The Anoushka Shankar Project

Shankar and sitar have long been virtually synonymous, dating at least to virtuoso Ravi Shankar introducing the Indian classical instrument to the Beatles. In the last few years, Ravi's daughter Anoushka has emerged as a compelling force on the sitar, as well as a rising star on the global fusion scene. Last fall's Breathing Under Water (Manhattan), a collaboration between Shankar and multi-instrumentalist/electronica producer Karsh Kale, established a fresh landmark in the world music realm. It's a heady blend of swirling Indian classical elements, electronics, dance rhythms ranging from funk to exotic hybrids, a little schmaltzy Bollywood orchestration, and western and eastern pop and folk. Ravi stops by for a fiery sitar duel with Anoushka while Kale's tabla ignites percolating rhythms. Sting contributes atmospheric vocals on "Sea Dreamer," while Anoushka's half-sister Norah Jones adds alluring vocals to their joint composition, "Easy." Live, Anoushka will likely revisit some of this territory with her versatile Rise Ensemble, which features tabla player Tanmoy Bose.
Thu., April 10, 7:30 p.m., 2008