and talent are affecting and beautiful. She is beautiful as well, and certainly has experienced the West. Maybe she likes being beautiful. I first was exposed to her watching her performance on the DVD "Concert for George," in which she performs magnificently a piece her father Ravi (oops, wrote it the old Western way!) wrote for the event. She and the music were entrancing, and whether we know anything about what it was or who it compares to or not does not matter. What matters is whether we are moved, and if we are, then the music has done something vital. Anoushka should not mind her minders; she should rise above their demands and frustrations and opinions and try to find her place in the world. I miss the decency of George Harrison.

I have had the pleasure of seeing Anoushka Shankar perform with her legendary father, Ravi, on several occasions and was pleased to learn that she was releasing her own compilation of five ragas on sitar (which was indeed produced by her "Bapi"!)! Ms. Shankar does not disappoint. Her style is definitely an homage to her father, her lifelong Guru, but is uniquely her own. (Incidently, all compositions are by her father).She is a modest and radiant presence in person so I can visualize her playing as I listen to Anoushka. She is incredibly gifted for one so young.I highly recommend not only this CD, her first and, I am sure, not last, but if you get the chance to see her carry on her family's fine tradition, do all you can to get there for a night you will remember for a long time.

Through this album, we can witness an age old Indian phenomenon-- students with great innate talent who are nurtured in music by master-musicians in their families (Raviji). Do not expect mastery, though, because she is not there yet.

There seems to be an ongoing battle here about Anoushka and whether or not she is talented. I have 3 of her albums and thoroughly enjoy each one. Rise is an outstanding combination of Indian and Western music that I use during therapy sessions. Her first album is grounded and solid to my ears. I have heard her father many times, in India and America, and suggest that he can be proud of both his daughter's work. If you like Indian Classical music you won't be disappointed with this album (unless perhaps you are an Indian who has a chip on your shoulder).

This is the debut CD of Anoushka Shankar, the daughter of legend Ravi Shankar. The music is classical Indian, and if you are a Ravi Shankar fan, then you may well like the music heard here. Anoushka is a fine improviser, and at around 17 years old, shows a world of promise. All of the music heard here was written by her father, mostly in the 1940's when he himself was just getting his own style in development. Anoushka does not play with fire on this disc, nor does it seem that she intends to. It is at least in my own opinion a way for her to show thanks to all of the people in her life, and to give a gift to the whole world, to prepare the world for the future. I believe that someday she will get to writing her own music and she will be as equally phenomenal as her father. This is a good debut, a lovely, contemplative mood is captured in the music. I love the poetry as well. Look forward to Anoushka in the future.

I have been a lover of sitar music and a beginning player for some time now. I must say that this album made me love this instrument even more! It's the huge variety of sounds and embelleshments that you can do on this instrument that makes me prefer it over the guitar: Face it, you can't do produce most of these sounds on the guitar, whether electric, acoustic, or classical! The album starts out kind of slow and dull and basically cookie cutter (try finding guitar riffs that aren't TOTALLY that way in modern rock and roll or pop or heavy metal), but into the middle of the second track ("Tilak Shyam"), it starts to really pick up and prove to you that this exotic music does NOT suck! Each track starts somewhat slow, and from what I can tell starts with a basic strum up the strings and down one string, or with a simple tanpura part. In the jacket of the CD is a handy little guide to Indian music, if this is the first of it you've heard or you're totally new to the terms or styles. I won't spoil it all for you. GET IT! Give exotic music a chance!

Anoushka's music reflects her glowing personalty with genuine beauty. Having the pleasure to attend school with her has given me a new look at Indian and Sitar music. She plays the instrument with uncanny skill and beauty.It is a pleasure listening to her music as much it is a pleasure to know her.

I know this is not really a review of the CD but a thank you note for one of the reviewers to put the whole "Tough Love reviews" in the right perspective.

I too feel guilty of having a harsh attitude towards artists like Anoushka, luckily I kept most of such thoughts to myself. I am glad I purchased the DVD released of Ravi Shankar where one could get a glimpse into the life of Raviji and his family.
Most of us (those who show "tough Love syndrome" ) do that to almost all new artists. But we forget that greatness is achieved with a lot of dedication and work over time. This is precisely why there are only a few "playback singers" in BOLLYWOOD. But things are changing hopefully and newer artists are given a chance to prove themselves. If you watch the DVD, you will find that Raviji admits that he did not take Anoushka seriously earlier in her career.
This also calles for a WWID ( What Would I Do if I was in her place ? ). If I had an amazing father like Raviji who loves me so much that he wants me to sit with him at concerts fully knowing of my capabilities? Should I say NO to the father who loves me so that my so called critics remain calm ? Hmmm...? I don't think so. I am sure it goes both ways, Raviji loves having her around too. Which father wouldn't want to see his child continue a tradition that he started or loved so much?
Also, it must take a lot of guts for Anoushka to go through something like this knowingly.

Musicians like Ravi Shankar play for themselves with their spirituality and hence produce beauty. If they record a few of such moments then it is our privilege to buy them at the store. I urge everyone to see that DVD, there is a shot of them sitting in a dance class, the Shankars look like such a happy family.

Anoushka is an incredible talent who will continue to amaze us all in the years to come. Knowing her has only caused me to be even more in awe. One of the most wonderful people I know, and one of the most talented as well. She has the whole world before her.