Who's To Know

Tamilian violinist Lakshminarayana Shankar, who has since gone through a bizarre transformation into subpar progressive rock, at least left us with this masterpiece. Shankar’s custom 10-string instrument soars over percussive support from Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman (mridangam) and Zakir Hussain (tabla), all grounded by a tamboura drone. Throughout the album’s two long ragas, he builds epic improvisational structures on lilting themes. The virtuosity on display from every musician is mind-boggling and begs a lifetime of listening to grasp. Fans of Carnatic music will rejoice at the spirit channeled on Who’s To Know. The title still confuses me, though.