Recorded live between 1952 and 1962. Includes liner notes by John Levy. Out of India's great northwest emerges devotional music that pumps. Standing in stark contrast to quieter indoor classical musics often associated with the country, a style known as Naubat fills the air outside, in courtyards, and around Hindu temples. On Music From the Shrines of Ajmer & Mundra a diverse selection of classical, popular, and folk Naubut renditions are presented. In nearly all of these examples a battery of percussionists -- playing pairs of naqqara (kettledrums) and tabla -- lay down withering grooves that ebb and flow with the spirit of the song. The shanai -- often referred to as the North Indian oboe -- fills a melodic role on a number of these cuts. Its tone seduces as it winds its way in and around the undulating percussive topography. Just remember when listening to this superb CD to crank it up. This is outdoor music that is intended to be loud. ~ John Vallier
Reviews
The Beat (V.16 #2 1997, p.72) - "...Many details in John Levy's original field tapes are revealed for the first time in the digital format....more pictures from a gone world saved by someone whose foresight and patience was equal to the task." Mojo (Publisher) (7/95, p.121) - "...Islamic devotional music prominently featuring the double-reeded shehnai."
