Shakti: Tiny Desk Concert
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- Опубліковано 29 жов 2023
- Felix Contreras | October 30, 2023
It's hard to get past the significance of this performance by the Indian jazz fusion band, Shakti. Initially formed in 1973 by jazz guitarist John McLaughlin with virtuoso traditional Indian musicians, the band opened the doors for others to expand their musical appreciation beyond Western music. 50 years later, as guitarist McLaughlin reunites with tabla player Zakir Hussain to take Shakti on another world tour, the group stopped by for a magically inspiring performance behind the Tiny Desk.
"Shrini's Dream" sets the stage with both melodic and rhythm instruments, before vocalist Shankar Mahadevan, violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan and McLaughlin each take turns calling out to the muse for inspiration. The entire set is a drummer's dream given Hussain is considered a master tabla player both within and outside the tradition.
Shakti's music has always been built around complex traditional rhythms and they are on full display with Hussain and Selvaganesh Vinayakaram. The band was born in the aftermath of McLaughlin's Mahavishnu Orchestra and "Lotus Feet" channels that band's hypnotic exploration of time and melody, while the aptly titled "Bending the Rules" mixes Indian traditions and the custom of jazz musicians trading licks back and forth, bringing this historic moment to an energetic close.
SET LIST
"Shrini's Dream"
"Lotus Feet"
"Bending the Rules"
MUSICIANS
John McLaughlin: guitar
Zakir Hussain: tabla
Selvaganesh Vinayakaram: kanjira, ghatam
Shankar Mahadevan: vocals
Ganesh Rajagopalan: violin
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Felix Contreras
Director/Editor: Kara Frame
Audio Engineer: Neil Tevault
Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Videographers: Kara Frame, Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant
Production Assistant: Ashley Pointer
Audio Assistant: Josephine Nyounai
Photographer: Keren Carrión
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Josh Rogosin, Hazel Cills
Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#shakti #nprmusic #tinydesk
NPR just casually dropped one of their most wildest concerts. I cannot even fathom half of the talent I am being shown on this screen.
This is possibly the pinnacle of the most virtuosic supergroup conceivable.
Johnny Mac & Friends have been the GOATS for decades!
Absolutely unbelievable!!!
@@akarshrastogi3682 I agree with you, but you’re forgetting about return to forever
Reply by Shankar Mahadevan - I am flabbergasted to see that how you used the word " Fathom" In this when it was not even necessary. Also, you are watching this, it's not being shown to you. It was already recorded. It's crazy to see that you find it the wildest concerts and trust me it's not. At last it's not a concert. 😂😂😂 Trust me I am so high , I have so much to write. 😅🎉🎉🎉
I hope the live audience realize how big this is. World maestros/ world class musicians sitting together and performing in Tiny Desk! Simply amazing and brilliant.
The NPR audience as a whole does not appreciate the musicianship on display here. Just look at the rest of the videos posted before and since this one. Terrible reductive pop music by 20-something amateurs get far more than twice as many views. Their loss.
@@GetUpTheMountains Idk i think your being closed minded due to bias, im sure the audience appreciates or respects this music at a bare minimum. There is some really good stuff from all different types of music done by young and old on npr, the channel has been going for years and i think it does good things for music. Dont get me wrong im a big McLaughlin and shakti fan but i think its silly to believe that just cuz your young, you cant appreciate good musicianship.
@@jamosbigjaw1791 While I appreciate your unrequested psychological evaluation, nowhere did I say this channel does a disservice to music. Nor did I say being young prevents you from appreciating good music. Also, "really good stuff" is like, your opinion, man.
@@GetUpTheMountains haha alright fair enough, i do think its important to be open minded👌
@@GetUpTheMountainsIt's NPR. It's a general audience. It's always been like this, even 50 years ago.
I checked this out after learning Shakti won Grammy for best global music album. Dang, they are GOOD! Great fun!
Me too❤
this isn't Shakti. this is a sad washed out simulacrum of Shakti. If you really want to know GOOD, please look up "Natural Elements" which was actually Shakti.
