New Reviews: August 10, 2001
The Beat Of Love
Trilok Gurtu
Blue Thumb Records
The Beat Of Love is Trilok Gurtu's most recent musical conglomeration of Afro-Indian
grooves. Trilok Gurtu combines traditional African and Indian vocals and rhythms with
the latest in contemporary arrangements. Trip-hop grooves and trance beats are accompanied
by ethereal vocals and melodic arrangements. Some of the most popular artists in world
music today are featured on this album. Senegalese composer Wasis Diop, Benin luminary
Angelique Kidjo, Mali's Salif Keita, former Zap Mama vocalist Sabine Kabongo, Indian vocalist
Nandini Sirkar and Indian cinema singer Roop Kumar lend their unique and beautiful vocals
on this adventurous album. Overall, The Beat Of Love will satisfy any fan of contemporary
trans-global music in general, and Afro-Indian music in particular.
Inspiration Unfolding
Sanjeev and Karuna
Times Square Records
Sanjeev and Karuna Loomba bring to life epic Indian ghazals (love poems) sung
in the Urdu language on their newest recording, Inspiration Unfolding. Historically,
Urdu poetry was refined in the 18th and 19th centuries in Hyderabad, Punjab, Delhi and
Lucknow. Essentially, Inspiration Unfolding introduces the listener to the art of the
ghazal. Delicate vocals by Sanjeev and Karuna fittingly convey the poignancy of the
love poems. The rabab, guitar, sarangi, tabla and piano accompany the vocalists.
A booklet with translations in English, French, Spanish and Urdu is included. Overall,
Inspiration Unfolding possesses a very pleasant and inviting musical environment that
can be enjoyed by fans of Indian music and poetry.
Rainbow - Seven Colors Of Seven Instruments
Various
Neelam
Seven talented musicians from India are compiled on this album of instrumental Indian
music. The musicians and their respective instruments include, Daya Shankar (shenai),
Debashish Bhattacharya (guitar), Allyn Miner (sitar), Snehasis Muzumdar (mandolin),
Arawind Thatte (harmonium), Tarun Bhattacharya (santoor) and Kala Ramnath (violin).
Each instrument is featured on its' own track with tabla accompaniment. Traditional,
Carnatic, Hindustani and Classical music elements and instruments from North and South
India, create a highly enjoyable and informative listening experience. An insert
booklet included, details the musicians and their instruments. Rainbow - Seven Colors
Of Seven Instruments is highly recommended for persons interested in instrumental
Indian music.
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Reviews by Matthew J. Forss.
