What makes In New York by Ravi Shankar notable?

This album is significant for its role in popularizing Hindustani classical music in the West during the 1970s. It received positive critical reception and showcased Shankar’s innovative approach, integrating traditional ragas with modern sensibilities, influencing numerous Western musicians and genres. Released in 1971, 'In New York' marked Ravi Shankar's return to recording after a series of successful performances and collaborations. At this point in his career, he was gaining international acclaim, particularly following his appearance at the Woodstock Festival in 1969, which introduced his music to a broader audience.

How many songs are on In New York?

In New York has 3 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

In New York

Ravi Shankar

45 min · 3 tracks · Indian classical music

A captivating blend of intricate ragas and emotive improvisation that transports the listener to the heart of Indian classical music.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Raga Bairaga — This track exemplifies Shankar's ability to convey deep emotion through precision and fluidity, setting the tone for the album's exploration of traditional raga.
→
Nata Bhariravi — The extended improvisational sections highlight Shankar's virtuosity and mastery of rhythm, inviting listeners into a meditative experience over its lengthy duration.
→
Raga Marwa — With its rich melodic structure, this track serves as a stunning showcase of Shankar's technical prowess and emotional depth, embodying the essence of Indian classical music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate ragas and improvisation, reflecting Shankar's distinctive style within Indian classical music.

What we noticed

Each track features extended improvisation, allowing for intricate variations on the ragas that evolve throughout their duration.
The album consists solely of instrumental performances, with no vocal elements present.
The first track opens with a slow introduction that gradually builds in complexity, while the subsequent tracks maintain a similar structure of gradual development.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This EP helped popularize Hindustani classical music in the West during the 1970s.
Themes: Woodstock cultural fusion· New York improvisational spirit
Moods: Introspective· Chill
Career context: Released in 1971, 'In New York' marked Ravi Shankar's return to recording after a series of successful performances and collaborations. At this point in his career, he was gaining international acclaim, particularly following his appearance at the Woodstock Festival in 1969, which introduced his music to a broader audience.
Stylistic neighbors: Anoushka Shankar· Ali Akbar Khan· Nikhil Banerjee