Live at Monterey 1967 [Live]

Amazon.com essential recording
Much of Indian classical music was brought to the West by violinist Yehudi Menuhin when he recorded and performed with sarodist Ali Akbar Khan and sitarist Ravi Shankar in the 1950s and '60s. But it wasn't until Shankar's appearance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival (along with a friendship with the Beatles) that Indian music charmed the hippie youth culture and subsequently exploded into mainstream audiences' consciousness. So it's appropriate that this recording of Shankar's performance at that concert is documented--it's not only historically important but also musically outstanding. There isn't just a twangy plodding aura to Shankar's sitar here as many associate with Indian classical sitar, but rather an instrument full of verve and technical complexity. Shankar explodes as if reacting to the loving energy of the crowd in fitful ragas that drip with fruitful improvisation. His tabla accompanist, Alla Rakha, wonderfully complements his plucking through living, breathing cadences that sing in a voice all their own. Live at Monterey is an excellent introduction to a master artist during one of the most exciting eras in America's history. --Karen Karleski

Tracks:

Raga Todi-Rupak Tal (7 Beats)
Tabla Solo In Ektal (12 Beats)
Raga Shuddha Sarang-Tintal (16 Beats)

Amazon.com essential recording

Much of Indian classical music was brought to the West by violinist Yehudi Menuhin when he recorded and performed with sarodist Ali Akbar Khan and sitarist Ravi Shankar in the 1950s and '60s. But it wasn't until Shankar's appearance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival (along with a friendship with the Beatles) that Indian music charmed the hippie youth culture and subsequently exploded into mainstream audiences' consciousness. So it's appropriate that this recording of Shankar's performance at that concert is documented--it's not only historically important but also musically outstanding. There isn't just a twangy plodding aura to Shankar's sitar here as many associate with Indian classical sitar, but rather an instrument full of verve and technical complexity. Shankar explodes as if reacting to the loving energy of the crowd in fitful ragas that drip with fruitful improvisation. His tabla accompanist, Alla Rakha, wonderfully complements his plucking through living, breathing cadences that sing in a voice all their own. Live at Monterey is an excellent introduction to a master artist during one of the most exciting eras in America's history. --Karen Karleski

Customer Reviews:

misrepresented.......2006-10-20

It's unfortunate that the overall rating of such a great album has to be dropped by a star and a half by somebody who doesn't even own it. The fact of the matter, is that this is an incredible piece of work by two of the greatest musicians ever to grace the planet earth. Alla Rakha commands your attention through his playing, and anyone who needs to be told that two albums with different titles and song listings are in fact two different albums may not be ready for this music in the first place...

Don't Confuse With 'Live: Ravi Shankar at the Monterey...'.......2005-07-16

I'm not actually reviewing this disc as I don't own it, and I have almost every Ravi Shankar recording ever issued. (I only gave this disc one star because Amazon's software wouldn't allow me to post this message without giving a rating of some sort).

I just wanted to make sure that people don't confuse this with the similarly titled 'Live: Ravi Shankar at the Monterey International Pop Festival - The Stirring Performance as Recorded at Monterey'. (On the spine, the disc says 'Live at Monterey').

This latter disc is a classic, featuring the following:
1. Raga Bhimpalasi
2. Tabla Solo in Ektal
3. Dhun (Dadra and Fast Teental)

It's possible that part of the material is the same on each disc, and that Panditji's oeuvre has been plundered and re-packaged; this has happened to him before, and to others.

Certainly, the performance of Bhimpalasi is a definitive one, featuring Panditji at the height of his powers. I strongly recommend it.

Todi will make you cry !.......2005-06-22

This review is probably going to be restricted to the first number "Raag Todi", the morning raag. With Raviji, one gets hundred percent music no dead air at all. The alaap, or the begening is so intense here, it gives you a feeling that you've just got some life changing news, or the earth under you has shaken. It is amazing how he got the music across to the western ear. These recordings from the sixties are recommended to students of Indian Classical music because one gets to hear the heart of the raag.

Fantastic performance.......2005-02-27

This is by far the best live recording of Ravi Shankar. The selections cover an extraordinary range of emotion. The slow sensuous opening piece and the joyous ecstasy of the final raga are unparalelled. The energy of the crowd and the unique quality of the times merged magically with the music in these performances

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