John McLaughlin has shared a new version of “Shakti” from a six-years-in-the-making project released earlier this year. Is That So? is a collaboration between the guitar hero and tabla master Zakir Hussain, as well as vocalist Shankar Mahadevan. The project marked McLaughlin’s return to the Indian music tradition, albeit in a freer vein than his famed ’70s Shakti project.
This version of the song was recorded via ISDN from the three artists’ respective homes. In addition, Is That So? is available for free for a limited time on Bandcamp. In lieu of payment, fans are encouraged to donate to the GRAMMY Foundation’s MusiCares, which provides health, financial and rehabilitation resources to music people in times of need.
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