World Music Portrait

Starring:Cheb Mami
Studio: SHANACHIE
Product Type: DVD

Description

The first DVD of this set, called "Ravi Shankar -- Between Two Worlds," is the definitive account of India's most celebrated musician and follows two years of Ravi Shankar's life - filmed in India and America - against the backdrop of seven decades of innovative collaboration with Western musicians. Archive footage shows concerts with Zakir Hussain and other key performances filmed from the 1930s to the present day.

The second DVD shows Ravi Shankar live in concert as he performs two ragas (Raga Anandi Kalyan and Raga Rangeela Piloo) in the atmospheric Union Chapel in London, summer 2002, with his daughter Anoushka and tabla virtuosi Bikram Ghosh and Tanmoy Bose.

SPECIAL FEATURES -- "Benares Ghat" Ravi Shankar teaches a new piece, "The Sitar and Indian Music," Illustrated Booklet

Customer Reviews:

A Magical Journey.......2006-03-30

For fans of the Indian classical form, this documentary provides an indispensable and fascinating look inside the life and art of its greatest practitioner, Ravi Shankar. On the occasion of Shankar's 80th birthday in 2000, the filmmakers introduce us not only to his life story but also to his family and his day to day life, to the magical complexities of his native India, to a generous helping of his musings on his music and, on the second disc, to live performances of two ragas. The entire feature clocks in at over three hours, but it never gets boring, and there's no distracting narrator: The filmmakers wisely let the sights and the sounds of Shankar's life and music speak for themselves. And they speak volumes.

An rare insight into the life of an Indian Music Guru.......2005-04-20

The Indian approach to academics, music or religion is so much different from the Western approach that it is very difficult to comprehend this approach for anyone who does not belong to India. It is the way the inner discipline and moral values that find conviction through the physical discipline and ultimately a release through the creative spirit of the disciple.

As the Guru (in Ravi Shankar) rightly puts it through, it is the pain of being able to comprehend a shade of that omniscient but inability to express that through the only medium he knows (the sitar) - that leads to this lifelong struggle for perfection. And that is why no 2 renderings of the same raga is ever the same. It is that attempt to describe that transcendental emotion by breathing life into the immaculate weave of notes which makes this struggle so endearing, so unique, and so divine to the listener. In this struggle one is only competing with his inner self to express his realization to the best of his capabilities. This production is a wonderful testimony (for the Western world) to all the components that go into creating masters such as Ravi Shankar.

However, the 2 ragas that come along with the documentary are definitely not the best pieces that the Pundit has recorded. May be these were chosen to allow Anoushka to come onto the centrestage - which also allows us to see where the father (in Ravi Shankar) might err but the Guru would not. This is another rare side reflected in this documentary - the conflict of the sentiments of a father and a guru. A trained ear would not fail to grasp the diffrences between the same notes coming from the 2 sitars. That is the difference of the emotional depths that back the production the 2 identical notes from 2 different sitars. It is this finesse that marks out the maestro from all the rest.

If the viewer is new to Indian arts, he would do himself a great favour by listening to the duo Ravi Shankar and Ali Akbar playing Sindhu Bhairavi where Alla Rakha accompanies them on the tabla. The youthful lilt together with the depths of emotion that stand testimony to the heights achieved by the masters of Indian Classical Music is an all-time treasure for one and all.

Viewed together with a little bit of understanding of the Guru-Shishya relationship this collection is definitely something that should be treasured by any connosieur of Indian arts.

Pranam Panditji.......2004-03-09

I knew there was a reason why I was so excited about this DVD even before I got it. I have already watched it three to four times in so many days. My two year old loves to sit with me and watch it too! I remember going to the concerts in Bombay in the 80's and Panditji always seemed to be playing from Himalayan heights.He seemed to be un approachable to us then. We always had theories about artists who lived in the west.Most of us were known to have (unqualified) OPINIONS! This DVD brings Raviji's human side in front of you. My impression about him has completely changed. I have even more love and respect for the man now. ThanX to BBC for such a great job, I particulary enjoyed the B/W clips from his childhood days.
What a life ! Watching this DVD one gets a insight in to his spirituality and at the same time he seems to be such a simple person. Raviji thinks, speaks as if he never left his childhood place in Benares. He still has an accent which most people like me try hard to get rid off. It was quiet touching to see his wife correct him from saying "servants quarters", a non-PC term used commonly in India, I had tears in my eyes. Some of the footage with Raviji's Guru, Allaudin Khan is simply brilliant. I am mostly stuck with the first CD, but the concerts on the CD 2 are very well recorded and if you have a 9:16 big screen TV , its quiet a treat.
I am already making a list of people I can buy this for as a gift!

