GS Sachdev: Romantic Ragas (Chandi CP 104) a cassette recorded and issued in the US in 1982

Here we present a cassette by the bansuri maestro GS Sachdev released on his own Chandi Productions label in 1982.

Sachdev (1935-2018) was for many years an instructor at the Ali Akbar College of Music in San Rafael, CA. His playing is characterized by a gentle, soulful style which never strays from a dignified atmosphere.

On tabla we have the great Jnan Prakash Ghosh (1909-1997).

Transfer: Nakamichi Dragon cassette deck, extensively refurbished and rebuilt.

Pre-amplification: Vintage refurbished Pioneer SX-780.
Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6ii at 24bit/48kHz resolution
Software: Audacity and xAct.
Monitoring: Digital line out from a MacBook, Focal Spirit One headphones with Schitt Audio Asgard headphone preamp with 4490 DAC

downloads:

24bit, 48kHz FLAC files (437 MB)

very high resolution lossless FLAC files

16bit, 44.kHz FLAC files (209 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that

320 kbps mp3 files (119 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible 

Asad Ali Khan: Maestro's Choice (Music Today A91012) a cassette recorded and issued in India in 1991

Here is a lovely cassette on the Music Today label featuring a performance by rudra veena maestro Asad Ali Khan.

Khan is a famous exponent of the Dhrupad style. 

Dhrupad is one of the oldest forms of classical music in India, dating back to the medieval period. Its origins are often traced to the spiritual and devotional singing in the temples, evolving over centuries into a sophisticated and highly structured musical form. The word "Dhrupad" is derived from the Sanskrit words 'dhruva,' meaning fixed, and 'pada,' meaning verse. This reflects the genre's emphasis on structured compositions and fixed musical patterns.

Dhrupad is characterized by its slow and meditative pace, allowing for intricate melodic and rhythmic exploration. It is traditionally performed by a solo vocalist or instrumentalist accompanied by a percussionist. The compositions often draw from ancient Sanskrit or Hindi poetry, exploring themes of love, devotion, and spiritual contemplation.

Transfer: Nakamichi Dragon cassette deck, extensively refurbished and rebuilt.

Pre-amplification: Vintage refurbished Pioneer SX-780.
Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6ii at 24bit/48kHz resolution
Software: Audacity and xAct.
Monitoring: Digital line out from a MacBook, Focal Spirit One headphones with Schitt Audio Asgard headphone preamp with 4490 DAC

downloads:

24bit, 48kHz FLAC files (685 MB)

very high resolution lossless FLAC files

16bit, 44.kHz FLAC files (335 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that

320 kbps mp3 files (136 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible 

Ramesh Khaladkar: Shehnai recital (CBS RK-001) a cassette recorded and issued in India in 1984

Here we have a relatively obscure cassette of a performance by shehnai maestro Ramesh Khaladkar. It was released on the Swarashree label, which seemed to have an arrangement with CBS Records in India.

Believed to have been invented by the legendary musician Ustad Bismillah Khan's ancestors in the early 19th century, the shehnai quickly became an integral part of Indian classical and folk music. Its distinctive double-reed design and melodious, haunting tones distinguish it from other wind instruments.

Originally crafted for outdoor performances and auspicious ceremonies, the shehnai found a special place in Indian weddings and religious festivities. Its association with celebratory occasions elevated its status as an instrument of joy and auspiciousness.

Over the years, maestros like Ustad Bismillah Khan brought the shehnai to the global stage and it is now an accepted instrument in Hindustani classical music.

Transfer: Nakamichi Dragon cassette deck, extensively refurbished and rebuilt.

