Zen

Here he takes a different and decidedly more spiritual tack with Zen -- which is possibly best heard without the copious liner notes, which try to explain the album's concept and unfortunately end up muddled and somewhat incoherent, almost to the extent of sounding contrived. Backed by guitar and keyboards -- never a good sign for an album that would like to seem rooted -- this isn't Sharma at his best, although it's very likely quite heartfelt. The result, really, is new age music, and not even great new age music. When Sharma has fully established his reputation in Hindustani music, he might well look back on this and cringe. The music is pleasant enough, but never challenging. And while it might be a balm to a troubled spirit, it's not going to take anyone to new places in the heart.