|
|
Kadri Gopalnath
Scintillating Sax
$17.99
Terrible title but a great recording of Indian classical, improvisational music on the unexpected saxophone of Gopalnath.
|
Musicians
Program
Musicians
Information from the record label:
To the Western ear it can also be said that KADRI GOPALNATH'S recordings have transformed the saxophone itself drawing from it some amazing inflections and nuances that one rarely hears in ordinary playing. In this sense we should be glad that GOPALNATH has had the courage to follow his instincts by opting for the alto sax over a typical Indian reed instrument, and the ability to reveal its previously unharnessed potentials.
However what we have here has nothing to do with the usual cross fertilizing of musical cultures. Though KADRI GOPALNATH has undoubtedly also carved a niche for himself in jazz circles he remains devoted to serious interpretation of the Indian classical repertoire. The warm (at times incandescent) and mesmerizing sound of the alto sax perfectly accompanied by A. Kanyakumari's violin brings the best out of the ragas on this CD.
Moments of meditative calm alternate with fiery sparks of rhythm, sublime melodic lines give way to daring flights of improvisation. KADRI GOPALNATH has the ability to bring together opposing elements with great panache, not to say a certain dash of self-irony as on his interpretation of Magudi, a simple and highly celebrated tune used by snake charmers in their shows.
The sounds evoked by KADRI GOPALNATH combine the spirituality of the great Indian composers with more folkloric and popular forms of expression. A powerful mix that is sure to delight and fascinate especially those unfamiliar with the work of this highly original musician.
Recorded in Madras (South India) in 1994
An important issue to file alongside other Indian music titles in the Dunya Records catalogue. KADRI GOPALNATH is a somewhat atypical figure on the Indian classical music scene on account of his choice of instrument, the alto sax, an instrument he began playing as a child and that he has bent to the needs of the raga in a series of brilliant left-field interpretations. Its a choice that runs decidedly counter to the musical culture GOPALNATH grew up in where the adherence to strict canons albeit with their own internal evolution, has permitted the preservation of a thousand year old tradition. Yet thanks to his passion and ability KADRI GOPALNATH has managed to insert a typically western instrument into the flow of South Indian classical music, bringing out its resources and nuances in an altogether different light.
Credit card orders are placed on a secure server.
|
Please note!
Most CDs have been
imported from Europe or Asia.
They are not all
shrink-wrapped, and I am not
going to con you by wrapping them
here just to make you think they
have been sterilized in America.
We guarantee that the CDs and the
contents are all brand new and in
perfect condition. Whenever I
can, I use recycled shipping
materials. They may not look as
pretty on the outside, but they save
money and keep the trash dumps a
little bit emptier.
|