Shri Camel

Terry Riley's 1980 album, Shri Camel, often overlooked in favor of his more famous works like In C and Rainbow in Curved Air, is a groundbreaking masterpiece in its own right.

After studying with Hindustani classical singer Pandit Pran Nath in the 1970s, Riley incorporated Eastern influences into his minimalist style, creating an album that pushes the boundaries of traditional Western music.

Using just intonation and a specially modified Yamaha organ, Riley crafted shimmering textures that seem to shift and change with the listener's own breath or thoughts, creating an immersive and meditative experience.

While Shri Camel may be more challenging than typical "New Age" recordings, its ever-evolving rhythmic and harmonic patterns have a profound effect on the listener, stimulating the brain's neural circuitry and leaving them feeling refreshed, relaxed, and perhaps even a little bit smarter.

This reissue of the album is long overdue, giving new listeners the opportunity to experience the brilliance of Terry Riley's visionary work.