Shakti: Tiny Desk Concert

Felix Contreras | October 30, 2023
It's hard to get past the significance of this performance by the Indian jazz fusion band, Shakti. Initially formed in 1973 by jazz guitarist John McLaughlin with virtuoso traditional Indian musicians, the band opened the doors for others to expand their musical appreciation beyond Western music. 50 years later, as guitarist McLaughlin reunites with tabla player Zakir Hussain to take Shakti on another world tour, the group stopped by for a magically inspiring performance behind the Tiny Desk.
"Shrini's Dream" sets the stage with both melodic and rhythm instruments, before vocalist Shankar Mahadevan, violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan and McLaughlin each take turns calling out to the muse for inspiration. The entire set is a drummer's dream given Hussain is considered a master tabla player both within and outside the tradition.
Shakti's music has always been built around complex traditional rhythms and they are on full display with Hussain and Selvaganesh Vinayakaram. The band was born in the aftermath of McLaughlin's Mahavishnu Orchestra and "Lotus Feet" channels that band's hypnotic exploration of time and melody, while the aptly titled "Bending the Rules" mixes Indian traditions and the custom of jazz musicians trading licks back and forth, bringing this historic moment to an energetic close.
SET LIST
"Shrini's Dream"
"Lotus Feet"
"Bending the Rules"
MUSICIANS
John McLaughlin: guitar
Zakir Hussain: tabla
Selvaganesh Vinayakaram: kanjira, ghatam
Shankar Mahadevan: vocals
Ganesh Rajagopalan: violin
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Felix Contreras
Director/Editor: Kara Frame
Audio Engineer: Neil Tevault
Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Videographers: Kara Frame, Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant
Production Assistant: Ashley Pointer
Audio Assistant: Josephine Nyounai
Photographer: Keren Carrión
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Josh Rogosin, Hazel Cills
Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#shakti #nprmusic #tinydesk

[@bikashtangha7904]

NPR just casually dropped one of their most wildest concerts. I cannot even fathom half of the talent I am being shown on this screen.

[@akarshrastogi3682]

This is possibly the pinnacle of the most virtuosic supergroup conceivable.

[@MurkyDregs]

Johnny Mac & Friends have been the GOATS for decades!

[@richardking-page2918]

Absolutely unbelievable!!!

[@CameronIsNotFunny]

@@akarshrastogi3682 I agree with you, but you’re forgetting about return to forever

[@karankarki5318]

Reply by Shankar Mahadevan - I am flabbergasted to see that how you used the word " Fathom" In this when it was not even necessary. Also, you are watching this, it's not being shown to you. It was already recorded. It's crazy to see that you find it the wildest concerts and trust me it's not. At last it's not a concert. 😂😂😂 Trust me I am so high , I have so much to write. 😅🎉🎉🎉

[@joanlansberry9160]

I checked this out after learning Shakti won Grammy for best global music album. Dang, they are GOOD! Great fun!

[@INDRAJEETKUMAR-bl7gv]

Me too❤

[@desigrrl08]

this isn't Shakti. this is a sad washed out simulacrum of Shakti. If you really want to know GOOD, please look up "Natural Elements" which was actually Shakti.

[@GauravKumar-bf2rq]

​@@desigrrl08 of course you the highly knowledgeable and intellectual Desi girl 08 who has won many accolades like the Grammy ofcourse would know of who or what is shakti. Rather than the people frrom the so called "actually Shakti" who are still performing in this iteration of Shakti.

[@desigrrl08]

@@GauravKumar-bf2rq yes actually i do know more than anyone who thinks Shankar Mahadevan is a "singer" 😂. Everyone here who thinks this band is Shakti has literally no understanding of what the real Shakti did with their first album. NO other band has come close, and certainly not this group here. Cry more.

[@ek6352]

​@@desigrrl08so even shankar mahadevan is not a singer in your eyes. Wow, you must have accomplished alot really.

