Who’s to Know

Who’s to Know is a 1981 studio album featuring a collaboration between violinist L. Shankar, mridangam artist Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman, tabla player Zakir Hussain and ghatam performer V. Lakshminarayana. The release marked a fusion of Carnatic and Hindustani classical traditions with improvisational elements. ECM Records produced the album in a 12\" vinyl format.

The recording consists of two extended tracks. The first composition, Ragam - Tanam - Pallavi: Raga - Hemavathi, explores the Hemavathi raga through a structured improvisational framework. The second track, Ananda Nadamadum Tillai Sankara: Ragam - Savithri / Tala - Adi (8 beats), centers on the Savithri raga set to an eight-beat Adi tala cycle. Both pieces emphasize rhythmic interplay and melodic development characteristic of South Indian classical music.

Shankar contributed violin performances that blended Carnatic phrasing with experimental techniques. Sivaraman provided mridangam accompaniment rooted in traditional Carnatic percussion. Hussain incorporated Hindustani tabla patterns, while Lakshminarayana added ghatam textures to the ensemble. The album’s production aligned with ECM’s emphasis on acoustic clarity and spatial recording techniques.

The release date for Who’s to Know occurred in 1981 under ECM’s catalog. No additional details about recording sessions, alternate editions or chart performance are documented in available sources. The album remains a noted example of cross-genre collaboration within Indian classical music during the late 20th century.