Bridges: Best of Private Music Recordings

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
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

Bridges: Best of Private Music Recordings,Ravi Shankar,Private Music,Asia,Early Music / Chant,Indian,Indian Classical,Int'l & World Music,Pop,Raga,World Fusion,World Music
Bridges: Best of Private Music Recordings
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • great intro to ravi
  • Excellent introduction to a world class artist
  • A good introduction to Ravi Shankar and to music of India
  • Swing Bridge to India
  • Do you really want a "best of" album?
Bridges: Best of Private Music Recordings
Ravi Shankar
Manufacturer: RCA Victor
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems
IndiaIndia | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Reggae | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Sounds of India
  2. Chants Of India: Ravi Shankar; George Harrison
  3. Full Circle: Carnegie Hall 2000
  4. India's Master Musician
  5. Vision of Peace: The Art of Ravi Shankar

ASIN: B00005EBRK
Release Date: 2001-05-15

Tracks:

  1. Sandhya Raga
  2. Chase
  3. West Eats Meat
  4. Ragas In Minor Scale
  5. Tarana
  6. Tana Mana
  7. Sadhanipa
  8. Friar Park
  9. Reunion
  10. Prashanti
  11. Shanti-Mantra

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars great intro to ravi.......2004-02-04

It's a great cd except for the annoying high pitched hiss on Tana Mana. Its on Ravi's vocal track and its almost unbearable. But if your over 30 you probably can't hear it anyway.

4 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction to a world class artist.......2003-06-16

I do not claim to be an expert or even knowledgeable regarding Indian music but I really enjoy listening to this and it will certainly lead me to explore more of Ravi Shankar's recordings and other Indian artists. So if you are ,like me , curious and looking for an entre into this music I would certainly recommend this CD.

4 out of 5 stars A good introduction to Ravi Shankar and to music of India.......2002-06-22

Other CDs go much deeper into the richness of Ravi Shankar's sitar music and his interpretation of the music of India. However, those new to this music will probably find this the easiest introduction. It does have some of his ragas.

Listen also carefully to the rather playful "West Eats Meat", as well as "Tana Maria", "Friar Park", and "Prashanti".

The venerable musician's music will appeal, not only to those already familiar with sitar and Indian music, but to those with a liking for jazz and classical music...actually to anybody who enjoys music at all.

3 out of 5 stars Swing Bridge to India.......2001-07-17

Shankar's personal virtuosity shines through, but while rich in tonal textures this particular selection doesn't quite do justice to the complex rhythmic patterns usually associated with his work. These are better shown in his raga based collections or PORTRAIT OF A GENIUS. I guess a bridge must have two ends, or it leads nowhere and it is not dogma that its ends must be of equal merit. The collection is, however, worth its price for the last two tracks alone and, against that premise, there are other tracks which are bonuses.

3 out of 5 stars Do you really want a "best of" album?.......2001-06-29

I love Ravi Shankar, and the songs in this album are fantastic, some of his best. But it's like a pop-chart list of his popular songs, many of which fit into the scheme and groove of their own album. I guess if you're just getting started in Ravi Shankar or eastern music in general, this would be a good introduction. If not, check out Passages or Tana Mana.

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