Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan’s New Album ‘Reverie’ Features Rare Raags
India-West Staff Reporter
Renowned sitarist Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan has announced the release of his latest album, Reverie.’
The collection of rarely performed ragas, including compositions never recorded by the artist, showcases his dedication to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Indian classical music while breaking new ground in the genre.
‘Reverie’ features several exceptional pieces, including two raags created by the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar – Parameshwari and Tilak Shyam. “Parameshwari is a unique creation of Pandit Ravi Shankar, rarely performed by others,” explains Ustadji. “Similarly, Tilak Shyam, a beautiful combination of raag Tilak Kamod and raag Sham Kalyan, has remained largely unexplored since its composition.”
The album also includes Kalashree, an uncommon raag that Ustadji approaches with a fresh perspective inspired by the distinctive rendition of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi. “I was particularly drawn to Bhimsen ji’s interpretation of Kalashree,” notes Ustadji. “While only a handful of musicians have performed this raag, each bringing their unique interpretation, I wanted to capture its essence through my sitar.”
What makes “Reverie” particularly special is that many of these compositions have never been recorded on sitar before, as vocalists traditionally performed them. Through this album, Ustadji brings these vocal-centric raags to the sitar, adding a new dimension to their musical legacy.
The album represents a significant milestone in Ustadji’s illustrious career. It includes a memorable encounter with Pandit Ravi Shankar, who praised his interpretation of Parameshwari after hearing it performed in a national radio program.
Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan stands as the world’s greatest living sitar player, a true maestro who bridges centuries of musical tradition with innovative brilliance.
He was born into the seventh generation of the renowned Etawah Gharana, a family dedicated to mastering the sitar. His father, Ustad Aziz Khan recognized his son’s innate talent and began nurturing it from an incredibly young age. By eight, he was dazzling audiences with his prodigious talent. Today, his performances are transformative experiences, earning him the nickname “The Man with the Singing Sitar” for his unparalleled ability to evoke vocal nuances through his instrument.
Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan’s concerts are not merely performances; they are spiritual experiences. As his fingers pluck the strings, audiences find themselves transported to a world where time stands still, and only the pure essence of music exists
Throughout his illustrious career, Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Padma Shri award from the Government of India.
But perhaps his greatest achievement lies in his role as a teacher and preserver of musical tradition. Through the SPK Academy of Music, he passes on his vast knowledge to the next generation, ensuring that the rich legacy of the sitar continues to thrive.
‘Reverie’ is available worldwide through all major streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music. Physical copies of the album can be purchased exclusively through the SPK Academy website (spkacademy.org).