@@desigrrl08 of course you the highly knowledgeable and intellectual Desi girl 08 who has won many accolades like the Grammy ofcourse would know of who or what is shakti. Rather than the people frrom the so called "actually Shakti" who are still performing in this iteration of Shakti.
@@GauravKumar-bf2rq yes actually i do know more than anyone who thinks Shankar Mahadevan is a "singer" 😂. Everyone here who thinks this band is Shakti has literally no understanding of what the real Shakti did with their first album. NO other band has come close, and certainly not this group here. Cry more.
@@desigrrl08so even shankar mahadevan is not a singer in your eyes. Wow, you must have accomplished alot really.
For those who don’t know.. the Tabla drum player on the left is Ustaad Zakir Hussain the greatest (not one of the greatest) THE Greatest Tabla player past and present. His work is mesmerising..
Anindo Chatterjee is right up there as well, in my opinion.
Yes search for one of his solos. Different league.
Presently, definitely not past though. Kind of inevitable when your father, Alla Rakha, sings you bols from time of conception and has continued to do so.
He is a great solo performer but doesn't compliment a orchestra.
Just saw him in Monkey Man
This ‘Tiny Desk’ series is one of the greatest things to happen in recent music history. The audio work is always great. It’s like we’re in the studio with them.
👏👏👏
It is
Perfect for the 50-year celebration of Shakti!
DEFINITELY AGREE!! I LOVE IT!!
@@Libra_Stringshh
This is one of the wildest fusion combos folks. You have the violin and mridangam players from a Carnatic music background. You have the vocals from a mixed Carnatic and Hindustani tradition (person who also drops Bollywood pop bangers on the regular), with a Hindustani tabla legend. And then McLaughlin with the western jazz infusion. And NOTHING sounds out of place.
Yep. I’m only familiar with Shankar Mahadevan as one third of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, and not for his more ‘traditional’ work. Meanwhile, I mainly know John McLaughlin as a jazz fusion legend and Zakir Hussain as the supreme tabla player of my lifetime. I didn’t expect them all to mesh together this well.
every Indian grew up listening to Shankar's music in Bollywood, wasn't aware till today this band existed and couldn't be more glad
Worded perfectly. You earned your name for sure brainiac
The music IQ in this frame is off-the-charts with these 5 maestros sitting together!
So many legends playing together! Magical. McLaughlin and Hussain are true giants of music.
Hey it's Dr Crisis!
Violinist Dr. Kumaresh is. One of the finest musician you can come across. I don’t have to say much about the group as they are legendary ❤❤❤
i never thought you spoke without humour. appreciate your videos Dr!
I experienced Mahavishnu Orchestra live when I was 21. I'm 72 now and had the best musical experience of my life seeing Shakti in Portland earlier this year. Thanks Tiny Desk. Superb.
Likewise! At the time I thought they were just a flash in the pan! Great to see them still going strong.
love to you Ralph
On top of being a phenomenal guitarist, the fact that McLaughlin is in the 80yr old ballpark and can sit like that makes me realize i should take better care of myself! 🤣🤣🤣
So jealous!
You sir, are blessed.
lotus fleet had me crying. As an indian American growing up, finding that kind of balance between American and indian identity has been difficult. As someone who grew up singing carnatic music and as a jazz guitarist in university, this group represents the fusion that I've been looking for my whole life, with people I look up to every day performing it.
Lotus Feet, my favorite tune!
Lotus feet made most of us crying..few would admit it publicly though..
Feel you on the dual identity ❤
So true and authentic
Merci
Peace and Love ina your mind
I did the same, The power of music!
usually people pay hundred of dollars to see this 5 legends, but we get this FREEEEEE !!!!!!, this video need reach more people guysssssss
The type of music where you do not want the audience to try clap along with! Complex timing with incredible synchronicity between vocals, strings and drums.
Ha, yes, please no horrific off beat clapping!
Wow, never thought I would see these guys on Tiny Desk, thank you!
Please can we have Zakir Hussain solo next❤
Zakirji has also done a tiny desk with Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer. Its my favorite Tiny Desk besides this one.
