Shankar Gives Definitive Versions Of Sitar Classics
Ravi Shankar
“Concert For Peace” - Moment
Stunning in its passion, opulent beauty, and aural power, this live two-CD set documents Shankar’s acclaimed Nov. 9, 1993, Royal Albert Hall benefit for the Rajiv Ghandi Foundation. Released to coincide with the sitar master’s 75th birthday, “Concert For Peace” features soloists/accompanists Partho Sarathy on sarod and superstar Zakir Hussain on tabla in three exhilarating ragas. The rare, vesper-like “Raga Jait” and the more popular and soaringly poetic “Raga Kirwani” have been researched and reinterpreted by Shankar since the ‘40s, and he presents them here in definitive virtuoso renditions.
The climatic “Misra Khammaj” is an evening raga with a structure that lends itself to spirited improvisation, and Sarathy, Hussain, and the astoundingly indefatigable Shankar take maximum advantage with thrillingly inventive solo flights. Exquisite in its production and execution, this celebration of artistic genius is one of the classical releases of the year.
The Dambuilders
“Ruby Red” - EastWest
Alternative rock quartet with roots in New England and Hawaii follows its successful debut, “Encendedor,” with an album that further defines its unusual sonic trademark: screeching electric guitar and violin anchored by a rock-solid rhythm section and offset by front man Dave Derby’s incisive vocals. Savvy Production by Don Gehman (John Mellencamp, R.E.M., Hootie & the Blowfish) sets the table for cross-format airplay at college, triple-A, modern rock and pop outlets, with such cuts as “Teenage Loser Anthem,” “Drive By Kiss,” “Lazy Eye,” and “Cosmonaut” among the prime candidates. A band that’s ready to take a giant leap.
Monica
“Miss Thang” - Rowdy/Arista
Teen artist displays emotionally mature chops backed by strong, today-styled hip-hop and R&B melodies. Clever production maintains set’s overall high energy, while remaining secondary to singer’s vocals - creating a youthful, but eclectic 16 tracks. Singer demonstrates versatility on several selections without going over the top. Examples include “Don’t Take It Personal (Just One Of Dem Days,” which features a peppy midtempo melody under adept alto vocals, and the swaying ballad “With You,” on which the artist lays down multiharmony choruses.
Ty England
“Ty England” - RCA
This former Garth Brooks sideman (and former roommate) obviously learned his lessons well from years of touring with the Brooks machine. His first album is a well-crafted, carefully thought-out and impressive debut. England has a lived-in, world-weary voice that’s perfectly suited to such whiskey-soaked traditional country songs as the Harlan Howard/Don Cook composition “Her Only Bad Habit Is Me.” Look for good things from this boy.
Blue Mountain
“Dog Days” - Roundrunner
With this thoughtful and dynamic full-length debut, Blue Mountain of Oxford, Miss., not only goes immediately to the front of the burgeoning roots-rock line, but joins the ranks of must-watch American bands, regardless of genre. With wisdom and rhymes far beyond their years, the trio’s chiseled, four-minute guitar narratives are out-of-the-box naturals for triple-A radio. (If the format still needs a summer anthem, “Blue Canoe” can carry the weight). Although washed in leader Cary Hudson’s warm Delta vocals, guitar, and occasional harmonica, “Dog Days” is much more than Southern or country rock. It’s the sound of a band affirming its love of the land, as well as the power and possibility of music.
The Freddy Jones Band
“North Avenue Wake Up Call” - Capricorn
Seasoned by years of toiling on the road, Chicago blues/rock band is ready for the kind of crossover success enjoyed by kindred spirits the Dave Matthews Band and Hootie & the Blowfish. This new album - the group’s third - could do the trick on the strength of such working man’s rock tunes as the catchy, uptempo “Waitress”; the bluesy, lilting “Hold On To Midnight”; and the funky “Deep In The Flow.”
Xscape
“Off The Hook” - So So Def/Columbia
Quartet’s sophomore album demonstrates enough growth and vocal maturity to dispel criticisms of one-hit-wonder status. Vintage electric guitar wah-wah sounds and acoustic piano - on such songs as “Hard To Say Goodbye” and “Feels So Good” - and ‘90s-styled production effects and solid vocal performance on tracks like “What Can I Do” and “Keep It On The Real” yield delightfully textured musical compositions. Set contains right combination of hip and standard R&B vibes to set it apart from other “girl” group albums.
Luna
“Penthouse” - Elektra
Always skilled at mixing fluid guitar lines with languid grooves a la Velvet Underground, alternative rock outfit Luna perfects that formula on its third album. Fans of V.U., Cowboy Junkies, and Morphine will likely find Luna equally compelling.