Hariprasad Chaurasia & Zakir Hussain - Venu

The performance captured on this recording represents an early meeting of Hariprasad-ji with the great percussionist Zakir Hussain. This historic 1974 concert at the Stone House in Fairfax, California is marked by a youthful vigour that cannot fail to inspire the listener. In an enthusiastic exchange of rhythmic complexities these two artists reveal the mastery of improvisatory technique that is a hallmark of Indian music. Venu was recorded live at a 1974 concert in a large granite room, literally a stone house. It was re-mixed July 30-31, 1989 at Studio X in Petaluma, CA. - from the CD booklet

What Zakir Hussain and Hari Prasad Chaurasia have recorded here is nothing short of sublime. For those unfamiliar to music of this kind, this recording is an excellent introduction. Brilliant virtuosity and outstanding musicianship are enhanced by an unique acoustical setting and tasteful recording methods to render this one of the best recordings under the Rykodisc label. The warmth of tone and expressful phrasing of Hari Prasad are only accompianied by the droning tambura on the first half and later joined by the mastery of Zakir Hussain on the tabla in the second half. The energetic nature of this music surprisingly brings one to stillness...a stillness that is well suited for pre- or post-meditation listening. Listen and you'll see. OM Shanthi, Peace. - by a customer, Amazon.com

Artist: Hariprasad Chaurasia & Zakir Hussain
Album: Venu
Year: 1974 (live)
Label: Rykodisc (1989)
Runtime: 66:00

Tracks:
1.  Rag Ahir Bhairav - alop and jor 29:50 
2.  Rag Ahir Bhairav - slow gat in rupak tal, fast gat in teental 36:10 

Personnel:
Hariprasad Chaurasia (Bansuri=Bamboo flute)
Zakir Hussain (Tabla)