Label: EMI – EASD 1413
Format: Vinyl, LP
Country: India
Released: 1975
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: Indian Classical, Hindustani
Earth-shattering Shehnai recordings from Ustad Bismillah Khan on this 1975 recording taking on two pieces, Desi Todi and Madhuvanti. A true master of his tool, Khan's double-reeded instrument takes obvious centre stage throughout, accompanied and supported by Tabla through the later stages of each piece. There are long, sustained toned overlapped with wilting, pitch-bent Shehnai notes and occasional interlocking overtones - essentially proper snake-charmer stuff (apologies for such crude referencing to anyone who actually properly understands this music) - yet more to the point, the keen eared amongst you's should recognise passages in this which Muslimgauze cup-up, looped and messed around on the Hunting With An Aerial Eye EP (Empty Quarter). Good enough for Bryn, good enough for ANYONE ! (Vinyl NM / Sleeve VG+).