Prasant Radhakrishnan
Duality
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Prasant Radhakrishnan's deep sound on the alto sax merges seamlessly with the profound melodic excursions and climactic rhythms of Carnatic (South Indian Classical) music to completely envelope and uplift you.
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***Note: Radhakrishnan's most recent album, also available on CDBABY and iTunes is:
East Facing (2007) cdbaby.com/prasant3
Carnatic and Jazz saxophonist Prasant Radhakrishnan's second album Duality is a powerful album featuring legendary musicians, awe inspiring group improvisations and a range of original and ancient traditional South Indian compositions.
An influential artist, Prasant has performed internationally, turning newcomers to Indian music into enthusiasts. Already a huge hit in India, and in demand among his fans all over the world, Duality is no exception. The album features special liner notes written by Prasant that explain the intricacies of each song, allowing listeners to discover more on each listen.
On his second outing, Prasant has developed a completely fresh approach to performing Carnatic music on the saxophone, giving it a more vocal quality without sacrificing the virtuosity and tonal depth of the instrument. The blend of Prasant's alto sax with the violin of international fame Delhi Sunderrajan has to be heard to be believed. Veteran mridungist Srimushnam Raja Rao is considered a living legend for his years of intuitive playing. His performance on Duality is nothing short of genius. V. Suresh (ghatam) and B. Rajashekar (morsing), both innovators and leaders on their instruments not only merge with the group but add energetic rhythmic input and unique tonalities not found in any other music.
About the Music:
South Indian classical (Carnatic) music is one of the two major classical music systems in India. As a classical music, rendering of classic compositions commands importance in any performance. However, the ability to improvise in various ways is equally important. Each composition is set to a raga (melodic picture or scale) and a tala (cycle of beats). Any given piece may start with a rendition of the raga by itself. The composition that follows leaves space for the artist to apply his/her own style within the moment of performance, causing no two performances to be the same. Within the composition, the opportunity for improvisation arises from a "take-off" point in the song. Here, the artists will partake in lively exchanges often ending in a climactic rhythmic cadenza which "lands" back into the composition again.
The highlight of Duality is a 3 part musical journey called Ragam-Tanam-Pallavi (tracks 5, 6 and 7.) This piece covers all types of improvisations found in Carnatic music. Musical communication between artists is the fuel that drives performances in Carnatic music, as each subtle variation or improvisation by an artist is shadowed or complimented in the performance of the other musicians. In Duality, Prasant goes deeper into creating a musical atmosphere that completely envelopes and uplifts the listener.
Also see Prasant's previous album, Swara Sudha (also available on CDbaby).
To find more in depth information about Duality, and Prasant see www.prasantmusic.com.
reviews
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Mind Blowing !!
author: NikhilGreat sense of timing and rhythm ! For your age you have matured very fast. Look forward to catching you live on Feb 17 @ Sangati Center.
Impressive
author: Ben NagaWhat is especially impresive here is the almost telepathic level of interaction between the five players. Tune into their energy and empathy. There are passages where violin and sax sound for all the world like a single mind inhabiting two bodies.
A startling and welcome marriage of two musical traditions!
author: captcuttleWow, Classical Indian music interpreted by a saxophonist? Absolutely, and anything deeper can hardly be imagined! For many years an afficianado of both jazz-sax and Indian Classical, I'm astounded! Prasant's recordings have opened a brand-new window and let in vital fresh air! Thanks.
Generous Prasant!
author: PierrePrasant is a very generous and unconventional sax player. The record is very easy to listen but not “easy listening” style. I found it quite relaxing and far away from commercial asian contamination projects. In my knowledge this cd looks like nothing else and this must be rewarded.
Very cool.
author: LeahI love the album. Prasant, you are quite an accomplished muscian. Thanks for sharing your music with the rest of us non-inclined folks.
A great choice for fans of Classical Indian music, or those who are just curious
author: Maurice Edwards - E.O.M. EntertainmentThe alto saxophone's sonic texture works well on this South Indian Classical recital, played masterfully by Prasant, augmented by four traditional Indian instruments. Even with the high level of discipline associated with Most Indian Music, there is a relaxed and distinctly meditative quality to the nine selections on "Duality", a lack of instruments in the bass registers give an impression of floating on air. There also seems to be a slight jazz flavor to this music, probably owing largely to the saxophone itself, as well as Radhakrishnan's background as a jazz musician. Interplay, counterpoint, and rapid time-shifts are played to perfection here, making "Duality" a great choice for fans of Classical Indian music, or those who are just curious. 4.5 STARS
thumbs up!
author: AlixPrasant is really talented! Great CD! Intriguing Music.
author: OshiThe songs on this CD are awesome! The songs are smooth and full of spirit. You can sense a deep emotion in his music that feels soulful and mysteriously intriguing. Some of the songs have a fun, upbeat to it that adds spice to the smooth notes of his beautiful tunes. I would highly recommend this cd. Its a step up, and even better then the first one.