The Confluence

by Jonathan Widran Although this fascinating blend of classical, jazz, pop, and global music is not released on Narada World, it's very much in keeping with Narada's innovative approach to melding musical traditions from far reaches of the planet. Frenchman Richard Clayderman has sold over 20 million albums in 38 countries, and Rahul Sharma is the musical disciple of legendary santoor maestro Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma (and also, his son!). Together, they create a unique vision that one can imagine resulting from a chance meeting at a train station where tracks from many cultures merge. The opening track "Together" blends the flow of Clayderman's classical-influenced piano with spirited organic percussion, orchestral elements, and the shimmering tinny magic of Sharma's instrument. There's also a touch of Native American flute. The polyrhythmic "Jaisalmer" finds Sharma playing the santoor first to create an exotic steel guitar sound, then more like a harp. There are also romantic waltzes; the plucky blues-jazz of "Blues Heaven" (featuring synth vibes); and a mystical, seductive version of "Norwegian Wood," the Beatles classic which brought the sound of India to rock & roll. Adding to the fascinating exotica is the fact that the project was mixed partially in France, partially in India, to create the perfect balance of cultural ideas.