This Moment - Shakti -

This Moment - Shakti

Calcutta Records is the official distribution partner of SHAKTI in India

Shakti, a name synonymous with the very birth of “World Music,” returns with a triumphant new chapter – This Moment. Decades after their groundbreaking fusion of Eastern and Western musical landscapes ignited a global movement, the band’s core duo, the legendary guitarist John McLaughlin and the unparalleled percussionist Zakir Hussain, reunite with a renewed vibrancy. As a cornerstone of what is now called World Music, the vision and virtuosity of Shakti has inspired generations of musicians from around the world to explore sonic hybrids once thought impossible. Born of the musical and spiritual brotherhood shared by the revolutionary British guitarist and bandleader John McLaughlin and master Indian percussionist Zakir Hussain, Shakti’s soulful, organic intermingling of Eastern and Western musical traditions has proven transformative for both the band’s members and its listeners.
Now, fifty years after the informal conversations and jam sessions that sparked the band into existence, This Moment – Shakti’s first new studio album in more than 45 years – is available today on both CD and vinyl LP on Calcutta Records.

A Fusion Forged in Friendship

This Moment: A Celebration of Legacy and Evolution

After a long hiatus from the studio, Shakti returns with This Moment, a testament to their enduring creative spirit. This highly anticipated album features not just McLaughlin and Hussain, but also the soulful vocals of Shankar Mahadevan, the electrifying violin of Ganesh Rajagopalan, and the pulsating percussion of Selvaganesh Vinayakram. Together, they breathe new life into the Shakti legacy, showcasing the band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their core sound.

The result was a sonic revolution. Shakti’s debut albums, like A Handful of Beauty (1975), transcended geographical and stylistic boundaries. Their music pulsed with an organic energy, seamlessly weaving Indian ragas with Western jazz harmonies, electrifying audiences worldwide. Their influence resonated through generations of musicians, inspiring countless artists to embrace the limitless possibilities of global sonic fusion.

Now, fifty years after the informal conversations and jam sessions that sparked the band into existence, This Moment – Shakti’s first new studio album in more than 45 years – is available today on both CD and vinyl LP on Calcutta Records.

Shakti wins Grammy

Immerse Yourself in the Sonic Tapestry

This Moment is a journey through a vibrant soundscape. Each track pulsates with the interplay between McLaughlin’s searing guitar lines and the intricate rhythmic foundation laid by Hussain and Vinayakram. Mahadevan’s vocals soar, adding a layer of emotional depth, while Rajagopalan’s violin weaves its magic, creating a tapestry of captivating melodies.

Beyond the Music: A Legacy of Inspiration

This Moment isn’t just an album; it’s a celebration of Shakti’s enduring influence. Their pioneering spirit continues to inspire artists worldwide, pushing the boundaries of musical exploration. This new release serves as a reminder of the transformative power of music, its ability to bridge cultures and create a shared language that transcends borders.

Artists

Shakti’s story began in the early 1970s from a shared passion between McLaughlin, a British guitar pioneer known for his work with Miles Davis and Mahavishnu Orchestra, and Hussain, a rising star of Indian classical percussion. Their musical and spiritual kinship led them to explore uncharted territories, blending McLaughlin’s electrifying improvisations with the intricate rhythmic tapestry of Indian music woven by Hussain.