Hariprasad Chaurasia is widely considered the finest living exponent of the bansuri, the bamboo flute that is used extensively within the Hindustani tradition of Indian classical music. In Chaurasia’s hands, the instrument yields an unusual degree of nimbleness and flexibility, and his ability to generate new musical ideas within the structure of a given raga really is unparalleled. This live recording from 1992 makes an excellent introduction to his art, and the fact that he’s accompanied by the world-class tabla player Zakir Hussein just makes it that much more exciting; second flute player Rupak Kulkarni also provides able backing.

– Rick Anderson