[@Hagjerp]

I hope the live audience realize how big this is. World maestros/ world class musicians sitting together and performing in Tiny Desk! Simply amazing and brilliant.

[@JamosHeat]

​@@GetUpTheMountains Idk i think your being closed minded due to bias, im sure the audience appreciates or respects this music at a bare minimum. There is some really good stuff from all different types of music done by young and old on npr, the channel has been going for years and i think it does good things for music. Dont get me wrong im a big McLaughlin and shakti fan but i think its silly to believe that just cuz your young, you cant appreciate good musicianship.

[@JamosHeat]

​@@GetUpTheMountains haha alright fair enough, i do think its important to be open minded👌

[@akshayhere]

​@@GetUpTheMountainsIt's NPR. It's a general audience. It's always been like this, even 50 years ago.

[@neilwood8794]

Hear the audience enjoying…will you fk up ✌️

[@bradsmith6682]

I just wish I could even clap that well, save for everything else.

[@AgrimGupta]

The music IQ in this frame is off-the-charts with these 5 maestros sitting together!

[@thanos879]

This ‘Tiny Desk’ series is one of the greatest things to happen in recent music history. The audio work is always great. It’s like we’re in the studio with them.

[@monikapopova9524]

👏👏👏

[@Libra_Strings]

It is

[@joseiovino]

Perfect for the 50-year celebration of Shakti!

[@elliotselmon7581]

DEFINITELY AGREE!! I LOVE IT!!

[@bemcphee]

@@Libra_Stringshh

[@venkatanujd8267]

"Lotus Feet" is so transcendental. It brought tears to my eyes. Truly other-worldly.

[@KhmoshR]

For those who don’t know.. the Tabla drum player on the left is Ustaad Zakir Hussain the greatest (not one of the greatest) THE Greatest Tabla player past and present. His work is mesmerising..

[@bierdlll]

Anindo Chatterjee is right up there as well, in my opinion.

[@David-mw3sb]

Yes search for one of his solos. Different league.

[@jed88]

Presently, definitely not past though. Kind of inevitable when your father, Alla Rakha, sings you bols from time of conception and has continued to do so.

[@PutItOnMyPizza]

Just saw him in Monkey Man

[@CC-vw1cs]

They are all masters !

[@Tiubel]

0:00 Shrini's Dreams 8:54 Lotus Feet 13:25 Bending the Rules

[@brainiac1595]

This is one of the wildest fusion combos folks. You have the violin and mridangam players from a Carnatic music background. You have the vocals from a mixed Carnatic and Hindustani tradition (person who also drops Bollywood pop bangers on the regular), with a Hindustani tabla legend. And then McLaughlin with the western jazz infusion. And NOTHING sounds out of place.

[@siamesevodka]

Yep. I’m only familiar with Shankar Mahadevan as one third of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, and not for his more ‘traditional’ work. Meanwhile, I mainly know John McLaughlin as a jazz fusion legend and Zakir Hussain as the supreme tabla player of my lifetime. I didn’t expect them all to mesh together this well.

[@uzairhannure4886]

every Indian grew up listening to Shankar's music in Bollywood, wasn't aware till today this band existed and couldn't be more glad

[@rashanliliah]

Worded perfectly. You earned your name for sure brainiac

[@harishs9003]

I accidentally found gold🤷‍♂️

[@CC-vw1cs]

Proud to be a southie ❤

[@bakta-001]

usually people pay hundred of dollars to see this 5 legends, but we get this FREEEEEE !!!!!!, this video need reach more people guysssssss

[@abhinavrr446]

lotus fleet had me crying. As an indian American growing up, finding that kind of balance between American and indian identity has been difficult. As someone who grew up singing carnatic music and as a jazz guitarist in university, this group represents the fusion that I've been looking for my whole life, with people I look up to every day performing it.

[@sudha4128]

Lotus Feet, my favorite tune!

