Dhrupad music festival in Jaipur

          Jaipur: Classical exponents joined hands for a breathtaking rendering of Dhrupad, the nation's oldest vocal and instrumental style in classical tradition. Young Smriti Bellore performed alongside the legendary Ustad R. Fahimuddin Dagar, making a rare public appearance, enthralled one and all with his enchanting voice at the hugely-attended music festival in Jaipur. Born in 1927, Dagar is today the oldest representative of his family whose musical lineage is traced back to the 15th century, the time of Swami Haridas. Venerated as a spokesperson of the ancient tradition, he is the only living son of the great musician Ustad Allah Bande Rahimuddin Khan Dagar.

           Literally meaning the steadfast voice, "Dhrupad" is said to have evolved from the earlier chanting of Om, the sacred syllable which Hindus claim as the source of all creation. The nature of Dhrupad is spiritual. It seeks not to entertain but to induce feelings of peace and contemplation in the listener. The unique style today has few takers as most find it tough to follow the strict adherence to purity and hours of practice it demands. Grammy-award winning Veena player Vishwa Mohan Bhatt flew down especially to hear Dagar. "To understand classical music, we should have peace, understanding and time...all this I think is lacking in today's world. The efforts which are being made like organising this festival, will help spread awareness about this among the people," he said. Baldeep Singh, who belongs to the highly distinguished and eminent Tarangar gharana of percussion, also lent his expertise to the magical evening. This school came to be identified with the Sikh gurus as it was nurtured under their care, particularly during Guru Nanak's time in Sultanpur Lodhi. The style practised by the school has come to be known as "haddi- tod-baaj" (bone breaking style), a reference to its complex rendition of rythmic compositions and classic repertoire. "I am proud to belong to the Gharana. It is a humble experience to be a prime exponent of that heritage. I am the thirteenth generation singer of the orginal gurubani Dhrupad gharana, so I would say that this a gift from the elders which I have inherited," Singh said. Rajasthan, or the land of kings, is a major tourist attraction owing to its rich cultural heritage. Folk dances, colourful costumes, jewellery, traditional music and dance have a powerful say in defining the identity of the state.
- April 29, 2004

Pakistani singer performs with Indian artists

          New Delhi: It is the turn of music after the cricket friendship series to strengthen the harmony between India and Pakistan. Renowned Pakistani ghazal singer Ghulam Ali performed along with Indian ghazal singers Pankaj Udhas and Talat Aziz on Tuesday in the national capital. This was for the first time that three exponents in the field came together to perform. Udhas said it was time the political relations between the two countries improved. "I feel that the way things have really improved in cricket and music, there will be a positive outcome in the political front also. Where there is will there is a way. Steps forward have been taken on both sides. A meeting point is not far off," said Udhas. Ghulam Ali, a singer who played a pioneer role in reviving ghazals in the seventies, can deservedly be called one of the most influential ambassadors from across the border. Listeners are always left spellbound as he takes centerstage and unlocks the eternity of emotions that run through his exquisite rendering of ghazals. The timeless poetry attains eternity when expressed in his vocals. "The more we meet, the more differences will be resolved, the closer our hearts will come. Both countries stand to benefit in this, and at every level too. Our love will be felt in every area and the gains will be felt," said Ali. The concert was attended by several dignitaries including Yashwant Sinha, minister of foreign affairs. Sinha said that the artists have set an example for others to move together. "The way the artists of both countries who performed here and talked about moving together, there is a lesson for both the nations to learn. I think they have said everything through their songs," he said.
- April 28, 2004

Sodi Singh releases pop album

          New Delhi: Western and Indian instruments and style are merging in the Punjabi pop music scene. Many in the newest breed of pop singers are drawn to India for the huge market it offers. Sodi Singh, in his new album, brings together east and west in more ways than one. Another of the young NRI brigade coming home to make an impact. Singh who grew up in Kenya releases his second Punjabi pop music album, Khadki Kang, a collection of 8 foot-tapping pop and folk numbers. The title track is a fusion song, something of an amalgamation of rap and the Punjabi pop genre, looking to make bigger inroads into the burgeoning music market in India. Together with the other tracks-Gabroo, Sheesha and Punjabi-ranging from hip-hop popular beats to more soulful numbers, Sodi, looks to expand his target audience. On accusations of the western touch overflowing the traditional Punjabi flavour, Singh points out a greater flow of musical styles around the world, an international acceptance for Indian music just as the western is amalgamated into our own. "The basic music is not dying away. They are only adding more to it, adding a western flavour of sorts. Indian instruments are everywhere. European artists are using Indian instruments. This is a great thing. There are Indian instruments being used in western culture also," says Singh. Touches of vintage Punjabi folk come through in his song, the effect of having trained under some folk masters of yesteryear and having sung alongside Punjabi legends like Ataullah Khan and others. Thewa, for example, is a remixed version of a song sung by Ataullah Khan himself. It's all, he says, about packaging it right to sell in the present market. "You have to follow the trend, yet give it a new melody. Your voice sells, style of singing sells. The way you portray the song is what sells. Just producing a tape of songs is not good enough. You need a video, it has to be marketed and packaged just right," he adds Reaching out to the people, putting through the talent - arising out of a deep training in Indian classical music, a love for Punjabi folk together with a fascination for western instruments, a blend of which he has put together in his second album after Mundari in 2003. Retaining a hold of traditional values and combining it with a beat that infuses the catchy Bhangra rhythms with western instrumentation. That's what so many of the budding first and second generation of Punjabi pop singers in India and abroad specialise in.
- April 9, 2004

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