Shiva Shakti Swayambho

Incredible Carnatic (South Indian classical) music by some serious pioneers. Sukkanya Ramgopal is an expert player of the ghatam, a clay pot percussion instrument that is incredibly difficult to master. She’s the inventor and sole exponent of the Ghata-tharang, an array of six pitched ghatams. Her formidable all-female ensemble joins on violin, veena, mridangam (basically a tabla on steroids), and morsing (jaw harp). Here the group renders several Carnatic classics of astounding beauty and complexity and almost makes it seem easy. This is not only a valuable counterpart to a largely patriarchal tradition, but is also a rare treat, since I had to email the artist and then have a vacationing coworker pick the CDs up for me. Play loud, play often, and rejoice in the rich diversity of human endeavors.

Note: I’ve sent the most accessible of three albums for a-file rotation, but the other two can be added to reanimation at the MDs’ discretion.
1. (12:49) A rousing, joyful opener in a loosely pentatonic raag.
2. (4:34) Bright polyrhythmic phrasing, incredibly tight and coordinated, fast and breathtaking!
3. (18:31) Slow, haunting, mystical beginning drifts into a stately marching tune in a cycle of 9 beats. Ramgopal adds vocal percussion in the middle.
4. (4:25) A six-beat cycle provides an easygoing gait for this lively, even carefree song.
5. (4:34) A mind-blowing original composition here, joyful jamming with each member getting their time to show off. Wow!