[@drtejashmodi]

Lotus feet made most of us crying..few would admit it publicly though..

[@leanaahmed]

Feel you on the dual identity ❤

[@positivevibration9256]

So true and authentic Merci Peace and Love ina your mind

[@heardrum]

I did the same, The power of music!

[@MedlifeCrisis]

So many legends playing together! Magical. McLaughlin and Hussain are true giants of music.

[@Blend3rman]

Hey it's Dr Crisis!

[@shikaripurmanjunath2433]

Violinist Dr. Kumaresh is. One of the finest musician you can come across. I don’t have to say much about the group as they are legendary ❤❤❤

[@the_0_man]

i never thought you spoke without humour. appreciate your videos Dr!

[@ralphnsanders]

I experienced Mahavishnu Orchestra live when I was 21. I'm 72 now and had the best musical experience of my life seeing Shakti in Portland earlier this year. Thanks Tiny Desk. Superb.

[@kingrobert1st]

Likewise! At the time I thought they were just a flash in the pan! Great to see them still going strong.

[@gkisgk]

love to you Ralph

[@paulreese3071]

On top of being a phenomenal guitarist, the fact that McLaughlin is in the 80yr old ballpark and can sit like that makes me realize i should take better care of myself! 🤣🤣🤣

[@Kyllei]

So jealous!

[@ishanirathore8094]

You sir, are blessed.

[@TimDicksonMusic]

Shakti is like being wrapped in musical Joy.

[@ChiviA84]

I'm a rap, RnB fan mostly but I do give other music a listen..... I've never heard anything like this and 🤯 I love it !!! Thanks!!!

[@NadaBabaHanumanAnanda]

Check out John McLaughlin & Shakti "Joy" (Live Montreux 1976) live music video on KZbin. One of my favorites from their early days!

[@Oneness100]

Handful of Beauty is my favorite of their studio recordings.

[@ChiviA84]

@@NadaBabaHanumanAnanda thank you I will

[@ChiviA84]

@@Oneness100 I appreciate it and will look into it. I love this.

[@samtraygis1337]

Go check out mahavishnu orchestra and be prepared to be blown away

[@newhey]

Wow, never thought I would see these guys on Tiny Desk, thank you! Please can we have Zakir Hussain solo next❤

[@joecostello1624]

Zakirji has also done a tiny desk with Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer. Its my favorite Tiny Desk besides this one.

[@goncalopadrao4243]

I've seen that trio once... Mindblowing! But Shakti with a bansuri player (like rakesh chaurasia) would be more HeartFULL... Anyhow, always a good surprise to watch these masters

[@Anttys_WeyTua_CTa_Eu986]

​@@joecostello1624Thank you! I will be digging for that right after this amazing performance.

[@Aamo11]

I don't know why, but I always come back to this video if I'm having a hard time, it just has this magical ability to either let me cry when I'm holding back my sadness, or make me smile ear to ear and forget the pain. I've easily watched this video more than 30 times, and I know I'll always keep coming back.

[@stuartthorne4872]

Before we even get to the (absolutely amazing and transporting) music, am I the only one blown away by the fact that, at age eighty-one, John McLaughlin is able to sit in Lotus position for twenty minutes with such effortless ease? 🤯🎸🔥🎶🔥❤️💯🙌🏿🦁🌞

[@moc1609]

He did it for a lot longer than 20 minutes on their recent tour!!!!

[@MrEedward]

Good living! Probably vegetarian and does yoga every day.

[@Kingwavve]

I was shocked to see him

[@thesuncollective1475]

I know right, what a delightful surprise, wonderful!

[@danmiller5007]

He does whole concerts in that position

[@deputy442]

I come back to this video every few weeks to renew my faith in humanity.

[@takaotsu3592]

Wow! My mind is blown. I’ve been listening to Shakti for 30 years and they are on Tiny Desk! These are the OGs of fusion jazz. True pioneers.

