Search - Mungal Patasar & Pantar, Mungal Patasar :: Nirvana

Mix of Indian Ragas and Trinidadian Calypso

07/13/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Mungal Patasar, a Trinidadian sitarist, joins forces with a great band of Trinidadian steel drummers as well as his own son, who plays the tablas. Trinidad is known for its calypso and soca music, as well as reggae, each of which appears in fine form here. What makes this album unusual is Patasar's ability to integrate the sitar into these Caribbean music forms and to interact with the steel drummers to create harmonies and melodies unlike anything ever produced on any album. Patasar studied classical sitar in India for many years and employs his knowledge of the instrument to bend traditions. The Steel drummers also appear in good shape here, and provide a taste of what can be done with the "steel pan"--a multitimbral percussion instrument invented in Trinidad decades ago."

Good beats

06/23/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"There are some good beats on this album. It was too slow at times though. Other than that, good sound and rhythms. I heard this on a cruise to Jamaica, and bought it to remind of the Jamaican atmosphere. If you like island type music you should get this. It is good for a dance or party with a island theme or if you just like this type of music."