One can fault producer and editor Alain Danielou for not bothering to indicate when these recordings of Karnatic music were made, but his microphone placement is absolutely perfect. This album has one track, the extended improvisation "Pancharagam" that is something of a watermark for string players involved in modal playing, and the recording is a revelation in sound by itself. This performance on the vina by K.S. Narayanaswami would be a good introduction to the beauties of Indian music, particularly for anyone who may have heard "Within You Without You" one too many times. There are actually many more collections of extended Indian music performances available than there are of this kind of compilation, which involves some of the same performers in several varied pieces, and strikes a happy balance between what could become too short excerpts and the full length potential of Indian music, where it is often impossible to fit even a single piece onto a vinyl side. Danielou gives an even mix of instrumental vina explorations and extended totally captivating vocalizing from the Karnatic tradition. ~ Eugene Chadbourne, All Music Guide
