Upendra Bhat (Vocal)

Mandar's concert report

Attended Vocal concert of Shri Upendra Bhat (Vocal) accompanied by Meghan Shrikhande (Sanvadini - Harmonium) and Nandkishor Banchhode (Tabla) at Saeed Tower II hall,  Dubai on 28th March 2014 with Deepa & Raju. This concert was organized by Sur Hindol.

Concert started with Raag Yaman Kalyan in madhya vilambit Jhap taal. Raag was then seamlessly  transposed into bandish.

Then he presented bandish in Raag Shuddha Kalyan in madhyalay Ek taal . Shuddha Kalyan is known as signature raag of Pt Bhimsen Joshi. Next offering, before interval, was Thumri 'Naina rasile' in Dadra.

'Bolan lagi koyaliya' was the next offering. Nandu played very well here.

Then he presented raagmala that started in in Raag Hindol. It is said that Ravan is the creator of Raag Hindol. (It is also said that Yaman and Malkauns raagas were created by Hanuman)

Then he presented 'Indrayani Kathi' an immortal bhajan of Pt Bhimsen Joshi in Raag Bhimpalas. Music direction was of Pu. La. Deshpande (पु. ल. देशपांडे) He sung it well but I could not help but compare with the original.

Then came 'Subhagyada Lakshmi' of Purandardas in Bibhas. He presented a few variations that were not included in the recorded sound track.

Concert ended with Bhairavi 'Jo bhaje Hari ko sada' and 'Mile sur mera tumhara'

Shri Upendra Bhat is a disciple of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi. His singing style is very similar to Panditji. He sings very well but age factor was evident.

Shrikandeji's sanvadini was very good. He was applauded by Upendraji multiple times. He caught every firki and murki thrown at him by the singer expertly and followed him precisely. The instrument, however, was not of concert quality.

Nandu's tabla was very good, especially his vilambit taals. He was never short of talent, now he is comfortable while accompanying big names.

Concert started half an hour late. Sound system was trouble free. Upendraji told some incidents from his guru Pt Bhimsen Joshi's life emphasizing his greatness and humility. He also expressed regret about declining quality of music now a days. I had a previledged seat less than 2m away from Upendraji.

A good concert. Rating 8/10.

Vidushi Jyoti Hegde (Rudraveena & Sitar), Mrinalini Kotur(Sitar)

Mandar's concert report

Attended Rudraveena + Sitar concert of Vidushi Jyoti Hegde (Rudraveena & Sitar), Mrinalini Kotur (Sitar) and Nandkishor Banchhode (Tabla) at ISC, Abu Dhabi on 22nd March 2014 with Patil, Sambhaji, Banchhode, Kumar, Gotimukul, Pawar, Oka families, my family and Raju. This concert was organized by Anubhooti.

This was first international performance of Jyotiji, first concert of Anubhooti and first Rudraveena concert in UAE. Before the start Jyotiji introduced Rudraveena. Rudraveena is considered grand mother of all stringed instruments but  has unfortunately become a rare instrument today.

Concert started with Raag Marwa on Rudraveena in Chutaal. She presented Alap, Jod, Jhala with tabla  instead of traditional Pakhawaj.

It is said that Rudraveena needs rasiks who are trained to listen. Playing in front of amature audience was a daring act. But the audience loved it. Jyotiji switched to Sitar after this and was joined by Mrinaliniji. Remaining concert was Sitar jugalbandi.

The ladies first played Raag Durga in Tritaal. This was traditional rendering of raga in Alap, Jod, Gat & Jhala. Bandish in madhyalaya and drut trital. Audience liked it so much that the applause continued for more than a minute.

Next offering was Raag Bageshree in Ektal and then in drut Teental. Audience liked this one too. Then the artists presented a light composition in Mishra Kirwani.

Concert ended according to the tradition with Bhairavi.

Audience was spellbound and did not move till the end. Mrinaliniji's Sitar had more bass whereas Jyotiji's Sitar was sharper. Jyotiji is well known as a Rudraveena player but she is equally fluent with Sitar. There was a good understanding and synchronization between the ladies that comes after years of practice together. Mrinaliniji also plays very well but played second fiddle (no pun intended) to Jyotiji today.

I had watched Nandkishor last when he accompanied Shri Chirag Katti. His performance today was decidedly better and he appeared more comfortable with Jyotiji and Mrinaliniji. He played aptly. No more, no less.

The concert went on for two and half hours but no one realized how time flew by.

An excellent concert. Rating 9.5/10.

Disclaimer: I am founder member of Anubhooti.