[@ColoRADbro420]

For sure! Used to listen to shakti all the time never thought they’d reform. But definitely pioneers of jazz and world fusion. Also huge fan of mahavishnu orchestra which started it all for me.

[@matto9734]

Exactly my thoughts! i know them since the 70s.

[@desigrrl08]

they were OGs yes. And it was only their one album, the first one, that has any meaning.

[@zanderventer6860]

The type of music where you do not want the audience to try clap along with! Complex timing with incredible synchronicity between vocals, strings and drums.

[@jeffwolinski2659]

Ha, yes, please no horrific off beat clapping!

[@spdcrzy]

You can't try unless you yourself are equally skilled or at the very least well trained and have experience. I'm 30 now, I've played tabla my entire life, and it's only NOW that I'm really able to appreciate Shakti from a Western as well an an Eastern viewpoint. For me, Indian classical is the norm. So I'm used to the insane rhythm, but not in combination with jazz song structure and melody. But now, having listened to so much classical growing up and absorbing it subconsciously, I'm now able to barely keep up with this. 😂😂😂

[@NeilRaouf]

John is 80+ and still going. He changed my life. I first heard his trio recordings (with Al and Paco) as a teen. My perception of life shiftet forever in this very moment!

[@fj8623]

Saw those three in concert at an intimate venue in Los Angeles in the 80s. That was after following Mahavishnu and Return to Forever since the late 70s. Exposure to that level of innovation and talent does, indeed, change us.

[@cluebcke]

Passion, Grace and Fire! Doesn't really hold up for me musically any more but it's very enjoyable shredding. I'm not sure what I'm more envious of, McLaughlin''s talent or his knees.

[@NeilRaouf]

@@cluebcke dude. seriously?! 🤨🫣🥺😬

[@cluebcke]

@@NeilRaouf Yeah dude, I couldn't sit like that for 15 minutes and be able to walk later

[@JamosHeat]

Definitely, My music taste completely diverted when I heard John, Al and Paco.

[@이실시리]

놀랍다 이런 음악은 처음 들어본다

[@rodrigoaquinoofficial]

Music from the future.

[@joebloe33]

It's crazy how complex yet melodic these 5 masters are effortlessly playing here! blessed.

[@sahilgavthankar1623]

White or black people wont understand the legacy and how legendary these people are in Indian Classical Music. ITS MY BROWN CULTURE HOMIE. YOU GOTTA RESPECT IT.

[@joshriley2574]

The sheer joy of these amazing musicians even outweighs their virtuosity - this incarnation is as relevant and fresh as it was decades ago.

[@aryabanerjee1179]

Exactly so! Felt the same way, Indians have access to something divine truly, it just really cannot be deduced into words, but maybe music!

[@wereleeroads9311]

@@aryabanerjee1179 I don't think it's only Indians by any stretch, but these guys clearly do. This is pure communication and mastery of all elements, melody, rhythm, improvisation, and even a little harmony (but less of that). This is some of the best music being made today.

[@alexaalexa6524]

The same👏☺💖

[@thirdeyes9993]

"Lotus Feet" I don't know but I cry when I listen to this beautiful piece.

[@Memo2Self]

What really struck me was how COMPOSED a lot of this is. It sounds like improvisation and then someone else joins in, and then someone else, and then someone ELSE - and jeez loueez, they know it by HEART! This was just glorious.

[@jhorneman]

A lot of Mahavishnu is like that too. “Oh, that’s some great improvised shredding… wait two other musicians are playing the same thing.”

[@SA_SovereigntyForPatriots]

Yes, it is improvised but drawn from very well known Ragas(Melodies) and Tala(Rhythms), known by all great Indian music practitioners plus the added flavor of western jazz.

[@avitee5308]

Hmm, Not sure if that's accurate. This follows the Indian Raag system, where there is a framework and within that framework there is free improvisation, so resolutions meet, but doesn't mean it's pre-planned.

