LIVE AT THE ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL

A tour I saw but in Ann Arbor, Michigan with young Dominique Di Piazza in place of Kai Echhardt. This also my introduction to the person, style, and music of Trilock Gurtu--by whom I was simply blown away. At the same time, I was totally enamored of John's collaborative spirit--always giving his supporting musician exactly what they need for both space and support while still contributing HUGELY to the musical landscapes (and I don't just mean when he was soloing as the lead instrument). Plus, this was my introduction to the Indian Carnatic call-and-response "talk" language of musical expression--which I find thoroughly enjoyable, entertaining, and amazing--and which I was surprised to see and hear John's participation and even competency with! This recording is a collection of very nice songs that well capture the essence of the concert music, but the concert itself, of course, was so much more.

A great and essential time capsule of music from one of the essential and chameleonic shakers and movers of music over the past 60 years.