Artist: Ulhas Kashalkar (vocals)
Album: Tribute to Ustad Vilayat Khan
Label: India Archive Music

Indian classical, featuring male vocals. Ulhas Kashalkar is a leading
khayal vocalist, khayal being a major genre of Hindustani vocal music.
In addition, this recording features Suresh Talwalkar on tablas, and
Purushottam Walawalkar and Aravind Thaate on harmonium. The liner
notes on this CD, and other CDs put out by India Archive are fantastic
if you're interested in either the performance or theory of Indian
classical music. This CD (to me) didn't have the immediate visceral
appeal of faster, more rhythmically oriented instrumental Indian
classical music I've listened to in the past. However, after
listening to it multiple times, I've come to greatly appreciate
Kashalkar's phrasing, and even the subtle contributions of the
harmonium players. Recommend: tracks 1&2 together, or 5.

1) Opens with male vocals, later tablas. Harmonium throughout. The
liner notes say that this is a late night raga associated with Shiva,
and describe the music as austere. My subjective impression was that
the performance was meditative and slow, and but maintained a strong
focus throughout.

2) Continuation of the previously described raga. The tempo picks up,
and the tablas become more noticeable. This track is nice, but might
not work in isolation from the rest of the raga. Applause at the end.

3) Slow, mediative opening. Recording quality makes male vocals seem
more distant. Liner notes say that this raga was created by Ustad
Vilayat Khan using components from several older ragas. Track remains
slow, with minimal tablas throughout. Vocals become more intense
toward the end of the track.

4) Continuation. As before, tempo picks up, and contribution of
tablas becomes more pronounced. Would work okay in isolation, but
check to see what you think of the recording quality.

5) Opens with beautiful vocals, harmonium. Maintains meditative tone
throughout. Lyrics about misspent youth. Liner notes say that the
thurmi style is of a more recent, and popular style than previous two
ragas. Sound quality is excellent. Ends with applause.

Alex D.