THE ANANDA SHANKAR EXPERIENCE
AND STATE OF BENGAL
WALKING ON (1999)
320 KBPS
Adopting the "why just sample when you can play with the original musicians?" mentality that only being with a label such as Realworld can bring, the collaboration between sitar guru Ananda Shankar and Asian undergrounders State of Bengal began life as a touring project before graduating to the studio. Having jammed with Jimi Hendrix in the late 1960s and recorded a series of acclaimed albums in the 70s (an original musician of the world before the term world music was invented), Shankar's work had become much sought after by 90s samplers. Fitting then that his last recording (he was to die shortly after its completion) should find him once more at the heart of fusion and experimentation. An all instrumental affair, the younger musicians fit their work around their mentor rather than trying to shoehorn him into their own sound. The overall vibe is somewhat retro, the playing fluid and agreeably funky--especially on the two live tracks--with odd snatches of dance technology thrown in. Not really one for the clubbers but a must for those interested in the real deal.
1. Walking On
2. Tori
3. Pluck
4. Alma Ata
5. Jungle Symphony
6. Betelnutters
7. Tanusree
8. Throw Down
9. Love And Passion
10. Reverse
11. Streets Of Calcutta
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