"Jazz Meets India" only has three songs, and is a fairly short record, not quite reaching the 40-minute mark. Although not lengthy, this record is very dense with sound and feeling, saying a tremendous amount in its brief time.
A valid concern some may have is that, in records featuring creative fusion like this, the elements are likely heavily watered down so they can be mixed easier. This album does no such thing. It enables the Indian elements and the Free Jazz elements to naturally combine with each other, lacking any force. They are also allowed proper time to shine, giving you a better appreciation for the individual musicians and their performance. The players perform together as if they have known each other for numerous years, playing off of each other's ideas and working to create one full unit of sound.
Though this record does contain a lot of musicians, each one is very important in their own way. By combining the Dewan Mothiar Trio with the Irene Schweizer Trio, and adding the guests Manfred Schoof and Barney Wilen, these eight musicians came together to create one of the most fascinating and memorable free jazz records ever.
The first track, "Sun Love," is likely my favorite. It features a beautiful build-up that starts with captivating foundational work from Dewan Mothiar's Trio, then slowly adds the drums, piano, and bass from Irene Schweizer's Trio. This build-up lasts for about half of the song and is very immersive, mainly focusing on building an atmosphere. Eventually, Schoof's trumpet joins and quickly begins blaring as the bass and drums return. This is one of my favorite moments in all of jazz. Such an impressive group of musicians coming together for one shared idea, and it is truly wonderful. This track is like an underground rollercoaster, rising up and down constantly, without ever knowing what to expect next. A must-hear for anyone interested in free jazz.
(full version: albumoftheyear.org/user/tristan/album/266185-jazz-meets-india/)