Customer Reviews

Pancha Nadai Pallavi

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

L. Shankar shows himself on this recording to be a master of both composition and his instrument -- a custom-made, double necked, 10-string violin capable of covering the range from violin to cello. Accompannied by Indian percussion masters Zakir Hussain on tabla and Vikku Vinayakram on ghatam, he takes the listener on an amazing, nearly 1-hour journey into the heart and soul of Indian classcal music. In his hands, the violin sings with the voice of divine inspiration, articulating more than a melody as it nudges and pulls our minds along on its journey. The effect of his vocalizing along with his instrument is absolutely transporting.

Shankar's work with John McLaughlin's ensemble Shakti is legendary -- the interplay in that group between his violin and McLaughlin's unbelievable guitar outpourings was enough to take the listener's breath away. On this, as on his other recordings as a leader, his light shines brighter than ever. ECM's production and recording quality is at its usual high level here, letting nothing stand between this incredible music and the ears of the listener.

Indian culture has a tradition of deep spirituality that goes back for thousands of years -- and their music has always played an integral role in their spiritual quest. There is a yearning in this music that comes from deep within the soul of the musician, reaching toward god, and, thankfully, touching us along the way.

This recording has the power to transform your life, perception, and experience of music. The delicately intowoven rythyms sooth and tug on the soul. It's as if Shankar can choose to play your heartstrings instead of the violin's. Shankar has total mastery over his chosen instrument. Ultimately, all I can say is that you must experience it for yourself. Truly a moving, intense saga of experience.

I have to fish for words to describe about this album of Shankar. A Ragam-Thanam-Pallavi in Shankarabharanam, played with reverence makes one to feel the presence of this moment well. Shankar has the unlimited capacity to make this album let me "ponder" whenever I hear it. Ably supported by masteros Zakir and Vikku in percussion, Shankar's double violin does the duet with his voice in Raga alpana (improvisation of raga by the singer), making me to inconclusively wonder which is better. Highest marks from me to Shankar for this album.

The ability to infuse our world with his, and the extremely evocative rendering of simple rhythms transformed into something sublime and sumptuous, is Shankar. I must have listened to this record a hundred times, and each time I have discovered Shankar fooling me into thinking that it's the first. Please do not miss his brother's (L Subramaniam) absolute charmer Raga VasantaPriya (Three Ragas for Solo Violin): like a pitcher of coconut water in the middle of Sahara.

Shankar's forte is to take one through the traditional carnatic nuances and seamlessly foray into pushing the envelope. This album is great to listen to - soothing yet colorful and breathtaking in its range. Showcases Shankar's artistry & versatility with the double violin, reinforcing his talent to mix it with traditional musicians and eclectic experimentations with artistes as diverse as Peter Gabriel & Frank Zappa.

Years ago I bought the audiocassette and would play it in the morning for the casual carpoolers that I'd pick up at BART in Berkeley. It's great music to listen to when you need to concentrate, focus and think. Now I have the CD!

Shankar has once again showed his style of improvisations in this album. I liked his composition of a new raga in this album. Must have if you are a Shankar fan. Zakir and vikku are great too!

Shankar is the definition of chops!! He can play with the utmost dexterity while infusing a great deal of emotion. An excellent release!

Shankar has explored the depths of one of the most bland ragas of Carnatic Indian Music. Definitely, a super achievement!

This is one album, even after 10 years of its first recording, the music sound ever so fresh and crisp. Is it the beauty of Indian Music or Shankar's artistry or both? definite yes for even the curious international listener.