Search - Shankar :: Who's to Know

A Masterpiece for the keeping

yooday | New York, NY, USA | 07/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I chanced to hear this CD a few years ago, and I just have to say - this is a classic to behold. Nothing quite compares to it - it is rich, enveloping, intense, and powerful. I was already a fan of Shakti (L shankar dazzled crowds with his near-perfect control of his instrument), but this was the album that *really* introduced the double-violin to me; let's just say it would need someone at Shankar's level to make Ragam Thanam-Pallavi sound the way it does. And as for Rhythm, should one say anything at all ? To many , the name Umayalpuram Sivaraman may not be very familiar, but his Mridangam performances are legendary, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever. Zakir Hussain is stellar, blending seamlessly, almost effortlessly in a rather Carnatic setting... one wishes these performances would happen once, just once, LIVE, and it would lift you to the few untouched heights of indian classic music.
This isn't a CD you would have to think twice about."

Quite a ride

Arun Ramamurthy | 04/04/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Shankar turns out gems as well as garbage. This is one of his best efforts. It blew me away when I heard it a decade ago, and it has aged it well. It is spiritual and intense, sonically superb, and compositionally dynamic. From a quiet beginning, it rages to a thunderous climax. I'd have to agree with one of the reviewers that Shankar isn't a purist, although he draws his inspiration from the ancient Carnatic classical tradition. Like his brother L. Subramanium, Shankar has defined a brand new way of interpreting a centuries-old genre. And we need more of that. For another Shankar gem, check out Song for Everyone. Of course, the Shakti recordings (especially Handful of Beauty) and some of his excursions with Bill Laswell are excellent too."

Shankar's best work

Arun Ramamurthy | NY, NY | 05/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've heard almost all of L. Shankar's work, solos as well as work with different styles of music. This cd is what got me completely hooked. Shankar has a tendency to experiment when playing traditional Carnatic ragas. It doesn't always work (espcecially when he sings). This recording is different. He demonstrates his mastery of the violin AND his mastery of Carnatic music. While many listeners have trouble understanding/appreciating Carnatic music, L. Shankar makes it accessible to all. He uses subtle outside influences in his melodies and rhythms that compliment his Carnatic base, making it fantastic for all. The second track in raga Savithri is exceptional. I am a Carnatic/fusion violinist in NYC and this track is hands down the best 25 minutes of music I've ever heard. I've never heard anyone play ragamalika swaras like this. It's something special. Get this album. Let L. Shankar take you for a ride..."