I've seen that trio once... Mindblowing!
But Shakti with a bansuri player (like rakesh chaurasia) would be more HeartFULL... Anyhow, always a good surprise to watch these masters
Wow! My mind is blown. I’ve been listening to Shakti for 30 years and they are on Tiny Desk! These are the OGs of fusion jazz. True pioneers.
For sure! Used to listen to shakti all the time never thought they’d reform. But definitely pioneers of jazz and world fusion. Also huge fan of mahavishnu orchestra which started it all for me.
Exactly my thoughts! i know them since the 70s.
they were OGs yes. And it was only their one album, the first one, that has any meaning.
I come back to this video every few weeks to renew my faith in humanity.
John is 80+ and still going.
He changed my life. I first heard his trio recordings (with Al and Paco) as a teen. My perception of life shiftet forever in this very moment!
Saw those three in concert at an intimate venue in Los Angeles in the 80s. That was after following Mahavishnu and Return to Forever since the late 70s. Exposure to that level of innovation and talent does, indeed, change us.
Passion, Grace and Fire! Doesn't really hold up for me musically any more but it's very enjoyable shredding.
I'm not sure what I'm more envious of, McLaughlin''s talent or his knees.
@@cluebcke dude. seriously?! 🤨🫣🥺😬
@@NeilRaouf Yeah dude, I couldn't sit like that for 15 minutes and be able to walk later
Definitely, My music taste completely diverted when I heard John, Al and Paco.
Watching John play with Shakti just a few feet away as a 17-year-old guitar student, was a spiritual epiphany. Not many are able to master their life as well as their instrument.
Ok, at first I was furious as a Nigerian that we were snub but now I understand. These is music for the soul and truly deserve it.
Legendary
I'm a rap, RnB fan mostly but I do give other music a listen..... I've never heard anything like this and 🤯 I love it !!! Thanks!!!
Check out John McLaughlin & Shakti "Joy" (Live Montreux 1976) live music video on UA-cam. One of my favorites from their early days!
Handful of Beauty is my favorite of their studio recordings.
@@1acsimmons1 thank you I will
@@Oneness100 I appreciate it and will look into it. I love this.
Go check out mahavishnu orchestra and be prepared to be blown away
It’s no longer a tiny desk. It’s a giant desk. 🙌
Can I just add that John McLaughlin looks fantastic and appears to be in great shape? It's incredible that this musician dating back to the 1960s is still here and this amazingly vigorous!
I saw Paul McCartney last weekend in the Gold Coast, Australia, 81 yrs old and he played 39 songs nonstop for 3 hours. The sixth concert in Oz and he was doing six more in Mexico and Brazil! Two incredible guys
I saw Mahavishnu Orchestra live in Philadelphia at thr Academy of music when I was thirteen in 1968 - it changed my life for the better. Now I am 68 and I get to see and hear this Shakti tiny desk performance - what a world!
The Mahavishnu Orchestra was founded in 1971.
Maybe I was fifteen
I could play many of their songs on guitar as a young lad - dance of Maya which is basically a 1-4-5 in E major
Most of the inner mounting flame album
Yes I was a freshman in high school Central high in Philly
Before we even get to the (absolutely amazing and transporting) music, am I the only one blown away by the fact that, at age eighty-one, John McLaughlin is able to sit in Lotus position for twenty minutes with such effortless ease? 🤯🎸🔥🎶🔥❤️💯🙌🏿🦁🌞
He did it for a lot longer than 20 minutes on their recent tour!!!!
Good living! Probably vegetarian and does yoga every day.
I was shocked to see him
I know right, what a delightful surprise, wonderful!
He does whole concerts in that position
0:00 Shrini's Dreams
8:54 Lotus Feet
13:25 Bending the Rules
You can skip to any part of this concert. They’re absolutely *jamming.*
Merging classical Indian music with modal American jazz was one of the most innovative things ever done in music. Notice how John takes the Harmony up a flat 13th at 5:50 incorporating two of the four lterations while hovering around the tonal center. Meanwhile, his timing is impeccable as he has the raga going in his head the whole time. Jai, Sri Mahavishnu.
