Omkara

In this live performance, French violinist Didier Lockwood teams up with Raghunath Manet, an Indian-born master of the veena (a sitar-like stringed instrument). Together with Murugan on Indian percussion, Lockwood and Manet make eclectic music somewhat similar to that of John McLaughlin's Shakti. In addition, listeners are told that Manet, when not playing veena, improvised dance movements to the music. Listeners can't see this, of course — pity that the CD doesn't come with enhanced video. Soprano Caroline Casadesus sings on the title track, but this isn't the only vocal performance: Indian rhythmic chanting is heard on many of the tracks, although no one is credited for it. Presumably listeners are hearing Manet and Murugan at various junctures, giving the music a fervent, emotional quality. Lockwood, in addition to his mournful violin, plays a bit of flute and trumpet. ~ David R. Adler, Rovi