Vision of Peace – Ravi Shankar (2000, FLAC)

(http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/545/igrq.jpg/)

tracklist:

CD1
01. Padhasapa
02. Kaharwa
03. Improvisation on the Theme of Rokudan
04. Namah Shivaya
05. Tribute to Nippon
06. Homage to Baba Allauddin (Raga Hemant)

CD2
01. Alap
02. Jor
03. Gat I
04. Gat II
05. Raga Hameer

https://mega.co.nz/#!mwZDzQrA!Hts9l0E63xjTd56EZiG_KzLLEZRE2JQQwudAlhc xzlA

———- Post added at 04:37 AM ———- Previous post was at 04:37 AM ———-

Vision of Peace is a reissue compilation of two of Ravi Shankar’s most celebrated Deutsche Grammophon LP recordings ‘Towards the Rising Sun’ and ‘Ravi Shankar Plays Ragas’ dating from the late 70’s. Shankar’s crossover efforts during this period were groundbreaking in their day (indeed, how many have followed his lead in ours!) and here for instance Japanese koto virtuoso Susumo Miyashita and shakuhachi master Hozan Yamamoto are featured in the ensemble in five selections. This is a joyous, inspired celebration by India’s most renowned living musical ambassador of peace.

The sublime artistry of the legendary sitar master Ravi Sankar on this two-CD compilation is marred by bungled liner notes. With a title as general as Vision of Peace, one would expect a "mainstream" offering; indeed, the liner notes offer a primer on the Indian raga, with a glossary of terms and instruments. Fine, but you are offered no explanation of the Japanese music on disc one, three pieces without Shankar as performer. Internet sleuthing uncovered that this compilation is drawn from three albums: the entire East Greets East (recorded in 1978 in Japan); the "Raga Jogeshwari" from 1980’s Spirit of India: Ravi Shankar Plays Ragas; and "Homage to Baba Allauddin" from 1981’s Homage to Mahatma Ghandi. The outside notes give no indication this is a compilation album from out of print classics. (The good news is that if you’ve been looking to round out your Shankar collection, you’ve struck gold.) The first five Japanese-inspired tracks on disc one showcase the koto played by Susumu Miyashita (a sublime solo on "Padhaspara"), and the austere and haunting shakuhachi played by Hozan Yamamoto. The two play either solo or in unique arrangements melding Indian sitar and tabla (played throughout by master Alla Rakha, who sizzles in his solo "Kaharwa"). The Japanese collaborations are serene when compared to some of blistering complexities of the ragas, and it’s a lovely experience to allow the "zen silence" to envelop the Indian sounds. Disc two features two ragas, both beginning with the drones of the tanpura on the alap, slow movements so intoxicating they’d register on a blood count. The ragas inevitably pick up steam with head-spinning tabla rhythms (called talas) and virtuosic sitar fingerwork. Ultimately, Vision of Peace is a stunning and enlightening listening experience, marred by thoughtless liner notes.