[@spdcrzy]

There are extremely long phrases and progressions that are most definitely memorized as part of the composition and raag structure itself. The konnakol is a great example.

[@sselmer]

Sir in the yellow shirt seems like such a good hang. Definitely gives a good hug

[@vandanaindramohan]

Selvaganesh Vinayakram... A legend just like his father Mr. Vikku Vinayakram who has also worked with this band. 😊❤

[@daveguy11]

Can I just add that John McLaughlin looks fantastic and appears to be in great shape? It's incredible that this musician dating back to the 1960s is still here and this amazingly vigorous!

[@mikejones-go8vz]

I saw Paul McCartney last weekend in the Gold Coast, Australia, 81 yrs old and he played 39 songs nonstop for 3 hours. The sixth concert in Oz and he was doing six more in Mexico and Brazil! Two incredible guys

[@derykdavid2849]

In John’s case…yoga, meditation and a vegetation diet and ten goddess Sarasvati blesses him everyday!!

[@qb3863]

Woaw. Didn't expect Shankar Mahadevan on Tiny Desk Concert. He's one of the most versatile singers of India 🇮🇳

[@josef2012]

🙏💗 Hari Om 💗🙏

[@nandanpandit5456]

The one and only Ustad ji Zakir Hussain, the incomparable Shankar Mahadevan and John McLaughlin just casually sitting and jamming. Simply mind-blowing.

[@moumitaghosh3051]

Just Wao🎉👌👌👌👌❤️

[@Rachs-jm6qz]

I saw Mahavishnu Orchestra live in Philadelphia at thr Academy of music when I was thirteen in 1968 - it changed my life for the better. Now I am 68 and I get to see and hear this Shakti tiny desk performance - what a world!

[@riodiooo]

The Mahavishnu Orchestra was founded in 1971.

[@Rachs-jm6qz]

Maybe I was fifteen

[@Rachs-jm6qz]

I could play many of their songs on guitar as a young lad - dance of Maya which is basically a 1-4-5 in E major

[@Rachs-jm6qz]

Most of the inner mounting flame album

[@Rachs-jm6qz]

Yes I was a freshman in high school Central high in Philly

[@slashclash21bharat]

It’s no longer a tiny desk. It’s a giant desk. 🙌

[@harshshah2797]

Shankar Mahadevan ❤

[@RonanSkillen8]

Shakti is the one band that has been with me the longest, continues to inspire and give me hope for this planet. The fact that John McLaughlin and Zakir Hussain even met at all, invented a whole genre of music and continue to play together, 50 years later, is as mystically awesome as music itself. What a treat this is. Thank you NPR 🙏🏽

[@gustavocortesmunizaga814]

Mistically…what an appropriate word!

[@finarollerz]

Yes!

[@MFDoomguy21]

You can skip to any part of this concert. They’re absolutely *jamming.*

[@HiroshiNasu_Gt]

ありがとうありがとう🥲感動しました🥲ありがとう🙏

[@SUFISCORE]

Legendary

[@abhiramis7206]

7:24-8:00 is transcendentally beautiful. all of the 570k views is me!!

[@brucewayne5916]

Have you seen a hundred people singing at same time , even though it’s not even their own language You can KZbin about Thyagaraja keetanalu live

[@timothydillow3160]

Watching John play with Shakti just a few feet away as a 17-year-old guitar student, was a spiritual epiphany. Not many are able to master their life as well as their instrument.

[@Jay-ne2st]

Ok, at first I was furious as a Nigerian that we were snub but now I understand. These is music for the soul and truly deserve it.

[@WithinPremises]

Whoever is responsible for making this possible needs a raise NOW

[@AlexTuble]

Almost can’t believe John McLaughlin is 81 years old!

