On
Ravi Shankar's World Pacific sides, the longer ragas were usually the highlight. These contained the true essence of Indian music: long, undulating ragas that slowly evolved and built in intensity. Unfortunately, there was usually only room for one on each album (if that); however,
In San Francisco contains three extended pieces and is perhaps his best World Pacific album. Accompanied by
Alla Rakha on tabla,
Shankar shows his rhythmic grace and sheer stamina on these performances, to a live audience's delight. Recorded at the San Francisco Civic Auditorium at a time (about 1967) when consciousness in Indian music was growing at an incredible rate,
In San Francisco is an awesome performance and an amazing historical document as well. [The 2001 Angel reissue adds spoken introductions to the second and third tracks.] ~ Matthew Greenwald