Ravi Shankar Dazzles
Thursday, 30 April 2009 21:15 | 
Author: Jeff Maisey | 
Like the spiritual founder of the modern state of India, Shankar commanded a reverence from adoring fans, some taken aback by his frailty and soft-spokeness. But alas, when the master musician was handed his instrument, all in attendance sat amazed and in wonderment as his age seemed to melt away and the tones of his ancient, mystical homeland permeated the air.
Anoushka Shankar, the daughter of Ravi and a critically-acclaimed solo artist, opened the evening with a pair of Ragas. Each began as a slow tempo movement and then developed nicely in complexity and with increased pace. She was accompanied by the sensational Tanmoy Bose on tabla (percussion) and Ravichandra on flute.
Throughout the 40-minute set, Anoushka and Bose made constant eye contact; Shankar’s finesse on the sitar fretboard wowed the audience in much the way crowds marvel at the fingerwork displayed by rock guitar gods Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton.
Following a short intermission, Ravi and Anoushka took the stage with Bose. Ravi introduced the first piece as “the evening song,” again starting with a slow tempo and sonically expanding into a full-fledged Indian saga. The work began as two sitars melodically droning, trading leads and joining in harmony. It was clear the Master and Daughter possessed uniquely different approaches.
Where Anoushka was clearly accomplished and technically brilliant, Ravi was pure heart and soul, bending the notes as if to coerce them out of the sitar and command them to dance before the audience. His was an emotional performance and he seemed to revel in the moment, smiling and nodding at the marvelous onstage splendor, and then cautioning the audience when NOT to burst out in applause.
For Indian-Americans, yoga-types and baby boomers turned on to Shankar through The Beatles, this was a performance for the ages.
Last Updated ( Sunday, 17 May 2009 20:11 )