[@ashish-usgaonkar-music]

These are masters in what they do. Today's generation wouldn't understand the significance of what these musicians have given to the world. NPR music, you got some good taste to have these legends perform at Tiny Desk. Great job! Even more respect to you guys ! Love from India

[@padmaraghmohan4050]

Lotus feet is the most beautiful song I have heard in my life

[@user-zw2vi9zh4m]

With combined experience of 200 years, this will break barriers

[@spdcrzy]

Closer to 300 between them.

[@naka3339]

John McLaughlin is 81 man ... what a force of nature

[@bierdlll]

Shakti reminds us that music is a divine language, a language that many of us have forgotten. This music is so free, and so full of joy.

[@gourighosh4167]

Why people not learn from these great musicians what is unity , harmony in life , what is spirituality bring all closer . Wonderful.

[@officeboy9779]

Would ask Mr Zakir Hussein and Mr Mac Laughlin, if their beliefs:The Abhrhamic CULTS, contain of the Musciology? Is the music part of the Abhrhamic CULTS? No So, what absurdity of the communal harmony?

[@gopalJayasai]

@@officeboy9779

[@robbin3526dj]

Holy smokes 🤯 Shakti on tiny desk . Thank you universe ❤️

[@ayshfm]

This is what being in presence of something divine feels like.

[@zoro789]

i can't believe you got john mclaughlin AND the band to play on TDC. this is the best day ever 😄

[@JoySaha_music_maania]

They're not 'the band'! Some of them are the biggest names of Indian music!

[@avitee5308]

Lol, this is funny, for us in India, we have no idea who John McLaughlin is, I thought he was a side player. For us the rest are absolute legends.

[@spdcrzy]

4x7 + 4x3 = 28 + 12 = 40 quarter notes - which is ten beats. Absolutely beautiful interpretation of jhaptaal.

[@almendratlilkouatl]

I thought it would be tentaal omg

[@spdcrzy]

@@almendratlilkouatl nope lol. Think about the overall structure.

[@danl9020]

I put my ignorance out there I had never heard of this group before but now I know! Just incredible music and musical talent. Thank you Tiny Desk!!

[@LaggardInLove]

They are not a group as such, various musical pioneers have come together to perform.

[@benthomas7629]

You HAVE to listen to the three great Shakti albums from the 70s then ("Handful of Beauty", "Natural Elements", and the live album "Shakti with John McLaughlin"). You will be blown away.

[@victoriouse]

I urge you to check out Zakir Hussains Making Music album.

[@hakogee]

最高です！ シャクティが2024年も進行中で、メンバーみんなが楽しそうにすごいことを連発しているのが、素晴らし過ぎます。

[@jerryjohns7358]

Their enthusiasm is contagious!

[@tegknox2694]

I've been to a few John McLaughlin concerts and I've seen a few more. I don't recall him smiling quite as much as he has during this Instant masterpiece.

[@acryptphotography3238]

As an Indian I've been a fan of Shankar Mahadevan while growing up! Thanks for bringing Shakti.

[@MrFmrainbow]

Shankar Mahadevan spoke at a fascist Hindu Nationalist event this month.

[@Baronnax]

@@MrFmrainbow And how does that alter the quality of his music?

[@mahalordx]

​@@MrFmrainbowYou make me like him more 😂

[@brianpatterson7332]

@@MrFmrainbow Really? If ture, that's so disappointing. Do you have any evidence for this claim? Zakir Hussain is a Muslim from Lahore in Pakistan - it would be surprising to find out he's good friends with a Hindutva fascist.

[@sauravdagaSDaga1984]

​@@brianpatterson7332Zakir Hussain is from India...born and raised..!!

[@eduardolemossouza4087]

thanks for this absolute beauty, Tiny Desk Team; my deepest gratitude to all Shakti players as well. Just a comment: Mr Ganesh Rajagopalan is playing a Five-Stringed violin; a variant of the violin with an extra string usually tuned below the Low G - either a Low C or Low D. Happy Christmas Season to you all.