Shakti is the one band that has been with me the longest, continues to inspire and give me hope for this planet. The fact that John McLaughlin and Zakir Hussain even met at all, invented a whole genre of music and continue to play together, 50 years later, is as mystically awesome as music itself. What a treat this is. Thank you NPR 🙏🏽
Mistically…what an appropriate word!
Yes!
What really struck me was how COMPOSED a lot of this is. It sounds like improvisation and then someone else joins in, and then someone else, and then someone ELSE - and jeez loueez, they know it by HEART! This was just glorious.
A lot of Mahavishnu is like that too. “Oh, that’s some great improvised shredding… wait two other musicians are playing the same thing.”
Yes, it is improvised but drawn from very well known Ragas(Melodies) and Tala(Rhythms), known by all
great Indian music practitioners plus the added flavor of western jazz.
Hmm, Not sure if that's accurate. This follows the Indian Raag system, where there is a framework and within that framework there is free improvisation, so resolutions meet, but doesn't mean it's pre-planned.
There are extremely long phrases and progressions that are most definitely memorized as part of the composition and raag structure itself. The konnakol is a great example.
Shakti reminds us that music is a divine language, a language that many of us have forgotten. This music is so free, and so full of joy.
Woaw. Didn't expect Shankar Mahadevan on Tiny Desk Concert. He's one of the most versatile singers of India 🇮🇳
Super compelling. Feels like they've been sitting in a circle playing this kind of music together for 50 years.
It's crazy how complex yet melodic these 5 masters are effortlessly playing here! blessed.
Almost can’t believe John McLaughlin is 81 years old!
Sir in the yellow shirt seems like such a good hang. Definitely gives a good hug
Selvaganesh Vinayakram... A legend just like his father Mr. Vikku Vinayakram who has also worked with this band. 😊❤
7:24-8:00 is transcendentally beautiful. all of the 570k views is me!!
Have you seen a hundred people singing at same time , even though it’s not even their own language
You can UA-cam about Thyagaraja keetanalu live
The sheer joy of these amazing musicians even outweighs their virtuosity - this incarnation is as relevant and fresh as it was decades ago.
Exactly so! Felt the same way, Indians have access to something divine truly, it just really cannot be deduced into words, but maybe music!
@@aryabanerjee1179 I don't think it's only Indians by any stretch, but these guys clearly do. This is pure communication and mastery of all elements, melody, rhythm, improvisation, and even a little harmony (but less of that). This is some of the best music being made today.
The same👏☺💖
imagine having the honor of even sitting in the same room as such musicians, let alone hearing them play in such an intimate setting… the people who work at this office are truly blessed
The one and only Ustad ji Zakir Hussain, the incomparable Shankar Mahadevan and John McLaughlin just casually sitting and jamming. Simply mind-blowing.
Just Wao🎉👌👌👌👌❤️
5 Musicians from 5 different background making Sync of Life.!.
Incredible❤
Holy smokes 🤯 Shakti on tiny desk . Thank you universe ❤️
i can't believe you got john mclaughlin AND the band to play on TDC.
this is the best day ever 😄
They're not 'the band'! Some of them are the biggest names of Indian music!
Lol, this is funny, for us in India, we have no idea who John McLaughlin is, I thought he was a side player. For us the rest are absolute legends.
thanks for this absolute beauty, Tiny Desk Team; my deepest gratitude to all Shakti players as well.
Just a comment: Mr Ganesh Rajagopalan is playing a Five-Stringed violin; a variant of the violin with an extra string usually tuned below the Low G - either a Low C or Low D.
Happy Christmas Season to you all.
he is indeed .. but he only really needs one.. ;9)
Why people not learn from these great musicians what is unity , harmony in life , what is spirituality bring all closer . Wonderful.
Would ask Mr Zakir Hussein and Mr Mac Laughlin, if their beliefs:The Abhrhamic CULTS, contain of the Musciology?
