T.R. Mahalingam

Gorgeous double CD issue of two crucial albums by "the greatest living flutist of South India", T.R. Malingham or Mali to millions of South Indians, presented in respectfully opulent stye by Japan's EM reissue imprint. This is meditative, spiritual, and exotic music of the highest order, combining his two most revered recordings from 1969 and 1970 over two very special discs. Mali is said to be able to commune with birds via his playing and that's quite understabable. His virtuoso use of the flute deploys a special "parrot clutch" method of fingering to elicit the most ornate, adroit and organic form of improvised playing, weaving his florid folk melodies and sublime ragas around hand percussion and fluttering string drones with a purely organic feel, probably enhanced by the fact that he's been playing since he was five years old - he's 84 now. Like the human voice, the flute has a range of two and a half octaves which Mali masterfully articulates with prayer-like devotional qualities. The resultant sound is completely exotic to these Western ears and utterly captivating in its sensuality and grace, which is probably why the likes of Terry Riley, Oliver Messiaen and La Monte Young were so enamoured and influenced by his music. Truly lush and highly recommended!(Boomkat)