Album review: L.SHANKAR – Chepleeri Dream

L.SHANKAR - Chepleeri Dream

Cleopatra Records [Release date 26.06.20]

When you have heavyweights such as Chester Thompson and Tony Levin featuring prominently in the credits you expect that the album in front of you may be of a certain standard, or at least a little bit fusion-ey.

L. Shankar collaborated with the likes of Frank Zappa, Bruce Springsteen and Madonna so he’s no career slouch either and he fronts the proceedings on violin and vocals.

Opener ‘In My Heart’ defys expectation because it’s quite infectious and a natural “single” with Jonathan Davis from Korn on additional vocals together with Scott Page (sax) from Supertramp and Pink Floyd. There’s no eastern influence other than the mantra-like rhythmic pulse which reminds a little of ‘In The Air Tonight’ but without the bombast.

‘Faith’ and ‘Suppose’ continue the fine grooves whilst ‘Spreading All Over’ introduces the expected eastern flavours but the rhythm similar to ‘Lily Was Here’.

‘Knowing You’ is an attractive love song even if the lyrics are somewhat repetitive and simple. But that’s half the appeal of the album as a whole. It’s all in the groove.

The groove is only broken by the title track which is a sincere if largely unlistenable paean to the temple where Shankar lived during a major flood disaster. The instrumentals ‘New World’ and ‘Emotions’ on the other hand reflect Shankar’s numerous soundtrack works.

Aside from these diversions, the album is a pleasant surprise. Having expected esoteric Mahavishnu meanderings from a legendary septuagenerian (he formed Shakti with John McLaughlin) we are surprised to hear more accessible even funky tunes. In uncertain times music to raise the spirits, certainly. ***1/2

Review by David Randall

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 2 March 2025.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast on 4 March 2025

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 24 March 2025

HARRI LARKIN Too Close To The Sun (Robot Distro)
SANDNESS Not Your Dog (Rockshots Records)
DOCTOR BLACK Drag Me Down (indie)
COHEED AND CAMBRIA Goodbye Sunshine (Virgin Music Group)
LEONI JANE KENNEDY Closer (indie)
SMALL TOWN POLITICS Red Lights (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 24 March 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.