- Format: CD
- Label: El Records
- Genre: Folk
Ravi Shankar is the godfather of world music" - George Harrison
Ravi Shankar is frequently credited with introducing the sounds of the Indian sitar, tabla and oud to western ears. One of the most respected contemporary musicians of any country, Shankar is as revered by Indian traditionalists as he is by the rock musicians and fans who have incorporated the unique character of the sitar into their working vocabulary of sounds. Transmigration Macabre continues in the tradition of this exciting blend of both worlds.
Shankar composed Transmigration Macabre for the British art film Viola which tells of the growth and eventual victory of a possessed man?s belief that his dead wife has returned to life in the form of a cat that pursues him. The music traces his emotional turmoil as the man, dominated by his wife during her lifetime, stuggles against her baneful influence after her death.
One of the first adapters of his music was George Harrison, who made a pilgrimage to Shankar in India. The influence of the master is apparent in "Norwegian Wood" and obviously Sgt Peppers "Within You Without You". Ravi performed to wildly enthusiastic audiences at both the Monterey International Pop festival of 1967 and at the Woodstock Festival and Peter Sellers sought his advice regarding the sitar during filming of the Blake Edwards comedy The Party. Dozens of the best psychedeic bands incorportated sitar into their sound because of Shankars direct influence; The Rolling Stones, The Pretty Things, The Electric Prunes, Strawberry Alarmclock etc.
Transmigration Macabre is Ravi Shankars most psychedelic album, the dreamlike quality of the album is extraordinary. The beauty and sensitivity of the playing out of this world.
Track listing: Madness /Fantasy/ Anxiety/ Torment/ Submission/ Death /Transmigration/ Retribution/ Reflection
