Anoushka Shankar – Chapter I: Forever, For Now (Leiter Verlag, 2023)
Anoushka Shankar, the highly acclaimed musician renowned for her mastery of the sitar, firmly believes this instrument has untapped potential. Her new recording, Chapter I: Forever, For Now, is a testimony to that belief.
When I hear the four compositions on her new release, I feel that I am on a precipice of a new style of music that reaches out to my spirit that, in a moment, transforms me into another place that speaks to me with the love of a mother to her child.
This, indeed, is an experience in nearly seventy years I have never felt before.
It’s to do with love. Anoushka understands that what is inside her, all the training, musicianship, knowledge, and love she has, has culminated in the recording—a catalyst to the Earth we have inherited, a lament to all our pasts.
It’s magic and alchemy mixed with mystery. The moments created on this recording will stand the test of time.
“I wanted recordings that express moments,” the sitarist says, “not my analysis of those moments from a future vantage point, which often happens when working on albums over a longer period.”
Anoushka Shankar’s exceptional talent is evident in this recording; she has truly outdone herself. She allows the sitar to soar and creates an immersive experience for the listener. Each of the four songs celebrates the small moments of everyday life, and Anoushka gives the sitar plenty of space to soar and reach new heights.
‘Chapter I: Forever, For Now’ is the first in a mini-album trilogy, where she showcases her virtuoso playing and ability to convey compelling narratives through her sitar. She was recorded in the historic Funkhaus, Berlin, featuring collaborations with Nils Frahm, Gal Maestro, and Magda Giannikou.
‘Chapter I: Forever, For Now’ was produced by a rising star of Eastern music Arooj Aftab, with whom Shankar had previously collaborated on ‘Udhero Na’ from Arooj Aftab’s Vulture Prince album. Their creative reunion for this mini-album highlights their collaborative chemistry; Arooj Aftab’s genre-fluid world and inventive approaches to crafting thoughtful arrangements and sonic spaces.
This album beautifully showcases Anoushka’s musical talent, providing an incredibly immersive experience for the listener.
Chapter I: Forever, For Now, will be available on October 7th via the Leiter label on limited edition vinyl and all digital platforms.
Buy Chapter I: Forever, For Now/
Author: Ian Bevington
A wo wonderful and innovative musician. can’t wait for the new material. ❤️ Thank you for the music.