Happy Birthday Ravi

George Harrison's mentor and sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankarturned 92 on Saturday, 7^th April. To celebrate his birthday, Ravi isreleasing The Living Room Sessions, Part 1,the first of two recordings made in his home with tabla accompanist Tammy Bose.

Ravi's incredible life story is told in his autobiography, RAGA MALA, including how he taught George Harrison sitar, influenced theBeatles' sound, and spearheaded the spread of India music across the world. Theidea for the book was initiated by George Harrison to celebrate Ravi's 75^thbirthday 17 years ago.

'By having him as a friend, I could experience the best ofIndia...He's always been like a guru and father figure, but at the same time Ithink mainly of him as a friend, because we joke around most of the time.' -George Harrison, in his foreword to RAGA MALA

The influence of Ravi's music is evident in the Concert forGeorge, with the first half of Harrison's memorial concert comprising of Indianmusic performed by Ravi's daughter Anoushka, including 'Arpan' which Ravicomposed as a tribute to his friend.