Jogiraj Sikidar (Vocal)

Attended a concert of Jogiraj Sikidar (Vocal) accompanied by Nandkishor Banchhode (Tabla), Shashwath Sunilkumar (Harmonium) and Shreekutty & Meenu  (Tanpura) organized by Anubhooti at Embassy of India auditorium, Abu Dhabi, on 29th Jan 2016. Attendance to the concert was about 100.

Concert started with Raag Yaman. He first presented 'Salona mora saiyan (सलोना मोरा सैयाॅं)' in vilambit Ektal (विलंबित एकताल). He displayed fine lower octave singing.
It was followed by 'Eri hari piya bina (एरी हारी पिया बिना)' in drut Teen taal.

He then presented a madhyalay bandish 'Kanha re Nand nandan (कान्हा रे नंद नंदन)' in Raag Kedar.

Then he presented a Thumri 'Ab ke sawan ghar aaja (अब के सावन घर आजा)' in Mishra Desh and Tilak Kamod in Banaras Gharana style.

He then presented a Gazal (गजल) 'Tere karib aake (तेरे करीब आके)' in Raag Nand (नंद).

Concert concluded with Kabir's Bhajan (भजन) 'Mat kar moh tu (मत कर मोह तू)' in Raag Bhairavi (भैरवी).

Jogiji humbly requested for audience's permission to start the concert. He made good use of aalap and tarana. He is a very fine singer and probably deserves more recognition than he gets. He displayed variety in the alap, tarana, lower and higher octaves and a blend of Gharana. The way he was encouraging the accompanists underlined the fact that he is a very good teacher too.

Shashwat has lightning fast fingers and demonstrated his understanding of the mood of concert. He was applauded by the audience.

Nandu started slow but picked up as the concert progressed and came at par. His Tabla play with harmonium was applauded.

Tanpura artists needed prodding by Jogiji for vocal accompaniment.

Sounds system was optimum however more gain was needed for Tabla.

Entertainment rating 9/10.

Disclosure: I am a founder member of Anubhooti.