Anyone that feasted on the early years of Rock, particularly in the mid-to-late '60s, will know the name of Ravi Shankar.  Ravi Shankar was introduced as a master of the sitar, an intricate and musically expressive instrument, by some of the more well-known and explorative musicians of the day.  You can hear Shankar's influence in some important albums, some by The Beatles.  Shankar has even played at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival and to the Woodstock generation at the storied 1969 festival. 

Ravi Shankar plays a complex form of Indian music called a Raga that requires precision.  It's essence is intended to provoke a variety of moods.  A thorough and focused listen to any of Shankar's works heard on his many albums will elicit such moods depending on your meditative tolerance.  

In the '60s, there was a reach toward inner spiritualism, often strived for with the help of drugs or the relaxing effects of "grass.". Shankar's extended and complex music was often an assistant to that end. 

On the recently released Rare and Glorious, there are eight Ragas, some topping at over 24 minutes.  Some of the Ragas heard on this 2CD collection are on CD for the first time.  Some are recorded as early as 1962, some as late as 1988, providing for a broad scope of Ravi Shankar's abilities as he progressed over the decades.  The music heard on this collection range from hypnotic and meditative to fast-paced and involving. 

The included 12-page booklet is heavily invested in the biography of Ravi Shankar along with a complete description of Raga.  There are also photos, and an in-depth description of each track. 

No matter your mood, if you are a fan of Ravi Shankar, or eastern mystical music, or even of the sitar itself, you'll find Rare and Glorious a welcome addition to your library of stringed instrumental music.  With over 135 minutes of beautiful Raga music by the master of the sitar, you will be in tune with yourself.