Rudresh Mahanthappa, “Snake!,” Kinsmen featuring Kadri Gopalnath and the Dakshina Ensemble (Pirecordings 2009)
This is a stylish and evocative blend of Western jazz with South Indian Carnatic music, led by two of India’s masters of the alto saxophone. This is but one representative piece from this superb album. Mahanthappa grew up in Boulder, Colorado, the son of Indian parents. He has established himself as one of the leading alto saxophonists of the day, and forged this project with legendary Indian saxophonist Gopalnath, who showed an earlier path towards this unique blend of traditions.
Rudresh Mahanthappa: alto saxophone — Kadri Gopalnath: alto saxophone — A. Kanyakumari: violin — Rez Abassi: guitar — Poovalur Sriji: mridangam — Carlo de Rosa: bass — royal hartigan: drums
