This two-disc set documents
Girija Devi's nearly unbelievable performance at the 2001 Saptak Music Festival. Accompanied by tabla master
Sukhvinder Singh and sarangi maestro
Ramesh Misra,
Devi sings in her now-trademark thumri and khyal styles over the course of five selections. The khyal, "Raag Jog," that opens the performance is the most stunning piece on it, as
Devi moves through differing rhythmic and mood patterns that offer portraits of the different stages of devotion. Most of the pieces are medium tempo rhythmically, set in either tintaal or ektaal, and all are improvisations using and blending many forms. It is no less than breathtaking and at its best, it is awe-inspiring. ~ Thom Jurek