The third in a series of short Rahul Sakyaputra albums released by Zemira via mp3.com, Divine Beauty is the most substantial document of them all. Recorded in a Danish studio sometime in 1971, just prior to the sitarist's relocation to Montréal, it consists of a 30-minute suite previously... [+] Expand

The third in a series of short Rahul Sakyaputra albums released by Zemira via mp3.com, Divine Beauty is the most substantial document of them all. Recorded in a Danish studio sometime in 1971, just prior to the sitarist's relocation to Montréal, it consists of a 30-minute suite previously unreleased. The recording quality is crude and at least one edit (between "Raga Vistar Resolution" and "Amrapali's Choice") crudely demonstrates that this was not a one-take improvisation. Sakyaputra performs on sitar and sings. There are at least two sitar tracks. The main one (producing the drone and main accompaniment) is located in the right stereo channel, while a soloing track has been added in the left. "Divine Beauty" opens the album with vocals and tambourine. The piece is inhabited by a nice mantric energy. The three-part "Raga Vista" takes listeners to the heart of Indian music and showcases the sitarist's virtuosity. The slower, more psychedelic "Amrapali's Choice" features recitation in English, but sadly the voice is mixed low, especially in the first three minutes, making it difficult to hear the words. "Nritikaa" adds what sounds like Tibetan bowls and a lot of echo in Sakyaputra's incantations. This is the psychedelic climax of the set, powerful despite technological shortcomings. Easier to digest than the 20-minute ragas on The Denmark Sessions and much more satisfying than Montreal Moonlight Meditation, Divine Beauty makes an enjoyable recording, but it should still be approached as a historical document in order to avoid any disappointments with the sound quality. ~ François Couture, All Music Guide [-] Collapse

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