Pre-amplification: Vintage refurbished Pioneer SX-780.
Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6ii at 24bit/48kHz resolution
Software: Audacity and xAct.
Monitoring: Digital line out from a MacBook, Focal Spirit One headphones with Schitt Audio Asgard headphone preamp with 4490 DAC

downloads:

24bit, 48kHz FLAC files (688 MB)

very high resolution lossless FLAC files

16bit, 44.kHz FLAC files (348 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that

320 kbps mp3 files (137 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible 

Chatur Lal: The Drums of India [World Pacific WP 1403] an LP recorded and issued in the United States in 1961

Chatur Lal (1925–1965) was a legendary Indian tabla player whose virtuosity and innovation left a lasting mark on the world of classical music. He was born in Udaipur, Rajasthan and exhibited an early affinity for percussion.

One of Chatur Lal's most notable collaborations was with Ravi Shankar, where his rhythmic prowess complemented Shankar's sitar melodies. This partnership gained international acclaim, introducing Indian classical music to a global audience.

Lal seamlessly blended traditional compositions with experimental rhythms, pushing the boundaries of the instrument. His improvisational skills were legendary, creating a dynamic and electrifying atmosphere during his performances.

Tragically, Chatur Lal's career was cut short when he passed away at the age of 40. Despite his relatively short life, his contributions to Indian classical music continue to inspire musicians.

Equipment used in this transfer: 

Preparation: Ultrasonic cleaning for 20 minutes in pure clean water.

Turntable: Technics SL-1200

Cartridge: Audio-technica ATmono3LP

Pre-amplification: Vintage refurbished Pioneer SX-780.

Recorder: Sony PCM-M10 at 24bit/96kHz resolution

Software: Audacity, ClickRepair, and xAct. 

24bit, 48kHz mono FLAC files (423 MB)

very high resolution lossless FLAC files

16bit, 44.kHz mono FLAC files (104 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that

320 kbps mono mp3 files (132 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible 

Firoz Dastur: In Contemplative Mood [Rhythm House 240 340] a cassette recorded and released in India in 1984

Firoz Dastur (1919 – 2008) was a vocalist from the Kirana gharana.

After becoming a film star in Bollywood in the 1930s, Dastur began learning Hindustani music from Krishnarao Jaokar, a disciple of the legendary Khansaheb Ustad Abdul Karim Khan. He then took advanced training from Sawai Gandharva, one of the most important exponents of the Kirana Gharana.

Bombay’s Rhythm House released three hour-long cassettes of his music. Here is the third. This company was known for high quality recordings and real-time duplication of their cassettes.

Transfer: Nakamichi Dragon cassette deck, extensively refurbished and rebuilt.

Pre-amplification: Vintage refurbished Pioneer SX-780.
Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6ii at 24bit/48kHz resolution
Software: Audacity and xAct.
Monitoring: Digital line out from a MacBook, Focal Spirit One headphones with Schitt Audio Asgard headphone preamp with 4490 DAC

downloads:

24bit, 48kHz FLAC files (623 MB)

very high resolution lossless FLAC files

16bit, 44.kHz FLAC files (296 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that

320 kbps mp3 files (126 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible 

Sharmistha Sen: Classical Instrumental [HMV STCS 02B 6299] a cassette recorded and released in India in 1993

And so we begin again.

Sharmistha Sen is one of the few women instrumentalists to have attained prominence in Indian Classical music. Her main teachers were Ustad Mushtaq Ali Khan, who played in the classic dhrupad-based Jaipur Seniya style, and D. T. Joshi, a widely respected teacher who was a disciple of Ustad Inayat Khan.

Other than this relatively obscure cassette-only release, Sen also has a CD released on the India Archive label.

Transfer: Nakamichi Dragon cassette deck, extensively refurbished and rebuilt.

Pre-amplification: Vintage refurbished Pioneer SX-780.
Recorder: Sound Devices MixPre6ii at 24bit/48kHz resolution
Software: Audacity and xAct.
Monitoring: Digital line out from a MacBook, Focal Spirit One headphones with Schitt Audio Asgard headphone preamp with 4490 DAC

downloads:

24bit, 48kHz FLAC files (680 MB)

very high resolution lossless FLAC files

16bit, 44.kHz FLAC files (335 MB)

these lossless files can be burned to CDR, if you are into that

320 kbps mp3 files (132 MB)

highest quality lossy mp3 files possible