Lakshmi Shankar

You wouldn't know from this Grammy-nominated 2008 release that the gossamer-voiced Lakshmi Shankar was over 80 years old at the time of recording. She alternates between lighter thumris and bhajans and one intense classical piece (the opening khyal) -- pieces that have made her one of India's most recognizable voices -- and she does it was a vocal precision warmed by her incomparable, almost other-worldly tone. For non-fans, this album may not be easy listening, but for anyone who loves Hindustani classical, it's aural ambrosia.