Strings For Peace
Zoho, 2020
8/10
The multiple Grammy Winner Sharon Isbin is in great company here, as the guitarist performs alongside Sarod experts Amjad Ali Khan and Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash, while Amit Kavthekar holds down tabla on the 4 tracks that dive right into textured North Indian Music.
“By The Moon” starts the listen and takes us on an unpredictable journey where Isbin and Amaan work together superbly as an improvisational aspect collides with much rhythm and tempo changes, and “Love Avalanche” follows with fluid tabla and charmingly plucked strings in the brief but mesmerizing setting.
The back half of the listen offers us the indeed emotive and lovely “Romancing Earth”, where 16 minutes of skilled Sarod from Amjad never out welcomes its stay, and “Sacred Evening” finishes out the unique album with Isbin’s guitar, Kavthekar’ tabla and Ayaan’s sarod working together dynamically.
Isbin plays flawlessly here, and the players are equally impressive on this cultured, powerful and meticulous take on classical Indian music that will absolutely enthrall fans of world music.
Travels well with: Craig Ogden- Summer Guitar; Liona Boyd- No Remedy For Love