Not always profound, but great fun
Marius Cipolla | 07/12/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love this album, though other reviewers are perfectly right to point out the occasional shallow spots and sometimes over-prominent sax (why do so many of Garbarek's collaborations have this fault?). I don't think these musicians were always aiming for profundity in these sessions. The title I think is meant to be taken literally: these guys were simply making music. But it is great fun all the way through.
All the performers are highly prolific, amazingly versatile and deeply experienced collaborators. Getting them together was perhaps more of a good marketing idea than the result of any great meeting of musical minds, but the result is consistently more stimulating than any Kenny G. recording that I know.
There are also moments of great beauty, especially those produced by Hariprasad Chaurasia and Jan Garbarek. Garbarek's sax often takes up not only Indian melodies, but also mimics the intonations of Indian instruments.
Musical pleasure for almost every ear, made by great musicians having fun together."
Chaurasia is GODLY
kuppurao | Calif, USA | 11/22/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Most of the tracks are really, really good....my special words are about 'Sunjog'. It starts with a rather unconventional note from Garbarek...Pardon my ignorance (if any) but I was not able to conclude if it is incorrect mixing or playing or a deliberately inserted 'noise' to make the oncoming note from Chaurasia, nothing but GODLY. I should admit that the first times I listened to it, the start of flute will almost bring a drop of tears in my eyes.
Must buy for anybody who wants to try Zakir, John and for anybody who wants to listen to any music of Zakir and John together, but outside of Shakti."