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Electrified by the lessons he learned from the Kirana gharana vocal tradition, Hassell developed his “fourth world” concept: a powerfully abstract synthesis of modern electronics and traditional musical modes. He first explored the concept in his groundbreaking 1977 solo debut, “Vernal Equinox,” but his most indelible recording in that vein is “Fourth World, Vol. 1: Possible Musics,” a 1980 collaboration with
Any number of Hassell’s albums are now considered compulsory listening for music fans looking to expand their awareness of music’s possibilities. (We recommend “Dream Theory in Malaya: Fourth World Volume Two.”) He released his final album, “Seeing Through Sound,” in 2020.