"A full length traditional Ragam-Tanam-Pallavi composition in Raga Kapi set to Seethalakshmi Tala (a 6 3/4 rythmic cycle of beats indited by Shankar and named after his mother!), is a great piece of music to hear. Special word has to be mentioned about Ganam Rao and Shankar who have done the vocals for this album. Once again Shankar reveals the variation and the depth of his voice. Kudos to Zakir and Vikku for the brilliant accompaniment. 'One more gem from Shankar' is what I thought when I heard this music for the first time."
A Frightening Beauty
Dawoud Kringle | New York City | 07/29/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I first heard this I had played it on cassette in my home, and was listening to it while performing some chores around the house. Moments later, I was staring in utter disbelief at the speakers, wondering if my ears had somehow tuned in to some celestial event."
Passable!
Ramavarapu S. Sreenivas | Savoy, IL USA | 02/28/2010
(2 out of 5 stars)
"I did not care for the singing (vocals). To say it was amateurish, would be too kind.
This is nowhere near his masterpiece (Pancha Nadai Pallavi). There is a strong repetition of concepts (with appropriate transposition) from his earlier work."
The Sound!
john37481 | Seattle USA | 03/07/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In addition to the kudos mentioned by others, I would only point out the Hugeness of the drone sound from the tamboura. The credits list a keyboard as well, which I don't hear; maybe it contributes to the drone as well. Enrapturing virtuoso performances from all; beautiful variety between the voice and violin leading the way; typically brillian rhythm from Zakir Hussain and Vikku Vinayakram; and that sound! I've never heard a drone so huge in Indian music, and while I love the traditionally small tamboura sound too, this is glorious."
Divine, Absolutely So
john37481 | 11/13/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Do not miss this album if you are a fan of Shankar's. Glorious beats, and some unbelievable music. So divine, you would find it hard to believe it didn't come from heaven, but from a few strings and a bow."