About Living Magic
Living Magic is a studio album by Indian percussionist and composer Trilok Gurtu. Gurtu released the album in 1991 under the German label CMP Records. The recording marked a fusion of Indian classical rhythms with contemporary jazz and world music elements, showcasing Gurtu’s innovative approach to percussion and composition.
The album comprises seven tracks. Gurtu composed the material with contributions from collaborating musicians. Notable tracks include Baba, a rhythmic exploration blending traditional Indian percussion with electronic textures, and Living Magic, the title piece featuring layered polyrhythms and melodic improvisation. Once I Wished a Tree Upside Down… incorporates ambient soundscapes alongside acoustic percussion, while Transition emphasizes dynamic shifts between minimalist patterns and dense rhythmic clusters. Additional tracks such as From Scratch, Tac, et demi, and TMNOK further expand the album’s stylistic range, integrating elements of funk, avant-garde jazz, and North Indian classical music.
Gurtu performed on a variety of percussion instruments, including tabla, frame drums, and custom electronic percussion setups. The album’s production reflected the technical capabilities of early 1990s studio recording, with layered tracks and effects enhancing the acoustic performances. CMP Records distributed the release in CD format, targeting international audiences interested in world fusion and experimental jazz.
The exact personnel for each track remains partially undocumented in available sources. Gurtu’s collaboration with unnamed session musicians and producers contributed to the album’s eclectic sound. Living Magic received recognition for its cross-genre experimentation, though specific commercial performance data or chart positions are not widely recorded. The release date aligns with Gurtu’s period of rising prominence in global fusion music during the early 1990s.