L. Shankar

Brilliant ECM Luminessence Series Shines New Light On Classic Vinyl

by Joshua Weiner
September 5, 2024

Blue Note. Verve. Impulse! ESP-Disk. Just saying the name of such storied jazz record labels immediately conjures up each one's distinct aesthetic, from the music to the cover art. By the close of the 1960s, jazz was undergoing a period of intense change, with an unprecedented mixing and matching of styles and influences--both musical and political--that ...

Sun Ra, Rachel Z, and Mark Masters

by Jerome Wilson
June 12, 2024

This show features newly-discoverd live Sun Ra, Duke Ellington tributes from Linda Tate and Mark Masters, and new music from Rachel Z and Nicola Caminiti. Playlist Henry Threadgill Sextett “I Can't Wait Till I Get Home" from The Complete Novus & Columbia Recordings of Henry Threadgill & Air (Mosaic) 00:00 Linda Tate “Caravan" from ...

Shakti

Active since: 1974

Shakti was a renowned band in the world of fusion music, formed in the 1970s. It was a collaborative project featuring renowned musicians from different musical backgrounds, blending Indian classical music with elements of jazz and rock. The band was co-founded by Indian violin virtuoso L. Shankar, English guitarist John McLaughlin, and tabla maestro Zakir Hussain.

Shankar, a disciple of Indian sitar maestro Ravi Shankar, brought his expertise in Indian classical music to the group. John McLaughlin, known for his work with the Mahavishnu Orchestra, contributed his jazz and rock guitar skills, while Zakir Hussain brought his mastery of the tabla, a traditional Indian percussion instrument.

John McLaughlin And Zakir Hussain: Shakti's Half-Century Of Spontaneous Joy

by Mike Jacobs
June 12, 2023

John McLaughlin. Ustad Zakir Hussain. Speak either name and a host of musical notions can come to mind. Pair them together and they conjure just one: Shakti. Indeed, the iconic jazz guitarist and celebrated Indian percussionist have each built long careers replete with enough musical achievements, stylistic innovations and instrumental mastery to gain entrance ...

Shakti: This Moment

by Ian Patterson
June 12, 2023

It has been a while alright. 46 years have slipped by since Shakti's last studio album, but the band founded by John McLaughlin and Zakir Hussain in late '73, is back to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The old road dogs could easily have marked the milestone by touring the back catalogue, and doubtless it would have ...

A Different Drummer, Pt. 8: Ustad Zakir Hussain Talks Tabla

by Karl Ackermann
August 25, 2022

Origins of the Tabla The twin hand drum was developed in its current form about 300 years ago on the Indian subcontinent but the roots of the tabla may date to pre-Muslim, Arabia. The name comes from “tabl," the Arabic word for drum, and temple carvings of tabla-like double-hand drums date to 500 BCE. Tabla is ...

Electric Violin, Vocal Master L. Shankar Unwraps His First Ever Holiday Album

September 25, 2021

Celebrate the holidays this year with a little international flavor, courtesy of one of the most widely revered violinists, vocalists and musical geniuses who has collaborated with everyone from Frank Zappa, Peter Gabriel and U2 to Bruce Springsteen, Madonna and many, many more- Indian-born L. Shankar. Known for his incredibly dexterous playing and his unique singing ...

Lakshminarayana Shankar

Born: April 26, 1950

Shenkar (aka L.Shankar, Shankar) is widely considered a living legend, a pioneer and a musical genius by his peers who hold him in the highest esteem. Shenkar has enthralled audiences and critics alike all over the world. A child prodigy who is a virtuoso vocalist, violinist, composer and record producer who has sold over 100 million albums through his solo projects and collaborations with other superstar musicians throughout the world. Shankar was born in Madras, his parents from Kerala, he grew up in Jaffna, Sri Lanka where his father V. Lakshminarayana was a professor at the Jaffna College of Music

Legendary Electric Violinist & Vocalist L. Shankar Debuts New Single & Video From His Star-studded New Album

May 3, 2020

Lakshminarayana Shankar, professionally known as L. Shankar, is widely considered a living legend, a pioneer, and a musical genius who has collaborated with giants such as Frank Zappa, Peter Gabriel, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna and many, many more. His solo albums have always drawn not only enormous interest from fans and critics alike but also showcase ...