A curtain came down on a monumental part of my life on December 15th, 2024. After 55 years of countless concerts, recordings, travels, meals, and laughter together, my Indian Brother Zakir, departed. The group Shakti, which we founded together in 1973, has ended. I sincerely hope other 'Shakti' kinds of groups will follow. The kinds of groups that unite diverse cultures for one reason only: Joy, because Joy was for 50 years the unshakable foundation of Shakti. We brought Joy to each other and to countless listeners over the years. Music is our true Unifier, for in our concerts were Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Atheists all enjoying music together. Thank you Zakir-Bhai, our lives are blessed from your presence. - John McLaughlinI would like to dedicate this album to my mentor, guru, and guiding light Zakir Hussain ji. Tabla will never sound the same again. - Shankar MahadevanZakir Ji, your presence in my musical journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. As a friend, a brother, and a teacher, you have inspired, guided, and enriched my path in ways beyond words. Your brilliance, generosity, and boundless energy continue to shape and uplift my music. This album carries a piece of that shared spirit, and I am forever grateful for the joy and wisdom you have brought into my life. - Ganesh RajagopalanThank you once again, John ji and Zakir-Bhai, for giving me a place in this incredible journey. Shakti has been more than music-it's been family, rhythm, and soul. As we share this album, I feel the deep absence of Zakir-Bhai. His spirit is in every beat. This one's for him. - Selvaganesh VinayakramThis landmark record release is offered in tribute and celebration, acknowledging the fifty-year legacy of John McLaughlin and Zakir Hussain's longstanding creative partnership - more akin to brotherhood than mere artistic collaborators. Together their magic transcended cultural boundaries with joy, empathy and curiosity as their guides, they created something entirely new and unprecedented. Their work together revealed untapped facets of their own imaginations and changed the world in the process. And now and forever more, we walk in the universal path of music, love and togetherness that they carved out for all of us. - Souvik DuttaThis recording is dedicated in memory of our beloved Ustad Zakir Hussain.