Search - Shiv Kumar Sharma, Brijbushan Kabra, Chaurasia :: Call of the Valley

Unalloyed Pleasure.

William J. Walker | England | 05/14/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A real 'find' this one. I bought this via its inclusion in "1001 Albums To Hear Before You Die" and its discovery, alone, justifies the purchase of the book.



Although unmistakably Indian in origin(and is indeed classified as Indian classical music), the music is, nonetheless, instantly appealing in a way that reaches beyond national boundaries. Most people would be familiar with the Indian music of Sitar and Tabla. So perhaps the most immediately striking thing is the prominence of the Kashmiri Santoor(a hammered dulcimer) and flute which, along with Guitar and Tabla weave their, at times complex and at others simple, but always gorgeous patterns together.



The music is beautifully soothing and relaxing but never threatens to fall into muzak territory, rather it has a gentle intensity which focuses the listeners attention while allowing them to be carried off to some other place...It is also very engaging and never 'difficult'.



I certainly don't consider myself any sort of an expert on Indian classical music and some will tell you that there are greater works and finer examples of the form but most people would agree that this is an excellent introduction to the genre. But regardless of category It is certainly some of the most incredible music I have heard in a long time.

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