PRESS REVIEWS
Nalini Vinayak's performance was of a high calibre. One rare virtue was the young artist's good command over laya (rhythm) that was far above seen in Hindustani performers in general.
To have drawn up an exciting program that compelled the audience to fall in line with it, like passers by who join in a dance reflected much credit on the part of the sitarist leader Nalini Vinayak.
INDIAN EXPRESS
The unfolding of the raga Hemant 's sweet facets and beautiful contours was a triumph for the sitarist Nalini Vinayak.
INDIAN EXPRESS
"Omkar" is the brain-child of sitarist Nalini Vinayak. who is an innovative artist trying to project new vital streams of music. Spans of melody and harmony had the intangible quality of an irresistible fragrance that must have successfully countered the recoil and incomprehension of the traditional. hidebound pedant towards such Avante Garde efforts, to utilize music for forelorn causes. All proceeds of this live show has been donated to the Spastics Society of India.
INDIAN EXPRESS
Amir Khusru would have been mightily pleased that the staid Carnatic music corridors of Madras in the December music season were ringing with Nalini Vinayak's Sitar music in three leading Sabhas of the city .the finish, elegance, and depth of Nalini's music was a reminder that quality is never an accident but the essence of an intelligent effort.
Nalini is well known for her prowess on the sitar. Here is a charming presence, marked by confident playing and fulfilling music. The melody mould and the ground plan of the raga Kirwani was communicated with elaborate grace. Her music was vibrant with beautiful flourishes and clean elaboration.
Nalini Vinayak gave a gem of a Sitar recital and the house was indeed overflowing with the loveliest melody imaginable. Nalini played hauntingly sweet and wistful music touched by mists of nostalgia. All that assiduousness and pains taken have not been in vain at all. Nalini can now take her place along side the very good performers of the instruments in the country today. The rest of India had better note the name too.
In an elaboration that was devoid of gimmickry Nalini dealt with the Carnatic raga Latangi. Melody reigned supreme, rhythmic phrases and the tihais were couched in gentleness.
Nalini Vinayak revealed herself as an accomplished instrumentalist. She won the affection of the audience by her artistry which was pleasant both in style and substance.
EVENING MADRAS
Nalini Vinayak combines the melodies of East and West, the Western classical style with the subtleties of graces, characteristic of the Carnatic system with the Hindustani base.
STAR COROMANDEL
Nalini Vinayak is one of those rare artistes who combine technical excellence and classicism with a taste for innovation. She exudes a dynamic sense of purpose that is truly impressive.
TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT
Nalini’s original compositions by her fusion band Agni is a phenomenal breakthrough in the field of fusion music.