[@paulflute]

he is indeed .. but he only really needs one.. ;9)

[@TRUETOILETTENPAPIER]

imagine having the honor of even sitting in the same room as such musicians, let alone hearing them play in such an intimate setting… the people who work at this office are truly blessed

[@MagicSmoke11]

5 Musicians from 5 different background making Sync of Life.!. Incredible❤

[@sauravdagaSDaga1984]

Shankar Mahadevan with John McLaughlin and Zakir Hussain...arguably the greatest assemble in fusion music..!!

[@Dengee]

This sent chills of joy thru me...then after a couple minutes I realized it was the Mahavishnu!!!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@vanshbatra1332]

this has to be my fav thing on youtube this year

[@SudipBishwakarma]

This is the greatest line up I've ever seen in Tiny Desk. Living legends

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

One of the most amazing shows I ever saw was the John McLaughlin Trio, with Kai Eckhardt and Trilok Gurtu, in the 80's. This is just as amazing, if not moreso. But if you've never seen Trilok, you're missing out on something else very special as well.

[@shreyasiyengar8408]

Greatest drummer / percussionist of all time IMO. His stuff with Joe Zawinul blew my mind when I first heard it.

[@DarrenNealis]

I saw that trio with Trilok in Chicago in 1989 and it was a game changer for me. Put me on a different path musically. Recently saw the Shakti show in Portland, OR and it was just fantastic.

[@tonyevans9999]

oh yes, never saw them but have the live recording, mindbendingly beautiful

[@KirkSandall]

I saw that trio in 1989 but with Jonas Hellborg filling in for Jeff Berlin. And, yes, Trilok Gurtu is absolutely amazing.

[@Zafir.Akhter]

So much talent in one room

[@三枝僚]

こないだのシックといい、ただの懐古主義ではなく、かなり現役感のある勢いある演奏で感動します。

[@syedaliehsan]

John Mclaughlin is over 80 years old. MashAllah, one of the greatest rock musicians of the century.

[@georgeyphilip1873]

Treat to see these Ustads on Tiny Desk. ❤❤❤

[@TerrysQuest]

I got to see Mahavishnu a bunch of times, and Shakti teice when the first albums came out. This is the most complex music in the world, yet it flows. Notice how they come out of a blindingly fast passage and stop on a dime together? Then start again, then STOP. Never a note out of place. To my ear these are the most virtuosic musicians on the planet.

[@DizzyDigsDeeper]

I remember seeing Shakti play Central Park many years back as I was trippin’ on shrooms it was one of the best shows ever. Love these dudes.

[@terminalbungus9566]

Seeing this makes me wonder how I've slept on Shakti so long! It's like Mahavishnu Orchestra meets Hermeto Pascoal meets Indian raga... awesome. Not to mention that each musician here is so unbelievably talented! Wow!

[@huckles7353]

Never seen anything like it. Absolutely beautiful

[@areascoda2912]

namaskara to these musicians. Bharat Ratna for all of them please.

[@positivevibration9256]

8:53 Lotus feet Magnifique

[@saravananecarounanidy7296]

Absolutely mind-blowing music! Would have loved Vikku to be part of this (Ghatam sound is integral to Shakti soundscape) but his son does a great job of filling in the void. John Mclaughlin sitting in semi-lotus postion for 20min at 81years?! Wow! This new Shakti's music as divine & spiritual as the 70s 80s Shakti! Winning Grammy is but a small compliment to the level of muscicianship of these maestros.Thank you Tiny Desk! This needs to reach a few million views. Make Music, Not War.

[@tonybott5644]

I have so much appreciation for what NPR continues to put behind the desk. Seeing this Shakti performance (behind a clean desk) was magic. As a teacher, all of my students will be walking into class today and getting a taste of Shakti. I truly hope a few of them rewatch this and search for more of this amazing music. My inner muse is so happy.

