Multi-instrumentalist L. Shankar’s fascinating evolution as a musician and composer has taken another intimate turn with M.R.C.S.. The album is dedicated to Shankar’s father V. Lakshminarayana and features master percussionists Zakir Hussain (tabla), Vikku Vinayakram (ghatam) and drummer Jon Christensen.

Shankar’s sense of melody is ravishing and radiant, familiar from the start. Like a great klezmer clarinetist, he weaves a song that is at once melancholy and exuberant. Once again, proof that “fusion” is a misnomer. This is simply wonderful music that doesn’t need to be anything else.