Raga Cycle

Raga Cycle – Dean Evenson, Pandit Shivnath Mishra & Deobrat Mishra is a distinctive musical collaboration that brings together Indian classical sitar traditions and Dean Evenson’s flute-based contemporary sound. Created with Indian sitar masters Pandit Shivnath Mishra and Deobrat Mishra, this album explores five traditional ragas arranged around the natural cycle of the day, from early morning through midnight.

With sitar, flute, tamboura, viola, vocals, keyboards, and subtle natural sounds, Raga Cycle creates an immersive listening experience for anyone interested in Indian classical music, raga traditions, meditation music, world music, and relaxing instrumental soundscapes.

The album was originally released in 2004 and contains five extended pieces totaling approximately 58 minutes. Current music listings confirm the five-track structure and the album’s 2004 release.

About Raga Cycle

Raga Cycle represents a meeting of musical traditions. Dean Evenson joins forces with Pandit Shivnath Mishra and Deobrat Mishra, a father-and-son sitar duo associated with the Benares musical tradition.

Rather than simply placing Western New Age music alongside Indian classical instruments, the album builds its sound around the interaction between the sitar and flute. The result is a musical conversation that combines traditional raga structures with improvisational elements and a contemporary ambient atmosphere.

AllMusic describes Raga Cycle as a blend of Indian classical and New Age/world-music traditions, highlighting the collaboration between Evenson and the Mishras and the album’s call-and-response approach.

Indian Classical Music and the Raga Tradition

A central feature of Raga Cycle is its use of ragas.

In Indian classical music, a raga is a melodic framework associated with particular musical characteristics, moods, and traditions. On this album, the selected ragas are organized around different periods of the day.

This gives Raga Cycle a natural progression. The listener moves from the early morning atmosphere of Rag Bairagi, through morning and midday ragas, into the evening with Rag Yaman, and finally reaches the deep nighttime atmosphere of Rag Darbari.

The official album listing presents the music in exactly this early-morning-to-midnight sequence.

Dean Evenson and the Mishra Sitar Tradition

Dean Evenson contributes flute and keyboards to the album, creating a melodic bridge between contemporary ambient music and Indian classical instrumentation.

Pandit Shivnath Mishra and Deobrat Mishra bring the distinctive sound of the sitar to the project. Deobrat Mishra’s own biography identifies him as an exponent of the Benares Gharana tradition of Hindustani classical music, and his discography includes Raga Cycle as a 2004 Soundings of the Planet release.

The combination of sitar and flute gives Raga Cycle its recognizable character. Instead of overwhelming the listener with dense arrangements, the music leaves room for melodic development, instrumental interaction, and sustained listening.

Raga Cycle for Meditation

Raga Cycle is particularly well suited to meditation and mindful listening.

The extended tracks allow musical ideas to develop gradually rather than moving rapidly from one short song to another. This makes the album appropriate for quiet activities where a consistent musical environment is desired.

Consider using Raga Cycle during:

• Meditation
• Breathwork
• Yoga
• Mindful relaxation
• Quiet reading
• Contemplative practice
• Massage and wellness environments
• Personal reflection
• Morning routines
• Evening relaxation

The album’s day-to-night structure also makes it interesting to experience as a complete listening journey.

Raga Cycle and the Natural Rhythm of the Day

One of the most distinctive qualities of Raga Cycle is its organization around the passage of time.

The five tracks represent different periods:

Early Morning → Morning → Midday → Evening → Midnight

This sequence gives the album a sense of movement without relying on a conventional pop-song structure.

The opening Rag Bairagi establishes the early-morning portion of the cycle. Rag Bhatiyar follows for morning, while Rag Bhimpalasi represents midday. The journey continues into Rag Yaman for evening and concludes with Rag Darbari, associated with midnight.

This makes the album particularly appealing to listeners who enjoy music connected with time, atmosphere, traditional musical systems, and contemplative listening.

A Blend of Sitar, Flute and Ambient Sound

The sound of the sitar is the defining instrumental element of Raga Cycle, while Dean Evenson’s flute provides a complementary melodic voice.

The album also features:

• Sitar
• Flute
• Keyboards
• Tamboura
• Viola
• Vocals
• Natural sounds

According to the supplied product information, the album features Pandit Shivnath Mishra and Deobrat Mishra on sitar, Dean Evenson on flute and keyboards, Phil Heaven on viola, Dudley Evenson on tamboura, and Gina Sala and Rivers Sterling on vocals.

These instruments create a layered sound that can appeal to both Indian classical music listeners and people who enjoy New Age, world, ambient, and meditation music.

Raga Cycle Track Listing

1. Rag Bairagi – “Early Morning”

12:40

The album begins with a piece associated with early morning, establishing the first stage of the musical day.

2. Rag Bhatiyar – “Morning”

12:32

The second selection continues the journey into the morning period.

