Sampradaya
Sampradayais the passing of tradition from master to disciple, from one generation to the next. As the undisputed master of the Indiansantoor, Shiv Kumar Sharma has a lot to pass on to his youngest son, Rahul, who joins him on this recording. Rahul is equal to the task. The twosantoorsmeld beautifully on the extended Hindustani raga "Janasammohini." The shimmering sound of the hammer dulcimers lends a relaxing quality as the Sharmas explore the dreamy, ethereal, serenealaapsection of the raga. Tabla maestro Shafaat Ahmed Khan joins in on the second section, providing the rhythmic base on which the father and son weave increasingly complex and beautifully realized patterns. Building slowly and growing in intensity, the second and third parts of the raga feature inspired improvisation that glitters with lightning-fast interplay.--Jeff Grubb