Search - Ravi Shankar :: Improvisations

Ravi Shankar's Improvisations: Timeless Despite Its Age

e kent | Rhode Island | 01/22/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

A classic collection reborn

Edward F. Arnold | Chicago, Illinois USA | 04/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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!"

A Great Introduction to Shankar

J. Merritt | 01/06/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."