When you think of Anoushka Shankar, you probably think of phenomenal technique, surprising tonalities, exotic timbre. But do you think of jazz?

The world-famous sitarist played at the Barbican on the 6th April 2024 to an ecstatic home crowd, featuring new repertoire, such as “New Dawn” from her latest mini-album How Dark it is Before Dawn, and familiar songs, such as “Traces of You”, a collaboration with her sister Norah Jones.

Shankar captured the audience from the moment she set foot on stage. The greatest moments in the concert were the ones where she took the opportunity to stand out. Embarking on her own with nothing but a sitar and a lot of pedals, she created an ambience that drew everyone into her world. At the end of the show, Shankar provided an extraordinary display of talent and technical skill that proved her worthiness to stand amongst the greats. I would have relished a concert full of similar displays!

Alongside her unusual quintet featuring a Western-style drummer, a double bassist, a clarinettist and a Carnatic percussionist, one can clearly hear influences of Western jazz in the improvisatory nature of the performances and the solo exhibits of talent that each performer had an opportunity to do. All performers had a prominent role within this show, but none could usurp the star.

The performance was economical, sparing its great moments. I felt that it was an unusual decision to take with such a great talent. It left the audience hungry for more; if that was the intention, then it certainly succeeded.

Anoushka Shankar should be a household name. Remedy this oversight and listen to her music today.

Anoushka Shankar’s European tour continues. Upcoming dates can be found here: https://www.anoushkashankar.com/tour. For more information about Anoushka Shankar, please visit her website at https://www.anoushkashankar.com/.