Bridges: Best of Ravi Shankar
Ravi Shankaris  one of the prevailing musical geniuses of the current age. He largely  introduced the West to Indian classical music in the '60s, with help from  George Harrison, although he was already a giant figure in his own field. While  it's calledThe Best of Ravi Shankar,Bridgesis a bit of a  misnomer since it's actually culled from the records he made in the late '80s.  However, they represent some of his most adventurous work. Tracks like  "Tarana," recorded in the Kremlin, mix his sound with Russian music, while  three cuts come from his collaboration with noted American modern classical  composer Philip Glass; elsewhere, former Beatle Harrison figures in the mix. But  the center of attention, as always, is Shankar's pristine playing of an  incredibly complex instrument, the way he can evoke every mood, from serenity  to storm, and, when the occasion arises, improvise like a master--which, of  course, is exactly what he is. So while this isn't the all-time best of  Shankar--that would require a hefty box set--it's the cream of a certain time  in his career. And the best of Shankar is always glorious indeed.--Chris  Nickson