Back in 2023, when SHAKTI embarked on a reunion tour, after four decades in recording limbo, to celebrate the ensemble’s 50th anniversary, nobody could predict that it was the last time John McLaughlin and Zakir Hussain performed together. The latter’s passing last December robbed the world of a magnificent musician, the likes of whom are born once in a century, which is why the band’s forthcoming concert album, will feel both triumphant and poignant.
Mind Explosion:
50th Anniversary Tour Live
To be issued on CD and vinyl on August 1st, “Mind Explosion: 50th Anniversary Tour Live” features, alongside John and Zakir, Shankar Mahadevan, Ganesh Rajagopalan and Selvaganesh Vinayakram, all of whom played on the collective’s final studio opus, “This Moment” from 2023, whence two of the six pieces on offer come, with the rest harking back to the group’s self-titled debut from 1976 and other earlier works. A pity, there’s no accompanying video release.
1. Kiki
2. Giriraj Sudha
3. Lotus Feet
4. 5 in the Morning, 6 In The Afternoon
5. Sakhi
6. Shrini’s Dream
