Pandit Ram Narayan ~ Sonorous Strings of Sarangi [Oriental] 320 / FLAC

01. Gujri Todi - Alap
02. Vilambit Gat - Teental
03. Behag - Madhyra Laya Gat Teental
04. Misra Bhairavi

Sukhvinder Singh on tabla



'Ram Narayan is noted as the Sarangi connoisseur in Hindustani classical music. Basically, it's a type of Indian lute that you play with a bow and was originally used as a backdrop in vocal music. Narayan, however, brought it to the forefront, and this collection of songs is a great example of the beautiful, swelling drones he managed to create with the instrument. The 40-minute track here, Gujr Todi Vilambit Gat in Teental, is the best illustration of his genius I have heard: deep sounds that resonate and powerfully accumulate more successfully than anything I've heard of doom metal or what have you [an odd comparison to make, though you might get what I mean after listening, maybe]. That said, Narayan's talent at the instrument, as he slides over the strings, is truly astounding. From his work alone, the sarangi has become possibly my favourite classical Indian instrument, and though there are conventional characteristics here rhythmically [plus the shorter track almost recalls Shankar's sitar playing, I think], this is true innovation.' ~ Killed In Cars

Arvind sez:
'The review above can be said for most of Ram Narayan's better recordings, so many of which we've been listening to over the last few days. His best work always shows pure genius and the capacity to dig deep into your being, like all good Indian classical music. That said, this Gujri Todi is really special. It was the first piece I heard by Ram Narayan in the 80s, and even after all these years, it never fails to raise a few hairs on my skin.'

now one featuring the legendary Ram Narayan in resplendently resonant sarangelic glory. i believe these recordings were originally compiled by Oriental for polycarb coaster in 1997 [& here again in 2003] & while the packaging might appear slightly cut-rate compared to the flavourful Indian LP sleeves of the 60's, the renditions are nothing short of magical & most definitely send me where i need to go. 320 thanks to wildstrings fer the transcendental tones. further