3. Rag Bhimpalasi – “Mid Day”

8:32

The third piece represents midday and provides the central point of the album’s day-to-night progression.

4. Rag Yaman – “Evening”

8:32

The fourth selection moves into the evening portion of the cycle.

5. Rag Darbari – “Midnight”

15:44

The album concludes with its longest selection, representing midnight and bringing the day-to-night journey to a close.

Total Time: Approximately 58 Minutes

Major music platforms list the album with five tracks and approximately 58 minutes of playing time. Spotify currently lists 58 minutes and 31 seconds, while Apple Music lists the release at 58 minutes.

Raga Cycle for Yoga and Relaxation

Although Raga Cycle is rooted in Indian classical music, its spacious instrumental character also makes it suitable for yoga, meditation, and relaxation.

Listeners who enjoy Sound Yoga may appreciate the Indian classical influences found throughout Raga Cycle. The album can provide a peaceful background during gentle yoga sessions, stretching, breathwork, or periods of quiet reflection.

Its extended compositions are especially useful when you want music that doesn’t constantly interrupt the flow of your practice.

For Fans of Indian Classical and World Music

Raga Cycle is a strong choice for listeners looking for something beyond conventional relaxation music.

The album combines authentic Indian classical influences with Dean Evenson’s contemporary approach, creating a bridge between Indian raga, New Age music, ambient sound, and world music.

AllMusic identifies the album with styles including Indian Classical, Indian Subcontinent Traditions, Raga, and Flute/New Age.

This makes Raga Cycle suitable for collectors of Indian classical music as well as listeners discovering raga-based music for the first time.

Product Highlights

Raga Cycle includes:

• Dean Evenson’s flute and keyboards
• Pandit Shivnath Mishra’s sitar
• Deobrat Mishra’s sitar
• Viola
• Tamboura
• Vocals
• Natural sounds
• Five extended compositions
• Indian classical raga influences
• Day-to-night musical sequence
• Approximately 58 minutes of music
• Meditation-friendly instrumental sound
• World and New Age musical elements

Product Details

Product Name: Raga Cycle
Artists: Dean Evenson, Pandit Shivnath Mishra & Deobrat Mishra
Catalog: SP7195CD
Genre: Indian Classical / New Age / World Music
Format: CD
Release: 2004
Tracks: 5
Total Time: Approximately 58 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Raga Cycle?

Raga Cycle is an album by Dean Evenson, Pandit Shivnath Mishra, and Deobrat Mishra that combines Indian classical raga and sitar traditions with flute and contemporary ambient elements.

Who performs on Raga Cycle?

The album features Dean Evenson on flute and keyboards, Pandit Shivnath Mishra and Deobrat Mishra on sitar, along with Phil Heaven, Dudley Evenson, Gina Sala, and Rivers Sterling.

How many tracks are on Raga Cycle?

Raga Cycle contains five extended tracks, arranged around different times of the day.

How long is Raga Cycle?

The album runs for approximately 58 minutes. Streaming listings give the duration as about 58 minutes and 31 seconds.

Is Raga Cycle Indian classical music?

Yes. Raga Cycle incorporates Indian classical raga traditions and sitar performance while also blending contemporary flute and ambient elements. AllMusic classifies it among Indian Classical, Raga, and Flute/New Age styles.

Is Raga Cycle good for meditation?

The album’s extended compositions and contemplative instrumental character make it suitable for meditation, mindful listening, relaxation, yoga, and quiet reflection.

What ragas are included on Raga Cycle?

The album includes Rag Bairagi, Rag Bhatiyar, Rag Bhimpalasi, Rag Yaman, and Rag Darbari.

Does Raga Cycle follow a daily cycle?

Yes. The five selections progress from early morning and morning through midday, evening, and midnight, creating the album’s distinctive day-to-night structure.

Is Raga Cycle available on CD?

Yes. The official Soundings of the Planet Bandcamp listing currently offers Raga Cycle as a Compact Disc as well as a digital album.

Who are Shivnath Mishra and Deobrat Mishra?

They are Indian sitar musicians associated with the Benares musical tradition. Deobrat Mishra is an exponent of the Benares Gharana school of Hindustani classical music.

What other music may Raga Cycle listeners enjoy?

Listeners interested in Raga Cycle may also enjoy related CBS Beauty Supply selections such as Sound Yoga, Sacred World Chants, Ascension to Tibet, Mountain Meadow Meditation, and other meditation and world-music albums.

7. Internal Linking Recommendation

For this product, use your supplied Sacred World Chants link naturally in the section discussing world music, chanting, and spiritual listening.

I would also consider linking Sound Yoga from the yoga/meditation section because the two products have a strong topical relationship. This creates a useful internal content cluster:

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That helps users discover related products while also strengthening topical relationships across your music collection.

Important Rank Math recommendation

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