Rama Sreerama
- by U. Srinivas
- Real World Region: Africa, Asia 1
- Jun 1994
The child prodigy of Karnatak music who has taken the mandolin, an instrument unknown in India, to unique classical heights.
A recording of an exquisite, candle-lit live performance at Real World Studios.
Reviews
'Popularly known in India as Mandolin Srinivas...this devout young Hindu has become a master not only of an instrument that usually only stands out in bluegrass but also of the highly complex, extended improvisations that are at the heart of the Southern Indian classical tradition.'
'His gentle and mesmerising sound should have no trouble breaking out of the classical mould, and finding its way onto the turntables of mainstream listeners.'
'You won't be able to dance to it, but this is a level of artistry you don't see too much of these days.'
'Sweeter than a banjo, more energetic than a slide guitar, Srinivas's playing has a bright electric tone, nicely set against a husky-throated violin. Together with a mridangam drummer the group scamper cheerfully through their melodies, working tightly as a rhythmic unit.'
'Classical but alive, breathing, ancient and still evolving.'
'The centrepiece is a 29 minute, multi-movement epic, topped off with a stunning percussion duel, clay pot clacking and slapping, mridangam booming and buzzing towards open-heart ecstasy. Brilliant!'
