Track Listing

1. Raga I
2. Saga
3. Raga II
4. Raga III
5. Raga IV

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #14820 in Music
• Released on: 1992-11-02
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued
• Dimensions: .22 pounds

CD Description
Renowned Norwegian saxophonist Garbarek has vicariously explored modes of Norwegian folksongs, traditional jazz, and other different aspects of multi-cultural ethnic music. RAGAS AND SAGAS is a bold, enticing journey down the timbral planes of Indian music, augmented by the resonant voices of Deepika Thathaal and Ustad Fateh Ali Khan as well as stellar tabla work by Ustad Shaukat Hussain, and, guesting on drums on the deeply spiritual "Saga", Manu Katche.
Garbarek's languid tones play themselves out in an extremely reserved fashion, often letting the percussion and sarangi, a 39-string Indian violin, hold down the rhythm and anchor the spatial compositions. Hypnotic, almost trance-inducing, and certainly smacking of vast distances and regions, RAGAS AND SAGAS sidesteps the basic tenets of what constitutes "jazz", per se, as Garbarek eloquently juxtaposes his native musical instincts against the melodic splendour of Indian culture. Endlessly fascinating ritualistic music of high calibre and insight, RAGAS AND SAGAS is further proof of Garbarek's resiliency as amusician not content to rest on his laurels, but rather onewho bravely opens doors, steps over the threshold, and convincingly embraces fundamental musical concepts.

Customer Reviews

Interesting fusion of western and indian music.
In ragas and sagas Jan Garbarek meets the late master of Pakistan music,singer Nusrat Fated Ali Khan,in a soulful exploration of jazz and traditonnal indian music.Jan garbarek plays here in a very melodic way in order to bring the listener in the vast landscape of Pakistan.In this album the musician desire is to create an atmosphere rather than complexity.This cd is a very very good introduction for anybody interested in both style of music:world and jazz.

Error
On this album, Jan Garbarek does not meet the late master of Pakistan music,singer Nusrat Fated Ali Khan, but Ustad Fateh Ali Khan (not to be confused with the well-known qawwali singer).

Musical bliss
Jan Garbarek does an amazing job of blending his sax with the classical instrumentation and Khyal style of singing that is performed by Ustad Fateh Ali Khan and Deeyah. Highly recommended.