Kalapini Komkali (Vocal)

Attended concert of Kalapini Komkali (Vocal) accompanied by Prashant Pandav  (Tabla) and Abhishek Shinkar (Samvadini) organized by Anubhooti at Embassy of India auditorium, Abu Dhabi, on 20th Feb 2014.

Concert started with Raag Bilaskhani Todi (बिलासखानी तोडी). It is said that this variation of Todi was first sung by Bilas Khan, son of Miyan Tansen. She presented three bandishes. First was traditional Khyal (ख्याल). Second was again a traditional madhyalay rachna (मध्यलय रचना). Third was Tarana(तराना), a composition of her father Pt Kumar Gandharva.

Kalapiniji told the audience that her father used to say 'Bandish should have spark, there is no use of torch here (बंदिशमें चिंगारी होनी चाहीए वहॉं मशालका कोई काम नहीं).'

Then she presented two bandishes in two Bilawals. First a very old bandish in rarely sung Raag Shukla Bilawal (शुक्ल बिलावल). Then she presented one bandish in Raag Alhaiya Bilawal (अलहैया बिलावल).

She then presented Raag Kafi ke swar (काफी के स्वर) followed by a Bandish 'chado chado chaila mori baiyan (छडो छडो छैला मोरी बैंया)'  of Gwaliar gharana that she learned from Pt. Ramashray Jha and Pt. Shantaram Kashalkar.

Finally she sung two bhajans. First bhajan was of Mirabai 'Fagun ke din char (फागुनके दिन चार)'. She termed this bhajan as aprapya (अप्राप्य) & adhyatmik (अध्यात्मिक). Second bhajan was famous Nirguni bhajan and my favorite 'Sunta hai guru gyani.. (सुनता है गुरू ग्यानी)'

She demonstrated her range of octaves, technicality, emotions and improvisations.
She was especially good when she sung in lower octaves. She also encouraged the accompanying artists when they did well and corrected them when they strayed a bit.
Kalapiniji is a perfectionist and enjoys singing. When the artist enjoys, audience enjoy as well. She also gave few small anecdotes that audience liked very much.

Prashant played excellent tabla. Kalapiniji had to tell him about adjusting the lay once or twice. Abhishek's harmonium was perfect. He followed the singer religiously. He should become a fine successful harmonium player in future.

For a change this concert was not in the evening. It was a rare occasion to attend a morning concert. This gives an opportunity to the singer to sing morning ragas and audience to enjoy them.

Sound system was very good and was appreciated by the performers. Temperature in auditorium was comfortable.

Special mention should go to the audience. Audience attended in big numbers (more than 100) even though it was Friday morning. When she asked if they would like to hear bandish or bhajan, the response was "both".

A very good morning concert and a wonderful experience.

Entertainment rating 9/10.

Disclaimer: I am a founder member of Anubhooti.