In San Francisco
Ravi Shankar · 2001
50 min · 5 tracks · Indian classical music
A transcendental exploration of Hindustani classical music blending intricate ragas with rhythmic tabla performances.
Top tracks — play these first
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Raga Bhupal Todi / Tala Ardha Jaital Start here — This expansive piece exemplifies Shankar's mastery of raga performance, marrying emotional depth with technical precision over almost seventeen minutes.
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Tabla Solo in Shikhar Tal — The tabla solo showcases the rhythmic intricacies and improvisational skills of the percussionist, reflecting the dynamic interplay central to Hindustani music.
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Dhun (based on a Morning Raga in Sindhi Bhairavi) / Tala Dadra — This track weaves a narrative through melody and rhythm that encapsulates the essence of morning ragas, inviting deep emotional engagement from listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album highlights Shankar's improvisational skill within a cohesive live setting, making it a strong representation of Indian classical music.
What we noticed
- Two tracks include spoken introductions by Ravi Shankar, providing context and enhancing the live performance atmosphere.
- The tabla solo is a distinct centerpiece, allowing for rhythmic exploration separate from the melodic elements.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like pacing with depth
- spiritual exploration through sound
- immersive live performance feel
- focus on rhythmic complexity
Maybe skip if you
- seek instant gratification
- prefer short standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Showcases Shankar's continued artistry and connection with audiences late in his career.
- Themes
- cultural exchange· morning raga serenity· tabla improvisation
- Moods
- Dreamy· Introspective
- Career context
- By the time 'In San Francisco' was released in 2001, Ravi Shankar had been a pivotal figure in introducing Indian classical music to the Western audience for decades. This album arrives after his significant contributions in the 1960s and 70s, including collaboration with artists like George Harrison, marking a period of continued cultural exchange and recognition in world music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Anoushka Shankar· Ali Akbar Khan· Nikhil Banerjee
Tracklist
- 1 Raga Bhupal Todi / Tala Ardha Jaital Start here 16:50
- 2 Spoken Introduction by Ravi Shankar 0:23
- 3 Tabla Solo in Shikhar Tal 7:14
- 4 Spoken Introduction by Ravi Shankar 1:02
- 5 Dhun (based on a Morning Raga in Sindhi Bhairavi) / Tala Dadra 24:47
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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