Platinum - Pandit Ravi Shankar

This disc is a re-release of a recording made in the studios of Radio France in 1986. It features three ragas, of 30, 20, and ten minutes in length. The ten-minute raga ("Dhun Man Pasand") was improvised by Shankar at the studio from international sources and is very dynamic and accessible. The longer ones, especially the 30-minute raga, require more work on the part of the listener, but repay the effort. The ragas feature Shankar on sitar, the masterful Kumar Bose on tabla, and two tampura players. The recording is good but not crystalline, with the tabla drums being recessed into the background. A very good disc. Not for the casual listener, but those serious about Indian classical music need not hesitate.