Best of Baluji Shrivastav

Best of Baluji Shrivastav is a promotional compilation album by Indian classical and fusion musician Baluji Shrivastav. The album released in 2016 under ARC Music in CD format. It features 14 tracks that span Shrivastav’s work in Hindustani classical music, folk traditions, and cross-cultural collaborations.

Baluji Shrivastav composed and performed the album’s selections. The tracklist includes original compositions and reinterpretations of traditional raags. Nartaki opens the collection with a rhythmic piece inspired by classical dance forms. Folk Melody Based on Raag Des blends regional folk motifs with the Raag Des framework. Journey to Sedna incorporates ambient and world music elements, while Raga Dhani presents a classical exploration of the eponymous raag.

The album integrates vocal and instrumental works. The Way I Feel showcases Shrivastav’s emotive sitar playing alongside Western harmonic structures. Chashma Sia Dari adapts a traditional Afghan folk song, and Raag Shobhavari delivers a rendition of the rare morning raag. Dance of Erzulie - Goddess of Love fuses Haitian Vodou rhythms with Indian classical instrumentation.

Later tracks reflect Shrivastav’s experimental approach. Fruit combines minimalist patterns with sitar improvisations. The triptych Discovering London and Friendship, Walking Through the Streets, and Mixing With the Crowd depicts urban soundscapes through raag-based compositions. The album concludes with Spirit of Joy, a celebratory piece featuring layered percussion and melodic interplay.

ARC Music produced the compilation as a retrospective of Shrivastav’s career highlights. The release date coincides with promotional events in 2016, though specific tour or performance details remain undocumented. The album serves as an introduction to Shrivastav’s fusion of Indian classical music with global influences.