Music is a universe of infinite influences, which feed off each other over time to make the sound evolve. A clear example of this is Ravi Shankara name that may sound unknown to many, but was instrumental in helping shape George Harrison’s stylemember of the Beatles and one of the most important artists in history.
Harrison was always driven by a search, and in a context where his figure was overshadowed by the Lennon-McCartney duo, his adventurous spirit took him to India. Thus, the “silent Beatle” met Ravi Shankar, a creative and innovative musician who advised him to polish his own sound.
The Indian sound that spiced the music of The Beatles
In the mid-60s and with The Beatles on top of the world, Harrison appeared back with all the baggage of Shankar’s lessons. Thanks to this, songs like Norwegian Wood, Within You Without You, Across the Universe, The Inner Light and Tomorrow Never Knows.
These titles They not only contained Hindu melodies and the iconic sound of the sitar -instrument popularized by Shankar-, but they also have lyrics that delve into the spiritual search for beinganother of the edges that the guitarist from Liverpool learned with the Hindu guru.
That same introspective journey that led him towards self-knowledge and meditation was what He wanted to show his bandmates, although he did not have much success. The journey to Rishikesh in 1968 to receive the teachings of Maharishi Yogi ended with John a little influenced, Paul unconvinced and Ringo completely bored.
This artistic and spiritual difference He added to the little prominence that Paul and John gave to George in the bandwho was allowed few of his creations on The Beatles’ albums. In any case, Harrison managed to have one of the most solid repertoires, with his own songs such as something -romantic ballad that is considered one of the best of the group-, Here Comes The Sun, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, I Need You and taxmanamong others.
The eternal friendship between Harrison and Shankar
The friendship between Harrison and Shankar endured over time. Even after The Beatles came to an end, the guitarist released projects that, with the Indian touch, became the best solo works among the Liverpool four. So much All Things Must Pass as Living In The Material World They serve to understand the Harrison universe within music.
Likewise, there is no doubt that the relationship was reciprocal in terms of influences. Because Shankar opened the doors for George to discover a new sound, while the Beatle put Hindustani on the map. In fact, Shankar ended up doing shows at rock festivals like Woodstock and Monterrey, something that would have been practically impossible without Harrison’s appearance in his life.
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Their eternal bond was sealed in 1974, with the creation of Dark Horse Records, a label that strengthened the creative alliance and marked their legacy in music.
Source: Ambito
