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CHORDS AND NOTES

Nirvaan - `On Buddha's Trail'

by Chakra: VU

Free Spirit Entertainment, Rs.349

"What is this life, if full of care, we have no time to stand and stare?" wrote the `super-tramp' poet W.H. Davies. He must have known that half a century later, everyday life would become a frantic race. At a time when the need for relaxation and peace is being felt like never before, ambience music is discovering newer audiences. Nirvaan, by Chakra: VU, is one such new age album inspired as much by Buddhist music as it is by the need for a soundscape that is at peace with the state of being.

The album contains two CDs - one for meditation and the other for awakening. The first CD begins with deep Buddhist chants invoking the Ayutthaya Buddha. The ten tracks explore different ways to "still the mind" and help it focus on positive vibrations - chiming bells, electronic textures, chants, the sounds of flowing water and wind. `Buddha's Foot - I', 'Bodhi Tree' and 'A Walk in the Clouds' are perfectly relaxing, while some tracks, such as `Tantra', are energetic, and one wonders if they should have found place in the next CD.

The second CD opens with refreshing sounds of nature and the choice of instruments serves the purpose of awakening the energy within the chakras in the human body. However, the second track "Pemma Sidhi Ho" has been given a pop touch, which is disappointing. The soulful chanting in "Bells of Heaven" and "Mantra for Tara - II", the sparse but effective vocals in "Dolma", and the powerful melody in "Trishna" make this CD a unique experience, one that you will surely appreciate even if you are not a fan of ambience music.

SALAAM-E-ISHQ

T-Series, Rs.160

Another hit from the stable of Shankar Ehsaan and Loy. As usual the songs take time to grow on you but once they do they stay. The album opens with "Dil Kya Kare" by Adnan Sami. A fast-paced number, Adnan has sung it at a low pitch. "Mera Dil" by Sonu Nigam and newcomer Nihira is another number that requires rewind button. The title track "Salaam-e-Ishq" will go well with the masses. "Ya Rabba" by Kailash Kher and "Saiyyan Re" by Shilpa and Shankar Mahadevan will enthuse the purists for their classical effect without losing on the popularity quotient. Sameer has impressed with the lyrics. Go for it, it won't disappoint you.

MANNAT

Shemaroo Audio, Rs. 99

Whichever part of the country we belong to, there is no denying that Punjabi songs, whether film or non-film, invariably make us dance to their foot-tapping tunes. Even their sad songs are hummable. So, here it is, another Punjabi feast from the house of B.A.G Films, which is also its debut venture in the language.

The film, starring Jimmy Shergil and Kuljeet Randhawa, have euphonic numbers, which though take time in adjusting with one's habit of listening to Hindi songs.

The first one "Pani Diya Chhallan", sung by Feroze Khan and Rani Randeep, reminds you of a nostalgic romantic note sung in remote Punjab. What makes the collection of songs interesting are the two numbers, "Kare Door Door" and "Dardan Maar Liya" in which Shafaqat Ali Khan from Sham Chaurasi Gharana has rendered his velvety, classical voice to it. It makes the songs all the more reflective. Even Alka Yagnik has lent her voice to one of the songs "Umran Di Sannjh" with Feroze Khan which is fine too. While "Nach Mitra", sung by Arvinder Singh, Rani Randeep, Simerjit and Bhupinder Kumar, is a foot tapping number.

While Jaidev Kumar has scored its music, Banu Singh Mann, Amber Hoshiarpuri and Kulwant have penned its lyrics.

All-in-all, it's worth having in your music shelf.

(Compiled by AK and RS)

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