Recorded Music Review:
CARNATIC LOUNGE: Music for Mood elevation;  Dr Jyotsna Srikanth; Times Music; CD Rs 125
When you think easy listening and lounge music, Carnatic music is not what springs to mind. But in the skilled hands of Dr Jyotsna Srikanth, the violin – with suitable keyboard and traditional accompaniment – transforms many well loved Carnatic ragas into soothing orchestral renderings that may be just right to create a mood of peace and relaxation at the end of a hectic work day.
Which is why we thought “Carnatic Lounge” a recent Times Music release would appeal to many in our core readership of technology professionals. Equally skilled as a western classical violinist and as a south Indian violin maestro, Jyotsna, brings the right sensitivities to bear in this collection of 6 pieces which included ragas like Neelambari and Kalyani; Hamsanada and Ratipati Priya.
She is well supported by Ravichandra Kulur on the flute, N Amruth on the mridangam, Suma Rani on sitar with Praveen D Rao and Shadrach Solomon’s keyboards lending the right lilt to appeal to those with a ear for the western.
If we have one mini-grouse, it is the inclusion of a rather melancholy number based on raga Charukeshi. Not quite in the quiet but upbeat mood of the rest of this album, we thought. But this apart, Carnatic Lounge will make for a great addition to your collection of relaxing music for that long drive or just a few moments by yourself- Anand Parthasarathy
India Buy link: http://shopping.indiatimes.com/Music/Carnatic-Lounge/ctl/20375412/pid/4517405   July 7 2011