Essence of Raga Tala is a unique and compelling take on Indian musical tradition; nine Indian ragas and selected talas are re-imagined for both traditional and western instruments in new and exciting directions.

Authenticity is an issue in the understanding and appreciation of American Indian music. Indigenous people define authenticity according to their own musical concepts and values, which sometimes differ from the criteria applied by outsiders.

As is usually the case with Shankar, the music is quite accessible to Western ears. The jor section of the piece "Dhun" is quite tuneful, for example. And the brevity of the raags (five, ten, 16, and 21 minutes) really helps. The five-minute track is a stirring tabla solo by Alla Rakha with minimal accompaniment by Shankar. Highly recommended for Indian music beginners.

On his CD Lasting Impression, Brooks' devotion to jazz, blues, and Indian music comes across loud and clear. With "Taj Express," the CD's opening cut, Brooks blows warm and resonating tones over a backdrop of stinging syncopation. Brooks and his all-star band play with ease in the song's odd-metered choruses and post-bop inspired heads. As with the rest of the songs on the album, Brooks and friends make the complicated passages of "Taj Express" fly by without the slightest hint of strain.