Sonny Simmons Brandon Evans - A Salute To Ustad Bismillah Khan

Review by Prem Swaroop

A Salute To Ustad Bismillah Khan by Sonny Simmons Brandon Evans is a tribute to the legendary Indian shehnai player, Ustad Bismillah Khan. The album features a fusion of Indian classical music and jazz, with Simmons and Evans on saxophones, and Khan's grandson, Nasir Abbas, on shehnai.

The album consists of four tracks, each showcasing the skill and virtuosity of the musicians. The opening track, "Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram," is a meditative piece that sets the tone for the rest of the album. The second track, "Bhairavi Blues," is a fusion of Indian classical music and blues, with Simmons and Evans taking turns on the saxophone and Abbas on the shehnai.

The third track, "Bismillah," is a tribute to Ustad Bismillah Khan, with the shehnai taking center stage. The musicians pay homage to the master musician, showcasing his unique style and virtuosity. The final track, "Jazz Shehnai," is a fusion of jazz and Indian classical music, with the shehnai and saxophones playing off each other.

Summary by Prem Swaroop

A Salute To Ustad Bismillah Khan is a beautiful tribute to one of India's greatest musicians. The fusion of Indian classical music and jazz is seamless, and the musicianship is outstanding. Fans of both genres will appreciate the skill and artistry on display in this album.