Live concert recorded in Munich, 1980. Tabla: Anindo Chatterjee. 79 minutes.
CD Reviews
A web of music!
Gautam De | New Jersey, USA | 12/05/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It would be too audacious for me to evaluate a performance of an artist of Nikhil-babu's level. All I can say, if you like Indian Classical music, if you have the patience and temperament to listen a musical piece for more than an hour, than have it. Immerse yourself in the web of melody from the maestro."
An Gorgeous Raga, a Great Artist
golem | CA, USA | 11/07/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Pt. Nikhil Banerjee was one of the best sitarists who ever lived - and his legacy still lives on. His ability to draw upon multiple sources in his ragas , while not sticking so much to structure of the raga, created a sense of beauty in tonality.
His rendition of Malgunji is not exception. He loosely follows the Malgunji chalan and intersperses Rageshri and Bageshri into his work. Listen to the vilambit and drut gats late at night to hear the heart of what Malgunji is. Anindo (who plays tabla) is much younger in this album.
Highly recommended listening."
Bravo Banerjee!
Dr. Debra Jan Bibel | Oakland, CA USA | 08/09/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"An 80-minute rare rag for early evening with an alap-jor of 26 minutes (longer than most recorded ragas): this live recording of a performance in Munich, Germany, in 1980 affords the proper measure of time in which Nikhil Banerjee, a grand master of sitar, can seriously explore a lovely raga. Raga Malgunji has many of the elements of the Shri family of ragas, particularly Rageshri and Bageshri, and as we listen, nay, absorb this peaceful, romantic raga, we feel joy and marvel in the improvisations. The young Anindo Chatterjee envelopes the gat, the final sections, with his tabla, incisively playing the common 16-beat teental rhythms, slow and fast. The album is as good as it gets, and if you are devotee and collector of Indian classical music, it belongs on your shelf."
Elegant
Darkest Star | New York, NY | 04/18/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I like rock music and it took me years to appreciate the wonder of live recordings, having been raised on Beatles studio albums.
This recording is contemplative and joyous.
I am not an expert on Northern Indian music - merely a beginner - and I do not listen to enough Western classical music. It has taken me years to learn to enjoy sitar. Like many I was first exposed to it by George Harrison, then Ravi Shankar and finally by many evenings of dining in Little India restaurants in the East Village of Manahattan where live music is played.
Nikhil Banerjee is a truly magical artist and musician. There is so much beauty and grace in his playing on this disc. It is enchanting. This reord brings me peace and leaves me in quite awe. I am so glad I have discovered this incredible artist. His communication is universal.
I write this for those who like the Grateful Dead, The Doors, Santana among others. Buy this. The sitar and the drumming is incredible.
Being a live recording, the length of the ragas are not limited by what could have been on one side of an LP record. The playing is truly inspired."
Track Listings (5) - Disc #1