Search - Pt.Hari prasad chaurasia :: Chaurasia's choice classical

An evergreen album, true to its name

H. P. Ramesh | Cupertino, CA, USA | 09/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was the second album of the Hariprasad Chaurasia that I bought way back in 1992. Though I now possess around hundred albums of the great maestro, this particular album continues to be very special. Probably it influenced me to become an absolute fan of the maestro!



The album starts with a great rendition of the early morning melody Ahir Bhairav, played so soulfully. The name 'Ahir' is linked to rustic tribals in north India. Ahir Bhairav typically echoes innocent and sublime settings of early dawn wherein the lady of the house wakes up, cleans verandah, and milks the cow to prepare the early morning coffee for other folks. Of course, there is no limit to the imagination. A great starter for anyone who wants to listen to great music very early in the morning.



Then there is another morning melody, rather late morning melody, called Multani. It continues the serene mood set by Ahir Bhairav.



The third piece "Kafi Hori" is a bonus - it clearly brings out the unique beauty of the bamboo flute. This is a light classical melody representing the romanticity of the colorful Indian festival called Hori or Holi. This is an all-time melody and it ranks among the best light melodies ever played by the great maestro.



The concluding peace is Manj Khamaj, again a light classical piece. Probably Manj Khamaj is one of the greatest stress-busters. No matter how disturbed the mind is, this tune brings in a light and harmonious feeling.



Tabla is played by Shubhankar Bannerjee and it goes extremely well with flute. The fast rhythmic patterns played towards the end of Kafi Hori, called "laggi", is scintillating. The tabla player makes very good use of the bass drum and it is a pleasure to listen to the beats.



This is a very nicely recorded and packaged CD which comes with a very detailed inlay card. Highly reocmmended."