RAGA CYCLE is an entrancing recording by American composer and flutist Dean Evenson and Indian sitar masters Pandit Shivnath Mishra and Deobrat Mishra, a father and son duo from the Indian holy city of Benares. In this masterpiece of cultural blending, the trio performs traditional ragas with modern improvisations, including a call-and-response interlude that shows the versatility of these ancient songs. Ragas are generally played in a religious context, and the music chosen for this collection is composed for royal meditation and devotion. The contemporary listener will immediately understand the power of the ragas and their ability to create a calming atmosphere of reverence and passion. Evenson has collaborated with dozens of artists from many different genres and his work on RAGA CYCLE just might be his most satisfying. Evenson keeps a low profile, but soon his alto flute becomes the thread that ties together this magnificent recording. Instead of flashy solos, Evenson opts to let his flute become a melodic counterpoint to the dueling sitars, enhancing the creative tension and resulting in a unique listening experience.