Can't wait.......2004-02-21

I ordered the DVD after reading all these wonderful reviews and I can't wait to get my hands on it. I love Ravi Shankar's music and consider him a genius myself. I can only hope I can acquire enough wisdom to appreciate the music of people like him. I do have a bone to pick though. As a person who grew up in India we saw nepotism all around us, it is a unwritten law of the land. Now, living in the US I don't have much tolerance for it. I went to a concert in the late 90's at the Mesonic hoping to see and hear Ravi Shankar's music but he was shamelessly pushing his daughter all over the concert.She wasn't even ready and would just stop playing every now and then. What most leaders in India failed to do is set themselves as an example.He is well traveled and well acheived person. Its a tragedy that such a great man passed on such an opportunity for more greatness. I will be certainly skipping the part where she plays on the DVD. That will be for all the great musical talent in India who will never be discovered because they are not related to anyone famous.

Perfect DVD.......2004-02-12

If you are interested in Ravi Shankar, India music and/ or the arts in any way I would suggest getting this DVD. It takes you to India, to see the roots of classical Indian music. To spiritual places and Ravi's connections to those place. Absolutley beautiful filming. To the mind of one of the worlds greatest composers and frankly a wonderful man. The first disc is filled with history, imagary and musical knowledge. To be veiwed over and over again. The 2nd disc was recorded in 2002, a beautiful live concert. Excellent sound and quality. To see a such a great master at work brought tears to my eyes. Seeing his influence on Pop and western music and the warmth of a man that will live forever in the hearts of many musicians and music lovers around the world. He IS music. This DVD has it all and I highly suggest it.

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World Music Portrait
Starring: Césaria Évora
Manufacturer: SHANACHIE
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Cape Verde | Africa | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

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Live in Paris
Live d' Amor: Cesaria Evora In Concert
Rogamar
The Very Best of Cesaria Evora
Overthrow: America's Century of Regime Change from Hawaii to Iraq

ASIN: B000127ZFA
Release Date: 2004-02-24

Description

Cesaria Evora, the "barefoot diva" of Cape Verde has been one of the best-selling world music artists of the past decade. This video is a fascinating look at Cesaria's often-struggling life, her island homeland and the development of her musical artistry as the camera follows her thorugh the streets and cafes of Cape Verde where she came of age.

Average customer rating:

You will understand how much is great this artist
Music Icon Carlinhos Brown at Home in Bahia,Brasil. 52 min

World Music Portrait
Starring: Carlinhos Brown
Manufacturer: SHANACHIE
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Africa | International | Styles | Music

Brazil | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

Afro Brazilian | Latin Music | International | Styles | Music

General | Latin Music | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

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Tribalistas
Mais
Sede Do Peixe
Ile Aiye (The House of Life) - A Film by David Byrne
Moro No Brasil

ASIN: B0001US6OQ
Release Date: 2004-06-08

Description

Carlinhos Brown is one of the most colorful and popular figures in contemporary Brazilian popular music. Soul, hip-hop and rap are key flavors in his rich fusion of Afro-Bahian percussion with the sophisticated melodies and harmonies that typify the best of Brazilian music.

Customer Reviews:

You will understand how much is great this artist.......2007-05-04

You will see the other side of his personality, the man who live "Dia a Dia" in Salvador for help young people to learn music and go far......

Music Icon Carlinhos Brown at Home in Bahia,Brasil. 52 min .......2004-08-22

Carlinhos Brown (after James Brown) had written the music for scores of hit recordings before he gained public recognition in Brasil.1991 was the year Carlinhos formed the Afro Brasilian drumming group "Timbalada", teaching new,never heard before rhythms to the young people of his impoverished neighborhood.By 1993 Timbalada's 1st recording became a monster hit all over the country & Carlinhos began his ascent to international stardom.
Drummer,composer,arranger,singer & guitarist,this film shows him from a humble music student to a charismatic leader, organizing music & social programs focused on the "forgotten" people of the favela(ghetto).
The concert footage is startlng in it's screaming energy.It's hard to believe this is the same person we see gently singing & interacting with young and old people of his Afro Brasilian state of Bahia.Carlinhos says "in Brasil we like each other".He's right.This is a film of love & music.
Highest recomendation !
David Heymann
"Canta Brasil"KKUP-FM
davidheymann@yahoo.com

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Salif Keita - World Music Portrait
Starring: Salif Keita
Manufacturer: SHANACHIE
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Africa | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

International | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

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( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Live in Concert
World Music Portraits: Angelique Kidjo
Baaba Maal - Live at Royal Festival Hall
Youssou N'Dour Et Le Super Etoile de Dakar - Live at Montreux 1989
A Visit to Ali Farka Toure

ASIN: B0001BVD4K
Release Date: 2004-04-06

Description

Salif Keita has been one of the best selling world music artists since he embarked on a solo career fifteen years ago. In this portrait we are treated to music that spans his wide-ranging repertoire, from spellbinding performances of his traditional Malian music to concerts that showcase his innovations in fusing his musical roots with jazz, funk, Europop, and R&B. Highlights include performances in Denmark and France, as well as an improvised session with Carlos Santana.

