Kamancheh Master Class

This disk is of a live concert recording by the group Ghazal titled The Rain. There is a sub-title of "Persian and Indian Improvisations" and that pretty much sums it up. Ghazal comprises Kayhan Kalhor on kamancheh ( spike fiddle ), Shujaat Husain Khan on sitar and vocals and Sandeep Das on tabla. All of these musicians have independant careers with Ghazal being an occasional ensemble. The concert consists of three improvisations on traditional Indian and Persian repertoire; Fire, Dawn and Eternity. They are aptly named since Fire storms along at speed and blazes with great intensity, Dawn is more restful and Eternity suitably contemplative. The Persian contributions of Kayan Kalhor add distinctive middle eastern colours to the Indian feel in much the same way as Persian culinary additions enhance the traditional Indian restaurant here in the UK and all three musicians seem quite at home in each other's company. A fine album representing the very best of the world music ideal. Kalhor is also prominent on the Yo-Yo Ma Silk Road project I recently posted about.