Arshad Mahmud and Majid Khan - Sitar Influence

Arshad Mahmud and Majid Khan - Sitar Influence

released on cassette supposedly in 1977

This album reminds me of those Balsara and His Singing Sitars LPs. It sounds like one of those cash-in pop sitar albums chock full of cover songs. I'm not really sure which ones are originals or covers as no credits are given. No liner notes or performer credits are given either (except for Arshad Mahmud and Majid Khan on the cover). It would have helped that this information be included on the release as there is really no substantial information about this release or about Arshad Mahmud and Majid Khan on the internet tubes.

I'm sure that anyone into pop-sitar or space-age lounge instrumental stuff could dig this. All of the songs performed have a slow tempo making suitable for playing while chilling out and trying to impress your cool friends who probably own actual copies of Balsara and His Singing Sitars or Lord Sitar LPs. Along with the sitar, tablas, violins, chimes and flutes can be heard. There is even a cheap-sounding drum machine used on a few tracks ("How Can I Be Happy", "Yesterday Gone", and "I'll Come Along") instead of tablas. It sounds like the drum machine feature on one of those Casio keyboards that cost just a little over 100 bucks at one of the national big-box retailers. The album is really pleasant and charming stuff although most of the time I prefer the more authentic or traditional Indian music.

Tracklisting:

Side One

1. 1/3 {2:38}

2. People {3:38}

3. Free For All {4:16}

4. Good Evening {3:15}

5. Tantalisation {3:24}

6. Hi Tides {4:34}

7. How Can I Be Happy {3:19}

8. Persuasion {3:42}

Side Two

1. Yesterday Gone {4:28}

2. Sometimes In Morning {4:04}

3. Velvet Touch {4:18}

4. Beautiful Day Today {4:22}

5. I'll Come Along {4:04}

6. In Your Arms {3:26}

7. Festival {3:37}