Irshad Khan: The Magic of Twilight

The Naxos label has been a boon to various corners of the music universe, from their stellar budget line of classical recordings to the more recently launched jazz division. They’re also throwing their hand into the world music market, with integrity intact. One title from a recent batch of releases comes from sitarist Irshad Khan, The Magic of Twilight (Naxos World 76001; 43:49). With all due and proper respect to Ravi Shankar, his high international profile has tended to overshadow other fine sitarists. Khan is one of them. Part of a long-standing and highly respected musical lineage, and the son of Ustad Imrat Khan, Irshad lives in both Bombay and Toronto, where he teaches. On this recording, done in a small town outside Toronto, he displays his measured skills and musical grace on the 43-minute “Twilight Raga” and the 22-minute “Evening Raga,” which showcases his impressive abilities and, more importantly, transports the listener to an alternately still and exhilarating place.

Originally Published October 1, 2000