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Review

Sense World is a new addition to the growing number of labels dedicated to Indian classical music. Started in 2002 Sense World is based in UK, with a studio in Gujarat. Many of the albums are live concert recordings of the Saptak Music Festival held every year in Ahmedabad, Gujarat every year in winter.

This CD by Pt. Shivkumar Sharma presents the live recording of a concert held as part of Saptak Music Festival, 2001. One of the most prominent musicians of today, Pt. Sivkumar Sharma, is synonymous with the instrument he pioneered, Santoor. His many innovations and determination brought a folk instrument to be accepted on the classical stage. Pt. Kishan Maharaj is the doyen of Benaras tabla gharana and one of the most respected Tabla players of our time.

The cd features Charukeshi, a Carnatic raaga adopted by North Indian musicians in the last century. It is a sampoorna raga with the scale S R G m P d n, where m denotes shudha madhyama, d & n are komal, evoking Shantha rasa. The first track is the long alaap, moving from a slow paced exposition to a fast rhythmic jor. As usual Siv Kumar Sharma manages to transpose the listeners into a serene location.

The second and last track continues Charukeshi with a composition set to Vilambith jhaptaal. Siv Kumar Sharma and Kishan Maharaj take turns exploring the raaga and taala and combine quite effectively, sometimes at loggerheads and in unison at othertimes. This dual of master instrumentalist with a tabla maestro remains one of the more engaging aspects of Hindustani concerts. Towards the latter half of the track, the pace quickens and Dhruth teentaal composition is played.

Overall 4.0 stars for the music and 4.0 stars for the recording. Recommended.

CD Information

Tracks

Nu.	Title	Time	Music
1	Charukeshi - Alaap	24:23
2	Charukeshi - JhapTaal, TeenTaal	48:11

Liner Notes

Good liner notes with profile of the artist and music. The cover art is excellent as is the case with most Sense World Music productions.