Is the music part of the Abhrhamic CULTS?
No
So, what absurdity of the communal harmony?
Saw Shakti first in 1973, the journey continues…John is a spiritual brother to me and Zakir inspired me to learn tabla from him!! 🙏🏻
With combined experience of 200 years, this will break barriers
"Lotus Feet" I don't know but I cry when I listen to this beautiful piece.
I remember seeing Shakti play Central Park many years back as I was trippin’ on shrooms it was one of the best shows ever. Love these dudes.
Bravo TDC!!!! I'm tracing a line right back to OG Mahavishunu Orchestra. I'll never forget walking into a record store in Austin, Texas, and hearing Birds of Fire being played. I was frozen in place, listening to something about which I had no cultural references, yet was speaking directly to my soul. I went to the counter, bought a copy, and began a musical journey that is still going strong.
Man this blew my mind! No idea this fusion existed! Only thing I knew about was Ravi Shankar, but that’s it. This is a whole refreshing mood. Gonna dig into their work.
This is the greatest line up I've ever seen in Tiny Desk. Living legends
One of the most amazing shows I ever saw was the John McLaughlin Trio, with Kai Eckhardt and Trilok Gurtu, in the 80's.
This is just as amazing, if not moreso. But if you've never seen Trilok, you're missing out on something else very special as well.
Greatest drummer / percussionist of all time IMO. His stuff with Joe Zawinul blew my mind when I first heard it.
I saw that trio with Trilok in Chicago in 1989 and it was a game changer for me. Put me on a different path musically. Recently saw the Shakti show in Portland, OR and it was just fantastic.
oh yes, never saw them but have the live recording, mindbendingly beautiful
I have so much appreciation for what NPR continues to put behind the desk. Seeing this Shakti performance (behind a clean desk) was magic. As a teacher, all of my students will be walking into class today and getting a taste of Shakti. I truly hope a few of them rewatch this and search for more of this amazing music. My inner muse is so happy.
This is a showcase of such great musicianship. As a musician from India, made me feel like I was sitting right in front of these legendary musicians I have idolised for all of my life. With John McLaughlin. So grateful to be experiencing this. I'm super super happy to see Shankar Mahadevan on tiny desk. Made my entire year. It's enchanting.
I got to see Mahavishnu a bunch of times, and Shakti teice when the first albums came out. This is the most complex music in the world, yet it flows. Notice how they come out of a blindingly fast passage and stop on a dime together? Then start again, then STOP. Never a note out of place. To my ear these are the most virtuosic musicians on the planet.
I put my ignorance out there I had never heard of this group before but now I know! Just incredible music and musical talent. Thank you Tiny Desk!!
They are not a group as such, various musical pioneers have come together to perform.
You HAVE to listen to the three great Shakti albums from the 70s then ("Handful of Beauty", "Natural Elements", and the live album "Shakti with John McLaughlin"). You will be blown away.
I urge you to check out Zakir Hussains Making Music album.
Their enthusiasm is contagious!
Great job Tiny Desk - i wasnt able to catch Shakti live this year in the UK. John and Zakir - a couple of the greats. It's amazing to see so many of my heroes share the same stage, keep it going!
After listening to this several times over the last 3 days, now I'm playing it in the background while working on my pages. Nothing like this to keep you high and joyful!!
Shankar Mahadevan with John McLaughlin and Zakir Hussain...arguably the greatest assemble in fusion music..!!
This is wonderful. I love all these musicians. John McLaughlin is one of the greatest guitarists alive today. His love of jazz and Indian music has been a constant for decades. Mr. Shankar has the voice of an angel. Thanks for posting this.
John is 81 in this. He looks incredibly healthy.
Whoever is responsible for making this possible needs a raise NOW
Utterly amazing and joyous music. I'm not religious but there is a spirituality in this music which is palpable. The musicians are on a higher level and simply feel the music passing through them.
4x7 + 4x3 = 28 + 12 = 40 quarter notes - which is ten beats. Absolutely beautiful interpretation of jhaptaal.
