Search - Ravi Shankar :: Bridges: Best of Private Music Recordings

Ravi Shankar is one of the prevailing musical geniuses of the current age. He largely introduced the West to Indian classical music in the '60s, with help from George Harrison, although he was already a giant figure in his own field. While it's called The Best of Ravi Shankar, Bridges is a bit of a misnomer since it's actually culled from the records he made in the late '80s. However, they represent some of his most adventurous work. Tracks like "Tarana," recorded in the Kremlin, mix his sound with Russian music, while three cuts come from his collaboration with noted American modern classical composer Philip Glass; elsewhere, former Beatle Harrison figures in the mix. But the center of attention, as always, is Shankar's pristine playing of an incredibly complex instrument, the way he can evoke every mood, from serenity to storm, and, when the occasion arises, improvise like a master--which, of course, is exactly what he is. So while this isn't the all-time best of Shankar--that would require a hefty box set--it's the cream of a certain time in his career. And the best of Shankar is always glorious indeed. --Chris Nickson