Customer Reviews

Garden of Dreams

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

SIX STARS! You will not be disappointed with this work of art. Khansahib,as he is lovingly called, shines enigmatically as the music unfolds.'Two Lovers' brings me to a place of innocence and tender affinity. 'Power of Joy' careens with grand elation.'India Blue' is a true blend of east and west with guests Pandit Shri Swapan Chaudhuri, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Jai uttal, and Brian Godden. Other guests include Krishna Bhatt,James L.Pomerantz, Irene Sazer,Kate Stenberg,Greg barber,Bennie Cottone,Anthony Hindson,Daniella Birschel, and Terry Pease. Produced by Jai Uttal.

This is an evocative blend of classical Indian music and western harmonies. Ali Akbar Khan creates magic with the liquid sound of the sarod, and his fellow musicians do a great job rounding out his ideas with western-style violin and wind accompaniments. The general effect is relaxed, not excited. The pieces are rhythmic and emotional, and range from playful north Indian folksong to classical "khayaal" to blues. As east-west fusions go, this is definitely among the most successful.

This CD will transform your surroundings into a calm resting place. Enhances almost any activity I can think of. Helps you to return to the present moment, leaving worries behind.If you know of any comparable cd's, please leave a note here. Thanks.

'Garden of Dreams' is my current favorite cd.Khansahib dispays his mastery of his indian classical training while blending seamlessly into world fusion,western classical,blues and other unclassifiable styles.This cd is produced by hindu/jazz artist Jai Uttal who composed and performed on one track.Violinist Irene Sazer blesses with her presence. This cd is beyond words.It trancends genres and is truly a blessing of the heart.

Despite my negative review, be assured that I'm huge Ali Akbar Khan fan. However, the two records he released for Triloka were, in my view, uninspired attempts to reach a cross-over new-agey audience. This record suffers when it succumbs to frequently saccharine melodies with an eastern 'twang', yet still is superior to the even more dismal 'Journey'.

If you want to know why Ali Akbar Khan is one of the most revered 20th century musicians look elsewhere, such as "Traditional Music of India" or his numerous releases on AMMP records, especially the "Signature Series".

This is an incredible record. It is by far my favorite Indian music CD. I have given it to several friends and family members, and everyone I give it to falls in love with it. You don't have to like Indian music to love this record, but it will make you want to hear more of Ali Akbar Kahn. My favorite track is Water Lady. I can't recommend it more highly!

Attempts at fusion, especially with Indian raga, are difficult because the danger always exists that the subtlties of the original will be lost, and the result will be an ugly hybrid.

Ali Akhbar Khan proved that fusion can be done in a truly beautiful and sublime way. Every element of this is an astonishing success. There are actual chord changes played against raga melodies in tunings not of equal temperment: something that for centuries many thought to be impossible - and it all works.

"India Blue" starts as a rupak tal (7 beat cycle) ostinanto blues lick, and evolves into a georgous exploration culminating in a crackling teehi that ends on a high note. "Garden of Dreams" seems to long for a return to a place of beauty. "Two Lovers" is so beautiful that few people would fail to understand the real story the melodies are telling; and fewer stil could listen to it with dry eyes.

I can't recommend this enough.

I first bought this CD about 10 years ago. I've lost it several times by lending it out. I keep buying it again and again because it is one of the most peaceful and transcendental albums I have ever heard. I simply love it and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys exceptional music in general and world fusion in particular.

The CD is a blend of classical Indian music (sitars and tablas) and western melodies with violins. It is a great introduction to classical Indian because the listener used to more western sounds will appreciate to bluesy twist. The more seasoned classical Indian lover will get immense pleasure from this as well.

The songs on this album are a lovely mix of Indian and Western music, which makes it much more accessible to western ears than traditional ragas might be. These songs are gorgeous and evocative of other times and places.

This is really nice sitar music. I also purchased "Journey" by Khan and that is just as nice. Sometimes sitar music can get a bit too frenetic for a peaceful mood. Not for those in India, for they are used to it--but rather older people from the west who may not be able to appreciate ragas for their own sake. But I love all of Khans albums.