Eclectic Expression
Basavi Mukherji
P&M Records; CD Rs 150

This collection of classical Hindustani vocal is true to its name. A recording of live performance, which is always better than studio recording particularly for classical music, it is a compilation of three intricate ragas sung in the Gwalior-Jodhpur gharana. They are as colourful, rich and vibrant as the regions from which the gayakis originate. Basavi Mukherji, with her impeccable training gives a rendition that is grammatically immaculate yet flirtatiously innovative making her performance interesting and delightful. Gifted with a melodious voice and with rigorous riyaz, she sings with a poise the ragas that have a complexity of tal, laya and swar. Her rendition of Hori khele Kanha sakhi in Dadra Misra Pahadi, a raga composed by Prabha Atre, one of her gurus, in Dadra Tal is exquisite with delicate intonations of new notes and swars.

She begins the collection with the late night raga Kedar and sings the alap with the bandish Jogi Ravala in Vilambit Teental. Full of gravity and timbre, she moves on to Madyalaya Ektal with a suitable mukhda Chatur Sughar Balma and concludes with a fast tarana in Drut Teentala, all in a graceful subtle movement.

The middle track in Nayaki Kanhada raga is full of pathos with Basavi emoting delicately the yearning through bandishes like Mero puja rasiya in Vilambit Rupaktal and Ratiyan main to jagi in Madhyalaya Teental. All in all, Eclectic Expression is truly exquisite and elegant in style, composition and rendition.

Anasuya Basu

Phire Esho
Debjani
Genesis Records; CD Rs 65

Only rarely does it occur that you have a musical recording that encompasses classical, folk and modern genres all together. Such an alloy is bound to impress. Phirey Esho by Debjani dazzles with the range of themes tackled. The voice is melodious, the music is thoroughly enjoyable and the lyrics suitably varied. Songs like Ekta gaan and Nityo notun dheuer khela are lively and rhythmic. The pitch of the voice is apt. Quite simply, this album is worth a listen by the connoisseur as well as the casual as it entertains and uplifts at the same time.

Shubhobroto Ghosh

Rabindranather Gaan
Buddhadeb Guha
Prime Music; Rs 45

Buddhadeb Guha is no less versatile as a singer than as a man. His first album of Rabindrasangeet is just one proof of that. In the album, he belts out nine numbers with verve. His sombre voice adds a special personal touches to most of the songs. However, some tonal experiments may raise purists’ eyebrows, but are pleasant to the ear. Ke boshile aaji (side A) and Kichchui to holo na (Side B) stand out.

Arnab Bhattacharya