To appreciate this album, you need to go way back in time - the late 1960's
Ravi first played at Monterey in 1967
Then he was invited, and played at Woodstock 1969, held on the farm of Max Yasgur.
Ravi came out on stage at midnight on Day 1 of the festival, and the crowd (over 500,000 of them!) went wild.
Woodstock (the REAL) Woodstock was about change, a social revolution and musical upheaval.
The young generation (yes I was one of them) wanted a new direction, conflicts and disillusionment with the status quo caused this generation to seek each other out in peace and harmony - some would say it was an enormous "love in" by a bunch of hippies.
The weather was bad, the mud everywhere and not enough toilets! but it was all about peace and love.
A similar phenomenon was occuring in music. Leaders of music in those days were searching out new sounds, new meanings - notably the Beatles went off to India in 1968.
The audience of the rock/blues/pop legends, the youth, were greatly interested in Indian music, culture, and philosophy.
Of course the legends (way too many to list - look it up online) were the main drawcards but Ravi's music was as equally important to the audience.
So in summary this album takes you into another world - the world of Indian music.
No blues, no rock, no vocals (although Ravi does introduce each song) but open your mind and this album will give a little taste of India.
Ravi Shankar is the star here, but equally important were:
Alla-Rakha on the Tabla which is a membranophone percussion instrument (Indian hand drums)
Maya Kulkarni on the Tamboura also known as a Tanpura. This is a long-necked plucked string instrument.
Ravi Shankar - Woodstock Festival 1969 (Live recording August 15 1969 midnight Day 1)
Columbia Records
Cat# SCXO 7923
Stereo
1970
Australian release
Cover is in very good condition, a little grubby from handling but no damage
New inner plastic liner sleeve
Vinyl record is in good condition, visually inspected under a white halogen light source and I can easily see scratches ranging from light to medium. My first thought was that this will play terrible but as often happens - looks can be deceiving.
Both sides were played and barely any surface noise at all! Light clicks or pops at times but a very nice play.
New outer protective sleeve
Tracks: Raga Puriya-Dhanashri, Gat In Sawarital (11 beat), Raga Manj Khamaj, Alap Jor - sitar solo, Dhun In Kaharwa Tal (8 beat), Medium And Fast Gat In Teental (16 beats)