I thought it would be tentaal omg
@@almendratlilkouatl nope lol. Think about the overall structure.
I saw the thumbnail and was like “ok, cool never heard of them but I’ll check it out.” And what?! Zakir Hussein and McLaughlin! How had I missed this group all this time. So good.
this has to be my fav thing on youtube this year
It's so great to hear "Lotus Feet" again! One of the greatest written pieces.
This sent chills of joy thru me...then after a couple minutes I realized it was the Mahavishnu!!!!❤❤❤❤❤
Every true musicians will appreciate this incredible pool of talented & seasoned musicians without boundaries /relegion /race .
Treat to see these Ustads on Tiny Desk. ❤❤❤
hi there, another Shakti fan from Indonesia🙏🏿❤️🤍
This is what being in presence of something divine feels like.
That second number is exactly what I always wanted, the melancholic Indian notes with a contrasting electric guitar.....thanks for that wonderful tune
I was lucky enough to see Shakti live in 1978 at the Glenn Miller Ballroom on the CU Boulder campus. It was awesome...as is this!
This is incredible!! These are world renowned musicians. Each is a master artist in his own instrument. Can't believe they're doing a tiny desk!
I love them 50 years ago and still today!❤Many thanks for this performance
OMG John McLaughlin and Zakir Hussain -- two of the musical G.O.A.T.'s in tha building!
John begins "Bending the Rules" with the melodic theme from his song "Florianopolis" 😮
LEGENDARY 🫡
Ooh ! That’s my « crazy dance moment » record since 2000 when I was 15. So happy to see you are still playing and healthy. Love from France 🇫🇷 ❤!
I’ve long been a fan of John McLaughlin. One consistent feature of all the concerts (and videos) with him is how happy -or perhaps better, how _joyful_- everyone playing always seems.
What wonderful music.
The talent in this one session is outrageous.. all legendary musicians
Missing L.Shankar and Vikku. But it’s all the more amazing how far this band travelled through the musical cosmos and still shines bright.
I have been to many great concerts over the years but the best was Shakti. It wasnt just a concert, it was a spiritual experience.
Wow they actually mad good
The violin destroooys me wow
Never seen anything like it. Absolutely beautiful
Tears of joy as I heard the first notes of Lotus Feet. Shakti has been such an integral part of my love for music. Thank you NPR for bringing us this brilliant tiny gem.
Woah!!!!!!!! Never would i have ever imagined shakti being on tinydesk, perfection!!!
One of THE BEST timy desk concerts.
👏👏👏
John McLaughlin is 81 man ... what a force of nature
I was fortunate to see Shakti in Portland Oregon in 2001. What really chaps me is that I was living in Bangalore India from 2012-2016, they came through and I had no idea and missed it. Anyway, it was virtuoso and transcendental. The only other groups I have seen that were at or near this level was Frank Zappa and Miles Davis.
oml this is my two favourite universes colliding!! My parents are classical music enthusiasts and had me listening to the Remember Shakti concerts even before I could fully talk. Icb I'm seeing these absolute maestros on Tiny Desk today! The only things that could have made this better was if the legendary U Srinivas were still around to be a part of this!
Can't express how happy this makes me. Some of the greatest musicians of our country right there!
I started my morning off by listening to this set: It’s very energizing & musically inspiring. Of course, John McLaughlin is a music great on guitar - in the genre of “JazzFusion.”
Thank you once again TINY DESK 🎤🎵🎶👍🏾
Beautiful. Saw the original Shakti in London, 1975, and saw this lineup last month in Davis CA. Thank you TinyDesk!!
I was at the Davis show. Still buzzing weeks after. Flew in from SLC.
Lotus feet is the most beautiful song I have heard in my life
Shankar Mahadevan!!!!! Amazing talent. NPR is so diverse
Great John McLaughlin. I was lucky to meet him in 1984 during a shakty concert in monopoli italy. Great person and wonderful musician.
Indeed! I was lucky to meet him in 2008. Autographed my guitar after 4th Dimension concert! Amazing person.
So freaking cool! Tiny desk… I love you❤