There's a long tradition of vocal music in India, even if it's been dwarfed by Indian classical music. And Pandit Kumar Gandharva is a wonderful vocalist. Like most carnatic music, this is relatively unadorned, letting the music flow through the musicians, rather than them expanding upon it --... [+] Expand

There's a long tradition of vocal music in India, even if it's been dwarfed by Indian classical music. And Pandit Kumar Gandharva is a wonderful vocalist. Like most carnatic music, this is relatively unadorned, letting the music flow through the musicians, rather than them expanding upon it -- there's no improvisation, just the songs. But what songs! Three of the four pieces are from Kabirdas, a medieval Indian mystic, spiritual works that hypnotize with their power even if you don't understand a word of the language. The backing is provided by tanpura, harmonium (which is buried very deep in the mix), and tabla, but they're there as support and ambience as much as for the music they produce. This is very much a vocal album, and Gandharva's voice possesses not only charisma, but real spirit, too. It's a rich, full voice, with real passion behind it. For the last of the four pieces, he sings a bhajan from the poet Aadinath. It's all remarkable, and an object lesson in carnatic singing. ~ Chris Nickson, All Music Guide [-] Collapse

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