World > Asian World > Indian Classic Music > Indian > 1980 to 1989

Advantages: One of the most passionate performances of Ravi Shankar
Disadvantages: none at all

The notes of HOMAGE TO MAHATMA ,was composed on the spot by Ravi Shankar while taking part in a Radio broadcast, soon after MAHATMA GANDHI was assasinated in 1948,but the music was recorded much later in the 70's..and the album made 10 years later in 1981. This is Hindustani Classical music at its best. One cant hope for anything better than this.The masters have come together to give us a musical feast in this magnificent album, which mesmerises ...
...Shankar (sitar); Mrs. Jaban, Mrs. Widya, Prodyot Sen, Sunil Kumar (tanpura); Alla Rakha (tabla). MUSIC BASED ON Raga Mohan Kaunus, Raga Gara and Tala farodast A LITTLE BACKGROUND ON THE HINDUSTANI CLASSICAL MUSIC (:various sources) Classical music Of The Sub-continent There have been many styles of Classical music developed by different families reffered to as "Gharaana".They have developed different styles of classical music, genres and instruments, ... Read review

Advantages: Ferrer's beautiful voice, simple arrangements
Disadvantages: None at all

"Mi sueno" is the final album recorded by much celebrated lead vocalist of the Buena Vista Social Club, Ibrahim Ferrer. In spite of being well-known among die hard fans of Cuban music, Ferrer was not even famous in Cuba let alone the world outside the isolated Carribbean island until American musician Ry Cooder discovered the veteran performers and made them into international superstars; Ferrer was 69 years old at the time. Cuban music includes ...
...of music that incorporates the Spanish 'cancion' style with African beats. Modern salsa music is derived from 'Son Cubano'. Guajira is derived from son and is distinct because of the arpeggiated guitar or piano parts; the Cuban classic "Guantanamera" is the best-known example of this style. Rumba is typified by call and response singing and this is something the Bueno Vista Social Club was particularly known for. Ferrer was best-known for being a ... Read review

Advantages: Inspirational playing, clever arrangements, and a purity of purpose.
Disadvantages: Probably not for everyone.

Nic Jones has always been in the background of my life. From my earliest days we had a cassette tape of this fine album on our trips to the Lake District, and Nic's sonorous tones make that landscape come alive. Regarded by many folkies as Nic's best album, this was recorded at the zenith of his career, just two years before his tragic car accident. Unable to play since then, subsequent releases have been taken from live recordings at gigs and festivals, ...
...and arrangements at their peak. On Nic's playing, I have to say something that may sound over-enthusiastic. His ability to play rhythm and melody simultaneously is hard to match, even today. The depth of sound his guitar style creates is simply spell-binding, especially on his Canadee-I-O. Much of this album is related to the sea in one shape or another, and creates highly evocative images of the hardships of cold (The Little Pot Stove) and the ... Read review

Advantages: Very good music salsa and bolero's been singed by a great voice
Disadvantages: can sound a little boring if you are not a fan

Known by what sould be the last Ry Cooder cuban production, this is the second solo album of Ibrahim Ferrer, one of the stars of The Buena Vista Social Club. On this, most all of tunes was written by Ibrahim Ferrer himself and there are a lot of musicians and instruments that wasn't heard on his previous one. Here his voice sounds more natural and more relaxed. There's some boleros too, something tht ibrahim really can sing with a powerfull voice. ...
...cuban music presenting musicians dead and alive. I really enjoy this album it has really great songs, but I'd prefer the Buena Vista Social Club because we can listen to Compay Segundo and others singers too. But if you like a bolero, and Ibrahim's voice it's very good, and much better than the first. ... Read review

Advantages: Some really poignant songs
Disadvantages: None really

Christy Moore - Ride On. 1984. I have long been a fan of Irish music, and a fan of protest songs, from John Lennon to The Clash, so it is fair to say that I have a fair collection of Irish protest music, some of which has a distinctly anti-British feel. Before anyone slates me for writing a review of well known IRA sympathisers' songs, many of which are very supportive of the IRA cause, let me say this. Like it or not, there has been a conflict ...
...Great opener. 8/10. 2. Ride On The title song. Gorgeous guitar work with a real Latin feel for the introduction. It is a folk tale of admiration and perhaps jealousy. The story of a peasant looking on to a woman of riches riding on, who he may or may not have had a dalliance with. To me it is very folky and not that strong, but pleasant enough. 6/10. 3. Vive la Quinte Brigada This song is fantastic. Many people may not know that a bunch of Irish ... Read review