Attended an Indian classical music concert by Shri. Amol Nisal (Amol Gandharva). He was accompanied by Bhushan Rao on Tabla and Amit Oak on Harmonium. This private concert was organized by ADICM in Abu Dhabi on 29th Oct 2023. I attended with Nandu.
Concert started with Bada khyal. Chosen raag was Raag Lalit (ललित). Lalit is a 4th prahar (3am to 6am) raag from Poorvi thaat. He presented Bandish ‘Ka se kahun’ in vilambit Ektaal.
Then he presented another Bandish of Pt. Rajan Mishra, “Jane na doongi Kanha” in Madhyalay Ektaal. Bandishes are known more for Gayaki than the lyrics. However, this one has beautiful lyrics and the singing made it even better.
He then presented a special bandish “Sadarang” in Teen taal written by Shankar Abhyankar. The speciality of this bandish is that it’s a tribute to all the famous bandish writers of past.
Chota khyal presented by Amol ji was Raag Shuddha Sarang. Shuddha Sarang is a 2nd prahar (9am to 12 noon) raag from Kalyan thaat. He presented a Bandish of Bade Gulam Ali Khan ‘Beg daraswa dewo saja wa ’ in Teen taal.
On the farmaish of the audience he then presented Raag Jaunpuri. Jaunpuri is a 2nd prahar (9am to 12 noon) raag from Asawari thaat. He presented bandish “Prabhu mohe bharosa” in Teen taal followed by “Payal bajan lagi re” of Bade Gulam Ali Khan. Amol ji honestly informed that this was the first time he was singing Raag Jaunpuri in a mahfil.
Next presentation was a Kabir Bhajan of his Guru Anoop Jalota “Zini re zini”. In this Bhajan he sung one line in various raags. It was a medley of Raag. Audience loved it. It was a fantastic idea of introducing raags and showing their differences to the audience. Predictably and aptly, medley ended with Bhairavi.
He then presented a Marathi Gazal written by Vaibhav Joshi “Sukhat ahes aikato”. A slow, delicate one.
Concert ended with famous Bhajan sung by Pt. Bhimsen Joshi and Lata Mangeshkar, composed by Srinivas Khale “Baje muraliyan baje”.
Singer was quick to establish rapport with the musicians. As a result their confluence became enjoyable. Amol ji even appreciated the accompanists who form a base for his musical sorties.
Amol ji has a mellifluous voice that has the smell of earth. He covers the entire range effortlessly and sings boldly.
Bhushan on Tabla and Amit on Harmonium complemented the singer very well. They are well known in Abu Dhabi musical circle.
It was a small but knowledgeable audience who applauded the performers at all the right places. Such audience gives real pleasure to the performer.
As confirmed by the organizers, concert started on time. Credit to the organizers and audience considering it was a Sunday morning.
All in all, a satisfactory experience.
