Customer Reviews

Improvisations

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Shankar's Improvisations puts tradition alongside fusion, East next to West. Recorded about 35 years ago, the album still sounds fresh. It opens with a sitar/flute call-and-answer, leaps into an electric guitar-supported jazz piece, moves to a short and quick sitar showcase, and wraps up with a 20-minute traditional raga. From the very first note, the raga proves exceptionally evocative. The entire album is well-suited to Western tastes, featuring Shankar at his best both as a composer and as a virtuoso.

I still have my worn copy of the original (1962) LP of this collection; the CD is it's equal in all respects for sound quality and liner notes. The collection is remarkable for combining the talents of Shankar with the flute artistry of Bud Shank in the improvisation on the themes of the Pather Panchali film score, resulting in a beautiful and emotionally moving fusion. The equally fusion 'Fire Night' jam session brings together the fires in LA valley, that happened during the recording session, with the dance of Shiva the Destroyer in a rather spookily merry piece.
The remaining two traditional pieces are a bonus, showing Shankar's talent at his peak.
A must-have collection at a bargain price!

I share the fondness of the other reviewers for this recording, but I'm not sure I'd go so far as to say it's 'well suited to Western tastes.' Indian music has seen limited acceptance here in the West largely because it does not adhere to the same melodic and rhythmic structures that we use, and in most regards this album is no exception to that. Aside from the jazz-influenced "Fire Night," these are all true Indian classical works. There is a nice mix, however, as the "Improvisations" piece gives the listener a taste of Indian film music (which is immensely popular there), while "Karnataki" is from the Carnatic (southern India) school and the longer "Raga Rageshri" is from the Hindustani (northern India) classical sound. "Fire Night," meanwhile, was an effort by Shankar to mix jazz fusion with the music of his homeland, and it's magnificent. I wish it had caught on more as a movement. You hear this piece and you feel like you're sitting in a beatnik coffee house.

Ultimately, this album is a great introduction to Shankar's work and to Indian classical in general. However, for those interested in a slightly more accessible entre (in the Western sense), his "West Meets East" collaborations with violinist Yehudi Menuhin and others might be a more ideal starting point.

Ravi Shankar

"Improvisations"

- Improvisations on the theme music from "Pather Panchali" (movie)
- Fire Night
- Karqalaki
- Raga Rageshri (Part 1)
- (Part 2)
- (Part 3)

(Angel - ADD - 1962 - remastered)

This album from 1962 gained some attention for Ravi Shankar in the west and for good reason; this is a wonderful introduction to the musicianship and style of the music of India. This is a Five Star album.

For me, this was my first serious introduction to Ravi Shankar. He has undoubtedly created raga heaven with this cd, "IMPROVISATIONS".....and the mere playing of the "Pather Penchali" brings tears to both my heart and to my eyes.

I have read all of the reviews so far, and I never comment on someone and their opinion, even if it stinks. So suffice to say that I would knock over 10 old ladies in wheel chairs, just to see Ravi Shankar again. Say what you will about his daughter, Anoushka, but she has a long way to go yet, to become a master as good as Ravi once was, even on this recording.

George Harrison knew and accepted the fact that Ravi's music was akin to jazz, but it was not to be run into the ground as if the listener was going into a mosh pit, or disrespected by coming late to a concert, smoking dope and not paying attention, save all the booger-eating and setting the instrument on fire for some other form of "anything goes-grab your attention-getting noise", some place else.

This music, particularly this album, represents some pretty austere and auspicious deep feelings for millions of folks, so unless you understand that, it's way over your head. As far as the Beatles are concerned, "The Beatles Lost Decca Sessions" are a far cry from "Abbey Road" or "The White Album", but they all deserve their respect in and of their own times. "IMPROVISATIONS" still deserves it's spotlight in the entire spectrum of things, and one recording like this should not be compared to the latest versions of any other, in terms of better or worse.

I regret buying from FLIXFLOW. Didn't knew that Amazon had such a bad vendor. I am in the process of initiaing legal case against them as they caused harm and financial loss to me. Very difficult to get they guy (his name is CHRIS), but hopefully once I file the case in NJ court, he will then have to respond. I AM ALSO IN THE PROCESS PUTTING A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH AMAZON. SO PLEASE AVOID THEM.

Pandit Ravi Sankar is welknown for his Sitar but this album is really nice and its very relaxing and real classical.

I bought this product in hopes of hearing a version of music similar to a combined presentation that Mr. Ravi Shankar and his Daughter conducted. They worked well together and the music was very enjoyable. In the subject presentation, Ravi Shakar's Daughter played her Satir in combination with another artist. Again enjoyable. This work (Improvisations)must be for the true Raga Music Lovers. The evaluation of an Amazon Customer swayed me into buying this product. I have had a difficult time being able to listen to it. It is not of the same type of use of the Sitar as the Beattles used it. I am told that Mr. Shakar gave a less than kind evaluation of the Beattles use of this instrument. If you are like me you will have to develope an ear and a liking for this original works.