Rudresh Mahanthappa, Samdhi (ACT)
This is the latest chapter in the alto saxophonist’s accommodation of his Indian cultural heritage to his American jazz ethos. Or is it the other way around? He combines electric guitar, electric bass, drums, the astonishing South Indian percussionist Anantha Krishnan and discreet post-production manipulation. Guitarist Dave Gilmore is a stimulating foil. The demonic “Killer†and the electronically multiplied saxophones of “Parakram #2†may require conventionally attuned ears to adjust to the Mahanthappa ethos. Relaxed pieces like “Ahhh,†“For My Lady†and “Rune†bring contemplative satisfactions.