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 Chords & Notes


TAJURBA

Ustad Bhure Khan

Mystica Music, Rs.195

This is a rare album, since the harmonium is a bit of a neglected instrument in Indian music. Featuring in concerts of Hindustani music regularly, the harmonium, in the hands of India’s numerous skilled players, produces exquisite music, but it is seldom given pride of place.

In this album, harmonium wizard Ustad Bhure Khan does not give cause for complaint to followers of this instrument. He is accompanied by his disciple Dinkar Sharma on the harmonium and Aman Nath on the keyboard. On the tabla is Athar Hussain. Of all the ragas played, Chandrakauns, Bhairavi and Pahari, the last is perhaps the sweetest in its characteristic lilting melody.

However, all the renditions display the artiste’s skills as a player of this keyboard instrument that was once considered unfit for producing Hindustani music. The album’s name, Tajurba, meaning experience, is apt.

A good addition to the shelf of the connoisseur as well as the student of Indian music.

DARD KAIN DARVESH

SaReGaMa, Rs.225

This album of Sufi poetry features a number of singers rendering the works of a range of sufi poets from Punjab.

The first song, Sheikh Farid’s “Ruth Firi Van Kambeya”, sung by Bhupinder Singh, is moving. Jagjit Kaur’s rendering of “Dard Vichore Da Haal”, a poem by Shah Hussain, is not striking in itself, but the strength lies in the poetry.

The emotion-filled voice of Puran Shahkoti in Bulleh Shah’s “Uth Gaye Gawandon Yaar” makes it an uplifting piece.

While orchestration does not drown out the importance of the lyrics, the folksy gait of the songs in the album is pleasing. “Aa Vas Mandre Kol”, a Kafi of Ghulam Farid, is sung by Surinder Kaur with the typical feel of Kafi raga, making it another traditional gem.

Another song that makes good listening with its relaxed feel is Hans Raj Hans’ “Charh Channa Tun Kar Roshanayie” of Sultan Bahu.

JAB WE MET

T-Series, Rs.145

Interesting title but not so exciting music. However, as always, Pritam has been able to strike a chord with the masses. Two numbers that really move you are “Ye Ishq Hai” by Shreya Ghoshal and “Tum Se Hi” by Mohit Chauhan.

The lyrics by Arshad Kamil touch you and the range in the voices of Shreya and Chauhan make you press the rewind button. Shreya has effortlessly brought in the rustic feel to her voice. With a peppy beat, the song is going to stay on the music charts for time to come.

Mohit has come a long way from his Silk Route days. His is the only song which stays with you. Rest is mostly average stuff. “Mauja Hi Mauja” by Mika and “Nagada Nagada” by Sonu Nigam are dance numbers. Another interesting number is “Aaoge Jab Tum” by Ustad Rashid Khan. This song is composed by Sandesh Shandilya. Go for it if two good songs make an album for you.

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