Live In Aspen
Zoho, 2024
9/10
The Grammy Award-winning guitarist Sharon Isbin is in some excellent company here, where India’s lsarod wizards Amjad Ali Khan, his sons Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, and the tabla virtuoso Amit Kavthekar join for the 10 live selections.
“Capricho Árabe” starts the listen with much care, where Isbin’s meticulous guitar emits much beauty and grace, and “Sacred Evening” follows with Kavthekar’s precise tabla and Ayaan Ali Bangash’s spirited sarod adding much culture and grace to the landscape.
In the middle, the breezy “By The Moon” unfolds across 2 segments, where the playful interaction is nothing short of stunning, as Amaan Ali Bangash’s lends swift sarod to the mesmerizing execution, while “Raga Bahar” is a quick moment of tabla and sarod working together collaboratively amid much meticulousness.
The final 2 pieces that are “Romancing Earth” use Isbin’s guitar in gorgeous ways that complement the sarod from all 3 players and Kavthekar’s well timed tabla.
The sound quality here is exceptional, as is the performance, where spiritual, artistic and folk qualities embrace joy, devotion and even melancholy.
Travels well with: Sharon Isbin- Affinity; Paul Kendall- My Shining Hour