On
Inde Du Nord, two distinct ragas are artfully unraveled by sitarist
Kushal Das. In collaboration with tabla player
Abhijit Banerjee and tampura player
Sudipta Remy,
Kushal Das drapes the listener in a variety of reticulated, though relaxed melodic passages. The first raga on the CD,
"Raga Bilaskhani Todi," lasts for over an hour. It borne out of a tale that confronts such issues as death, mortality, a son's search for fatherly approval, and rebirth. Described as "imposing" in the detailed booklet that accompanies the CD, this version of the song is thoughtfully divided up by the CD's producers between its somewhat non-rhythmic introductory sections (alap and jhar), a section set in a rhythmic cycle of ten beats (jhaptal tala), and a crescendoing conclusion in 16 beats (gat in drut teental).
"Raga Sohini," which finishes off the remaining dozen or so minutes on the CD, is a romantic and gentle piece that contrasts nicely with its intense antecedent. Unlike
"Raga Bilaskhani Todi," which is meant to played around mid-day, this final raga is traditionally meant to experienced in the predawn hours of quietude.
Kushal Das, who has studied with such masters as
Lakshman Bhattacharya and
Ravi Shankar, gives a stellar performance and this CD. Similarly, tabla player
Abhijit Banerjee tears it up while always playing with finesse and sensitivity. In keeping with the label's reputation,
Inde Du Nord shines brightly as yet another extraordinary release from the people at
Ocora. ~ John Vallier
![WHY.. [DAZED ver.] [Barnes & Noble Exclusive]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0196922538568_p0_v2_s90x140.jpg "WHY.. [DAZED ver.] [Barnes & Noble Exclusive]")
