India

Eleven outstanding musicians shape multi-textured rhythms using various percussion instruments, and vina and voice lead beautiful Carnatic melodies. Konnakkol (rhythmic speaking), ghatam (clay pot), morsing (jaw harp) and kanjira (lizard skin tambourine) are featured in breathless trios and quartets. Bhajans (devotional songs) are masterfully sung by Mrs. Ramamani, and original compositions based on traditional ragas are led by Raghavendra ‘s vina, and accompanied by violin and flute. Twelve tracks, 64 minutes of mesmerizing music. (MOW 145)

One of the most sought-after tabla players today, Bikram Ghosh is an exciting and versatile percussionist. Trained under his illustrious father and guru, Pandit Shankar Ghosh, Bikram received further “taalim” (rhythmic training) from the great Pandit Gyan Prokash Ghosh. He has performed in hundreds of concerts worldwide, and has been the regular accompanist for Ravi Shankar for several years.
Talking Tabla features a wide variety of classical Indian drumming on the North Indian tabla. Accompaniment includes sarangi (a fretless bowed instrument), santur (hammered dulcimer), and tamboura. An outstanding rhythmic performance, this is one of the few solo tabla recordings available today. (MOW 143)

“Bikram Ghosh, the young and brilliant tabla player from Calcutta, is one of my favorite accompanists.” Ravi Shankar

This is a recording of two classical Indian ragas, Rag Malkauns and Rag Bhairav, with a mysterious and evocative sound, played on solo bansuri (bamboo) flute. These ragas, originally composed to be played in the deep night and at sunrise, are traditionally associated with contemplation, meditation and devotion.

(LAT 50604)
mid-price series

Multi-textured rhythms and melodies from South India are at the heart of this recording. Dr. N. Ramani, one of the world’s most acknowledged bamboo flute players, heads the melodic section and is accompanied by the renowned Nagai Muralidaran on violin. Driving each of the pieces is a talented percussion ensemble lead by Trichy Sankaran on mrdangam, with mesmerizing percussion segments featuring kanjira (lizard skin frame drum), ghatam (clay pot) and the rarely-heard morsing (jaw harp). A unique and dynamic sound with detailed liner notes. (MOW 141)

Evocative ragas and Indian folk music are performed on the mandolin by Snehasish Mozumder. The Indian mandolin Mozumder plays is oversized by western standards, & has thick bass strings that produce a dark yet mellow sound. He is accompanied on tabla by Subhem Chatterjee. An up-and-coming musician on the Indian music circuit, this is Snehasish’s debut album.(LAT 50605)
mid-price series.

SHANKAR
Raga Aberi

An electrifying performance. A landmark recording; graceful and passionate. Raga Aberi features three of India’s most exciting performers, each of whom was a member of John McLaughlin’s group Shakti. (MOW 131)

1996 Grammy Nominee

“A swirling tide of rhythm and melody that leaves the listener dizzy with delight.” University Reporter

“Amazing skills… incredible musical results.” News India Times

This fresh and vibrant recording of classical ragas and folk-inspired melodies features santur, an Indian hammered dulcimer, and shenhai, a double-reed oboe. These instruments are rarely heard together, and along with tabla, the combination is mesmerizing and beautiful. Featured artists are Tarun Bhattacharya (santur), Daya Shankar (shenhai) and Shashank Bakshi (tabla). (MOW 132)

Tarun Bhattacharya is one of India’s most sensitive & innovative santur players, and has introduced techniques not previously used on this traditional Indian instrument. He is accompanied on tabla by Bikram Ghosh who performs regularly with Ravi Shankar. Award Winner (MOW 139)

Yantra is an appealing mixture of classical and light-classical Indian ragas performed by Steve Gorn (bansuri bamboo flute) and Badal Roy (tabla). This music has a mysterious yet contemplative quality conisistent with the Indian tradition, yet the pieces are short enough to be enjoyed by all listeners. (LAT 50610)

Mid-Price Series

Karaikudi Subramaniam (vina), a descendent of an illustrious family of musicians, is a leading performer in South India. Trichy Sankaran (mrdangam) is a virtuosic drummer respected throughout the world for his complex rhythms and extraordinary technical control together, they create a recording of many dimensions and textures, one which will appeal to all levels of listeners. The sound quality is superb, and extensive descriptive notes on the artists and music are included. (MOW 127)

Ten compositions representing the finest musicians from both North and South India. Sensational percussion and spine-tingling virtuosity intertwine with beautiful melodies from folk and classical traditions. Instruments featured include sitar, santur, vina, violin, bamboo flute, ghatam, tabla and mandolin. An excellent introduction to music from the subcontinent.  (LAT 50702)

LITE Budget Series

Trichy Sankaran is a dazzling performer on the double-headed South Indian drum called mrdangam. The pieces on this recording highlight this versatile instrument and also incorporate vina (played by Karaikkuddi Subramaniam), Kanjira (frame drum),  tamboura and figer cymbals. This is a highly rhythmic and pulsating music — and excellent representation of pure sound and complex South Indian drumming. (MOW 120)

Vadya Lahari (Waves Of Music) is a highly creative and energetic recording of traditional Karnatic music of South India. The pieces combine delicate and bold sounds in a way that is rarely ever done. In that sense, this recording in unique and unparalleled. The periods of interplay between the various instruments are displays of great virtuosity, and will captivate both the connoisseur and the casual listener alike. (MOW 125)

Dhrupad is one of the oldest and most respected forms of Indian classical music, and The Dagar Brothers are its internationally acclaimed master vocalists. This recording which features Ustads N. Zahiruddin and N. Faiyazuddin Dagar, is the first recording of Dhrupad vocal music ever released on an American label. (MOW 120)

Festival of India is unique in that it combines Hindustani folk and classical music, and because it presents a sampling of leading North Indian artists in different stages of their individual careers. The variety of artists, instruments and musical textures reflect only a small part of the great North Indian music heritage, yet the recording is quite satisfying and wide in scope. Features artists include V.G. Jog (bamboo flute); Anand Gopal Banerjee (tabla); G.S. Sachdev (bamboo flute); Jitender Thakur (tabla); The Dagar Brothers (vocals); Sultan Khan (sarangi); Badal Roy (tabla); and Purna Das Baul (Bengali folk ensemble). (MOW 121)

RAG MADHUR RANJANI
Imrat Khan

Rag Madhur Ranjani is a passionate blend of Rags Madhuvanti and Shivranjani played on sitar and tabla with tambura accompaniment. This recording has an intense depth of feeling and it is performed with great skill and mastery. (MOW 123)