Prasanna: Peaceful

After listening to Prasanna's Peaceful CD, I must say it is well named as it was ultimately relaxing in its widely meandering stroll through a myriad of styles. Prasanna injects soul and passion with grace into each composition. This raga rock, raga jazz, and even introspective raga acoustic guitar that delivers.

I was waiting for this release long before Prasanna was finished it. It's a highly unique, guitar-driven gem and was well worth the wait. It is refreshing to hear a musician thatreallyshows the spirit and techniques behind India's music instead of some Western or European artist attempting such.

If you like Steve Tibbetts, John Fahey, Leo Kottke, Shakti, Larry Coryell, and Stan Samole in that Beauty's Song sound-feel mixed in with some very India-styled jazz riffs and associated unique scales then grab this one. I found Prasanna quite impressive in his deft infusion of the Carnatic tradition into the Western ways of jazz and rock . . . pretty interesting grooves throughout and eclectic electric/acoustic introspective tinges too. There are moments where Prasanna even echoes that Pete Carr Not A Word On It guitar voicing and delivery. This is a must-have for guitarists seeking to expand their horizons and a must-hear for folks suffering jazz or rock ennui. Prasanna is a wondrous wake-up call for tired aural neurons.

And now a fantasy of mine . . . imagine Prasanna, Corrado Rustici, Carlos Rios, and Stan Samole all jamming together in an uninhibited electric, raga riffage, fusion binge in the vein of Nova's Vimana and "Mahavishnu" John with "Devadip" Carlos' Love, Devotion, and Surrender — Whoa, now that could bring serious spinal chills!

Cyberhome: http://www.guitarprasanna.com