This is just the merest sampling of the huge amount of music available east of NATO territory... I can hardly claim that this is a comprehensive, or even representative, sample of what's available. Nonetheless, these are some of the albums which have leapt out at me over the last few years -- hopefully you will find these records as striking as I have. And keep checking this site for more reviews-- it is sure to expand over time. This is the first page covering the letter "J"...
Shweta Jhaveri "Madhuvani: Hindusthani Classical Vocal" (Biswas, 2001)
Elegant, well-measured classical singing -- Jhaveri's voice has great confidence, but also a softness of tone which may be a welcome change of pace from the usual piercing tone of many Indian and Pakistani vocals. She also seems to subtly weave in a jazzy Western sensibility to her phrasing, particularly as heard on her original composition, "Manz Khamaz," which comes near the end of this disc. Very nice stuff; recommended.
Pandit V.G. Jog "Violin" (Moment, 1991)
Sublime classical performance featuring Hussain on percussion and violin master Pandit Vishnu Govind Jog in a stunning recital, recorded live in 1991. The second track, "Rag Rageshri", is a gorgeous violin exploration which primarily features the melodic alap movement; the first track is a much longer full piece, which gradually whirls into a frenzied riff-swapping between the tablas and violin. Despite the breakneck speed, the rich melody is never lost. Highly recommended.
Pandit V. G. Jog & Pandit Manilal Nag "Contours Of The Mind" (Mantra Music, 1995)
Pandit V. G. Jog & Pandit Manilal Nag "Harmony Of Strings" (Mantra Music, 1997)
Hindustani violin master V.G. Jog and Bangladesh sitarist Manilal Nag combine their styles on three deft ragas, "Shayam Kalyan," "Basant," and "Bihari," based on a folk melody. A light percussive hand accompanies these performances -- all three are well-performed, although I must admit for some reason I found myself strangely unmoved by this disc as a whole. The transcendent feel of other Jog recordings seems somehow muted here, although there's nothing specific I can point to that would make this so. A good album, though, certainly worth checking out if you are already an aficinado of Jog's work.
Pandit V. G. Jog & Daya Shankar "Maestros In Sehnai And Violin" (Biswas Records, 1999)
Pandit V. G. Jog "Ecstasy Of String"
Pandit V. G. Jog "Waves Of Ecstasy" (All India Radio)
Pandit V. G. Jog "Classics For Pleasure" (Sagarika Records, 2007)
Asian & Islamic Albums: Letter "K"
Asian Music Index
World Music Index
