The album Tribute to Jyotish Bhattacharyya

Jyotish Bhattacharyya, an immensely talented singer, who died prematurely in the early eighties, will always be remembered for his contribution to modern Assamese music.

A singer with a soft and romantic voice, enriched with an enviable flavour, late Bhattacharyya was a household name in Assam during the sixties and seventies.

City-based amateur cultural troupe Hamsadhwani paid rich tributes to this immortal singer by releasing an album, Tribute to Jyotish Bhattacharyya, at Pragjyoti- ITA Centre for Performing Arts in Guwahati recently.

The album contains eight of Bhattacharyya’s most popular numbers, newly recorded by seven established singers of Assam. While remaking the numbers, the original design and flavour of the tunes and music were maintained to create a sense of nostalgia among the music lovers.

The very first number, Mosi Diyaa Jodi Tumi Ei Porichoy... is rendered by singer Jitul Sonowal. With a wonderful prelude on guitar and santoor, this slow-paced number carries Bhattacharyya’s typical softness rendered by Sonowal in his distinctive style.

Two other numbers with lyrics by eminent Assamese poets Navakanta Barua and Nirmal Prabha Bordoloi are added assets in the album.

Barua’s Moi Eti Dinor Jonaaki...”, an all-time immortal Assamese song, begins with some ecstatic strokes on lead guitar, followed by a small, nimble piece on the accordion.

Seasoned singer Kula Barua’s passionate rendition of the number is a perfect compliment to late Bhattacharyya.

The other, Naam Dilo Shiharan Sewali Phulor..., which is another significant example of Bhattacharyya’s spellbinding musical design, was rendered effortlessly and in a stylised manner by talented Triveni Borthakur. The brilliant use of saxophone made the number more attractive and haunting for the audience.

Of the rest of the numbers, Jowaar Porot Soraa Sewaali Butoli... by Tridiv Barua and Kheyali Mor Monor Aakaash... by Sangeeta Kakati deserve special mention.

The first number is about the pathos of separation, while the second one highlights the vagabond mindset of a lover. Both the singers exhibited their skills while keeping the essence of the numbers intact.