Mandala

"Mandala," released on January 25, 2005, is a captivating instrumental album that showcases the exquisite collaboration between sitar virtuoso Purbayan Chatterjee and veena maestro Jayanthi Kumaresh. This album is a testament to the rich tradition of Indian classical music, featuring seven enchanting tracks that span a total duration of 1 hour and 16 minutes.

The album opens with "Raga Hansadhwani - Alap," a meditative piece that sets the tone for the journey ahead. Purbayan Chatterjee's sitar and Jayanthi Kumaresh's veena weave a tapestry of sound that is both intricate and soothing. The album then transitions into "Raga Karaharapriya," a raga known for its deep, resonant tones. The tracks within this raga, including "Alap," "Jorh / Jhalla," and "Vadhya Prabandha," showcase the artists' technical prowess and their ability to evoke a range of emotions through their instruments.

"Mandala" is not just a collection of tracks but a carefully curated experience. The inclusion of "Raga Karaharapriya - Tabla Mridangam" adds a rhythmic depth to the album, with Subhankar Banerjee's tabla and Jayachandra Rao's mridangam providing a dynamic backdrop to the melodic instruments. The album concludes with "Raga Karaharapriya - Payoji Maine Ram Ratan," a piece that brings together the essence of the entire album in a harmonious finale.

Produced by Derek Roberts and engineered by Krishna Shirgaonkar, "Mandala" benefits from high-quality production that enhances the listening experience. The album's artwork, created by Paul Heussenstamm, and the photography by Deko, add a visual dimension to the auditory delight. "Mandala" is a celebration of Indian classical music, showcasing the timeless beauty of the sitar and veena, and the mastery of Purbayan Chatterjee and Jayanthi Kumaresh.