Customer Reviews

Rag Jhinjoti / Rag Pilu - Imrat Khan, Sitar / Vajahat Khan, Sarod / Shafaatullah Khan, Tabla

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

 

 

I love this CD and often play it when the time strikes me as right for music that transports me into another time and world. I'm mainly writing this review because I think an album of this quality deserves more than the 1 Star review that it's so far received. By no means, however, would I be so presumptious as to present myself as an expert on "World Music."
However, I do like this album...and having spent many,many hours in Ashrams and at World Music Festivals, I can say with certainty that this is a fine recording.

I certainly would remember this recording as one of the better examples of a duet. It is esthetically pleasing and relaxing as well.

Perhaps, as the 1-star critical reviewer asserted, there are some academic reasons why some of the phrases aren't "pure" or whatever.
As a novice sarod player and someone who listens to a tremendous amount of Hindustani music, I can only say that the alap (slow, arhythmic introduction) to Raga Jhinjhoti is one of the most beautiful, soulful, and emotionally compelling pieces of music I've ever heard. Vajahat Khan's touch on the sarod is exquisite.

Although The Khans are playing in the framework of Jhinjoti, it seems to be a mish mash from various renditions of the raga performed by many other artists. There is even a Maihar element to it, it is true Jhinjoti is a light raga and can be performed in a less conservative manner but that doesnt reserve the concept of blatently combining phrases taken from different artists. Also the Sarode is played in the manner of the Sitar which is not a sacrilege, but it clashes with the Surbahar. There are some intresting taans that are worth having in ones collection.
The Pilu on the other hand is very esoteric Villayat Khan, and is the better one of the two. I would purchase this album, and this is because the listener gets glimpses from many other traditions