[@getriju]

Goosebumps for the entire 20 minutes!

[@창희-k6k]

정말 최고!

[@Kawabong]

I just put this concert to "listen on the background" while doing some work. Wasn't able to take my eyes away for one second and didn't write a single word.

[@VinayPisharody]

9:43 There are various renditions of Lotus Feet that have been performed. Ganesh Rajagopalan's Violon lead in this rendition is out of this world. Its amazing how he plays the inflections with such emotion.

[@tonyevans9999]

giving me goosebumps, beautiful playing

[@aasthabhandari1954]

It had me crying. It's heartbreakingly good.

[@rtoriq]

Man this blew my mind! No idea this fusion existed! Only thing I knew about was Ravi Shankar, but that’s it. This is a whole refreshing mood. Gonna dig into their work.

[@ProducerBoy650]

Bravo TDC!!!! I'm tracing a line right back to OG Mahavishunu Orchestra. I'll never forget walking into a record store in Austin, Texas, and hearing Birds of Fire being played. I was frozen in place, listening to something about which I had no cultural references, yet was speaking directly to my soul. I went to the counter, bought a copy, and began a musical journey that is still going strong.

[@apetrochenkov]

Мне сейчас 72, но Mahavishnu Orchestra, группу прогрессивного рока, образованную в Нью-Йорке в 1971 году британским гитаристом Джоном Маклафлином, я впервые услышал более полувека назад и не устаю наслаждаться. Мелодии тех лет и сегодня узнаваемы. Это здорово. Всех благ и успехов музыкантам Shakti!

[@ryandmaal]

was my music when I was growing up as teen in the 70s - great to hear and see them again!!! namaste.

[@avitee5308]

I had no idea this was even a thing in the US back in my parents' years. I grew up in California as an Indian-origin person, and never even knew that non-Indians had heard Indian music/fusion back then.

[@ryandmaal]

was my progressive upbringing between the old and new world - always heard something different as the mainstream did - and still do @@avitee5308 😃

[@Narikeljinjira]

Shakti and Chic, you guys are really giving your audience joy.

[@rahulsundeep538]

Chic?

[@vinayakkrishnan1509]

​@@rahulsundeep538Nile Rodgers and Chic. Funk and Disco titans from the 1970s and 80s.

[@Narikeljinjira]

They had Chic in within a span of a few weeks.

[@ameenSW]

It’s 31st Dec 2023 11:50pm here and I’m going from 2023 to 2024 listening to this video that an unknowable algorithm threw at me and I’m considering myself a very lucky person right now. Love you all. It’s alright. You’re alright. Hugs.

[@martinrenatus7031]

hi there, another Shakti fan from Indonesia🙏🏿❤️🤍

[@tmead07]

I saw the thumbnail and was like “ok, cool never heard of them but I’ll check it out.” And what?! Zakir Hussein and McLaughlin! How had I missed this group all this time. So good.

[@grg.leonte]

It's so great to hear "Lotus Feet" again! One of the greatest written pieces.

[@MinglingwithAI]

This is what internet is for, social media is for! Our generation - get your heads leveled up!

[@peterlustig8021]

Wow they actually mad good The violin destroooys me wow

[@lobopix_]

Finally, McLaughlin playing beautifully again (not just showing off phenomenal technique for the sake of it) with some ASTONISHING musicians.

[@taninn63]

Great John McLaughlin. I was lucky to meet him in 1984 during a shakty concert in monopoli italy. Great person and wonderful musician.

[@paulauksztulewicz4803]

Indeed! I was lucky to meet him in 2008. Autographed my guitar after 4th Dimension concert! Amazing person.

[@annielfc]

I LOVE Shankar Mahadevan! He's one of my favorite singers! I'm so glad I accidentally found this!

[@TheCrutiaolaggo]

Some of the most joyous music expression I have heard in a long while. Shankar Mahadevan is so much fun to listen to!