The Living Room Sessions, Pt. 1

Experience the intimate genius of Ravi Shankar in "The Living Room Sessions, Pt. 1," a captivating collection of four ragas recorded in the comfort of his own home. Released on April 1, 2012, via East Meets West Music, this album is a testament to Shankar's enduring mastery of the sitar and his deep understanding of Indian classical music.

The album opens with "Raga Malgunji," a meditative piece that reflects on the spiritual distance between the human and the divine. Shankar's deep musical experience and brilliant technique shine through in this introspective raga. The album continues with the lighter, lyrical "Raga Khamaj" and "Raga Kedara," showcasing the artist's versatility and range. The album concludes with "Raga Satyajit," a spontaneous composition dedicated to the late director and friend of Shankar, Satyajit Ray.

Accompanying Shankar on this musical journey are tabla player Tanmoy Bose, treble tanpura player Kenji Ota, bass tanpura player Barry Phillips, and an unidentified tamboura player. Their seamless musical dialogue creates a uniquely stirring listening experience, both intimate and masterly.

"The Living Room Sessions, Pt. 1" is not just an album; it's an invitation into the home and musical genius of Ravi Shankar. The album spans a wide range of Indian classical styles, offering a rich and varied listening experience. With a duration of just over 52 minutes, this album is a perfect introduction to Shankar's later work and a delightful addition to any music lover's collection. The album earned Shankar the Grammy Award for Best World Music Album, further cementing his status as a legend in the world of music.

Ravi Shankar, born Robindro Shaunkor Chowdhury, was a trailblazing Indian sitarist and composer who captivated global audiences with his mastery of Hindustani classical music. Born in Varanasi in 1920, Shankar's journey began as a dancer touring Europe before he dedicated himself to the sitar, studying under the renowned guru Baba Allaudin Khan. Throughout his career, he became the world's most famous sitar player, earning the title of Pandit and spreading appreciation for Indian classical music worldwide. Shankar's influence extended far beyond his performances; he collaborated with Western musicians, composed for films, and even mentored his daughters, the acclaimed singer Norah Jones and sitarist Anoushka Shankar. His contributions to music were recognized with India's highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, in 1999. Shankar's legacy endures as a testament to his unparalleled artistry and his role in bridging Eastern and Western musical traditions.