Sharon Isbin : Live in Aspen Review
by Steven Miller
Released on the ZOHO label, Live in Aspen is a luminous and immersive program of classical and world music, showcasing the talents of classical guitar virtuoso Sharon Isbin and legendary sarod master Amjad Ali Khan. Captured live during the Aspen Music Festival’s 75th anniversary, this album features Khan and his sons, Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash, alongside tabla prodigy Amit Kavthekar, creating a cross-cultural symphony that will resonate with world music lovers. With compositions drawing on raga structures and Western classical sensibilities, the album illustrates how musical dialogue can become a profound exchange of ideas, bridging traditions with fluidity and grace.
The album begins with “Capricho árabe,” a solo guitar piece by Francisco Tárrega, which Isbin delivers with a beautiful blend of precision and soul. Tárrega’s work, bathed with Moorish motifs, offers a glimpse of flamenco’s lineage, subtly hinting at its shared origins with Indian classical music—a rich prelude to the collaborative pieces that follow. Isbin’s touch is expressive and assertive, exploring the nuances of the piece while drawing the listener into a world where Spanish and Indian influences intertwine with elegance.
“Sacred Evening,” based on Raga Yaman, introduces a poignant duet between Isbin and Ayaan Ali Bangash. Here, Khan’s philosophy on the raga as a “living entity” finds resonance. The alap begins with contemplative layers, as sarod and guitar explore the tranquil beauty of the evening raga. Kavthekar’s tabla adds rhythmic vitality, propelling the piece toward an exhilarating crescendo. This piece exemplifies how Khan’s compositions are structured with a solid melodic theme and ample space for improvisation, creating an interaction between the instruments that sounds exotic and grand.
In “By the Moon,” Amaan Ali Bangash takes the lead, exploring the pentatonic ascension and shifting descents of Raga Behag. The piece’s architecture unfolds like an expansive nocturnal landscape, full of depth and mystery. Isbin’s delicate phrasing on guitar pairs beautifully with Amaan’s sarod, with Kavthekar’s tabla providing rhythmic texture. The final section erupts into a powerful duet, weaving threads of anticipation and release, showcasing the players’ technical prowess and emotional connectivity.
Amjad Ali Khan’s solo set offers listeners a glimpse into his mastery and deep connection with tradition. Opening with “Raga Ganesh Kalyan,” Khan’s sarod weaves complex tapestries of sound, honoring the festival’s namesake deity through improvisations that dance and flow with a divine quality. In “Raga Bahar,” Khan’s adaptation of the ancient Tarana form pays homage to Indian classical vocal traditions, freeing melodic and rhythmic elements from lyrical constraints. This piece has a historical nod, grounding the performance in the venerable heritage of Amir Khusrau, the 13th-century musician-poet.
With “Raga Bhatyali,” the album offers a tribute to Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore and his influence on the folk music of Bengal. This selection bears a meditative quality, underscored by the pathos of Tagore’s lyrics, which encourage perseverance despite solitude. Khan’s sarod conveys a poignant sense of resilience, inviting listeners to engage with the music on both an intellectual and emotional level. It’s a moment that resonates with timeless philosophical undercurrents, aligning the album with introspection and collective memory values.
The concluding track, “Romancing Earth,” unites all the musicians in an ensemble piece based on Raga Pilu. This raga, traditionally associated with the monsoon season, evolves through contrasting moods of yearning, joy, and spiritual devotion. Here, Isbin’s guitar takes on a complementary role, answering the sarods with lyrical flourishes. The piece builds to a powerful crescendo, each instrument offering its voice in a dialogue that feels as organic as it is orchestrated. It’s a thrilling conclusion to an album that celebrates both the individual and the collective, embodying the essence of collaboration in its purest form.
Engineered with clear fidelity by Wes Lanich and mixed with sensitivity by Sai Shravanam in India, the album captures the vibrancy of the live experience, enveloping the listener in the rich acoustics of Aspen’s Harris Concert Hall. This project captures the magic of the Aspen Music Festival with this enduring connection between Eastern and Western musical traditions. Live in Aspen is a sonic picture of harmony and heritage, a celebration of artistic kinship, and a compelling listen for anyone who believes in the universal language of music.
Sharon Isbin: Website
Sharon Isbin
Live in Aspen
June 21, 2024
ZOHO