Kora So Far - Ravi

A compilation of Ravi's recording career so far, spanning 12 releases and with over an hour of music. Released on Terra Nova

REVIEWS

For those of you who miss Oregon, along comes Ravi. This release is a sort of greatest hits collection of ambient music recorded between 1986 and the present. Ravi plays kora, hammer dulcimer and a host of other instruments. he has a stable of fine musicians backing him up. The music has a graceful flow. Good background music for a quiet evening from Dirty Linen May ‘99

Ravi is a virtuoso living in London. Kora So Far is a melodic and atmospheric mix of some of his best music. THE TIMES

I always disliked the term 'world music'.It's as if here in the sophisticated west we have a million subdivisions of music but the rest of the planet produces 'world music' be it folk, pop or whatever. Ravi, produces world music. But in this case there realy is no better way to describe it. his main instrument is the kora but he also plays keyboards, hammered dulcimer and much besides. He also has guests to provide tablas and a host of instruments from around the world rarely heard in the mainstream. The music itself is truly eclectic; Unity has a distinct Indian flavour while others go in opposite directions stretching across the globe. But rather than dwelling on each tune and its influences this is simply a collection of varied and brilliant tunes. Despite the diversity, the production and arrangements give the album coherance and a certain commercial sheen which would sit very nicely in Peter Gabriel's Realworld stable. The tunes are often upbeat and uplifting but have subtleties to keep the music fresh after many listens. "Splendid."

Folk Roots Review Oct '98