Entertainment Weekly (08/01/97, p.74) - "...Unlike Shankar's classical raga recordings, CHANTS is a set of short, colorfully arranged pieces, enjoyable for neophytes and devotees alike. Another jewel from a humble world-music superstar." - Rating: A-
JazzTimes (10/97, p.81) - "...basing the music on ancient Indian chants...Shankar has produced a surprisingly colorful and accessible set of 16 pieces..."
Personnel includes: Ravi Shankar (vocals, sitar); George Harrison (vocals, acoustic guitar, autoharp, glockenspiel, vibraphone); Chandrashekhar (vocals, violin); Kalyan (violin); Terry Emery (percussion).
Recorded in India and England.
On CHANTS OF INDIA, Ravi Shankar's music mixes both Western and Eastern styles to evoke the beauty of the collective human experience. We hear an Indian chorus of singers and a western chorus of singers working in synergy, and stringed instruments (violins, cellos, etc.) mixed in with Indian instruments such as the sitar, tanpura, and others.
George Harrison plays a little guitar and percussion as well as producing the album. One of Shankar's most experimental and daring projects, CHANTS OF INDIA is an impressive effort. The use of mantras adds power and passion to the already hypnotic compositions.
On CHANTS OF INDIA, Ravi Shankar's music mixes both Western and Eastern styles to evoke the beauty of the collective human experience. We hear an Indian chorus of singers and a western chorus of singers working in synergy, and stringed instruments (violins, cellos, etc.) mixed in with Indian instruments such as the sitar, tanpura, and others.
George Harrison plays a little guitar and percussion as well as producing the album. One of Shankar's most experimental and daring projects, CHANTS OF INDIA is an impressive effort. The use of mantras adds power and passion to the already hypnotic compositions.