Average customer rating:

Learn to appreciate this singer even more than you have.

World Music Portrait
Starring: Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Manufacturer: SHANACHIE
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Pakistan | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music

General | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

International | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

Biography | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

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Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan - A Voice From Heaven
In Portrait (2pc)
Live in Concert
The Ultimate Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Vol. 2
Devotional and Love Songs

ASIN: B0000V47AI
Release Date: 2004-01-20

Customer Reviews:

Learn to appreciate this singer even more than you have........2004-05-26

The opening parts showing scenes in Pakistan are pretty amazing for this Westerner. And to see people from the world over getting so excited about this man and the music he sings. I ended up loving his music more than I could imagine by buying and seeing this DVD.

Description

Paris-based Cheb Mami is one of the biggest stars of Arabic music today. Known as the Prince of Rai, the Arabic music dquvalent of rock'n'roll, Che's incredible sound packs dance floors the world over. This video takes us on a fascinating tour of the thriving North African quarter of Paris, with Cheb encountering old acquaintances and singing in intimate clubs and restaurants.

Customer Reviews:

IT's FRENCH.......2006-03-01

Not what I thought it would be. Not traditional middle eastern Arabic. It's moroccan which is predominantly french/arabic. If you're looking for ARABIC music, this isnt it.

Aller ! Le Prince de Rai !!.......2005-02-22

This DVD present the life on and off stage of Le Prince de Rai -- The prince of Rai, Cheb Mami.

Besides some concert shots, we get to see Mami sing with his friends freely in some Arabic restaurant in Paris. And how he struggle to get the music to the public. There is a surprise in the ending scene, which Mami watching his early performance (as a kid) with one of his comrade in modern Arab music -- Natacha Atlas !!

J'aime beaucoup !!

A Must Have!!!!!!!.......2004-04-26

For the Cheb Mami & Rai Lovers out there, this is a very well done documentary with excellent live video clips and nice cameos from Khaled, Zahouania, Natasha Atlas, and others. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Two Faces of Thailand - A Musical Portrait

Average customer rating:

The Best Documentary Video I've Ever Seen on Thailand
Old and Outdated view of Thailand's rural sector.

Two Faces of Thailand - A Musical Portrait
Starring: Various Artists
Manufacturer: SHANACHIE
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | International | Styles | Music

Ballet & Dance | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

International | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

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( T ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

No. 17 Cotton Mill Shanghai Blues - Music in China
Sukiyaki and Chips - The Japanese Sounds of Music
There'll Always Be Stars in the Sky - The Indian Film Music Phenomenon
Konkombe - The Nigerian Pop Music Scene
Shotguns and Accordions - Music of the Marijuana Growing Regions of Colombia

ASIN: B00008VFC9
Release Date: 2003-06-10

Customer Reviews:

The Best Documentary Video I've Ever Seen on Thailand.......2002-04-02

This is the best documentary I've ever seen o Thailand. Better than any travel video, incl. Lonely Planet. I've spent 2 years in Thailand and speak the language fluently, but this video showed me things I've never seen before. It's not just about music, it's about rural Thai culture.

Old and Outdated view of Thailand's rural sector........1999-08-04

On the one hand, it is a good view of the past lifestyle of the people outside the metropolis Bangkok. On the other hand, it is also an outdated tourism video. The singers, etc. presented on this video are from a time gone past. If you are a history student who have visited Thailand before and want to get a view of the past, this may be a good buy. On the other hand, if you've never been to Thailand and think this video will show you what it is like - NOT! Thailand has changed so much in the past decade. This video was actually shot in 1983 but redistributed in 1994. Get Thailand - The Golden Kingdom instead.

Average customer rating:

World Music Portrait
Starring: Jimmy Cliff
Manufacturer: SHANACHIE
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

Biography | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( W ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Legend - The Best of Bob Marley and the Wailers
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Heartland Reggae

ASIN: B0000V47A8
Release Date: 2004-01-20

Description

Jimmy Cliff is one of the founding fathers of reggae music, blazing a trail that countless other stars would follow. In this street level portrait, he shows us his Jamaica. Includes his 1973 performance of "The Harder They Come" and impromptu performances with acoustic guitar as well as studio sessions with a full band.

Peter Gabriel: Growing Up on Tour - A Family Portrait

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Peter Gabriel: Growing Up on Tour - A Family Portrait
Starring: Peter Gabriel
Director: Anna Gabriel
Manufacturer: Real World Int'l
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( P ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B0007PLM4G
Release Date: 2005-02-15

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