2014 year (ear) for music!!!

2014 year (ear) for music!!!

Year 2014 was a good year for music lovers in UAE. There were a number of concerts.

The ones that I attended are:

1. Nirvana 2014- Zhakir Hussein, Taufiq Qureshi, Louis Banks, Shankar Mahadevan & Niladri Kumar.
2. Jyoti Hegde (Rudraveena+Sitar) and Mrinalini Kotur (Sitar).
3. Upendra Bhat (Vocal).
4. Rajprasad Dharmadhikari (Tabla).
5. Betal zalet sur (Vidamban geete).
6. Shujat Khan (Sitar) & R. Prasanna (Guitar).
7. Amman Ali Khan (Sarod) and Ayyan Ali Khan (Sarod).
8. Dr. Kavita Gadgil (Vocal).
9. Kum B. Lakshmi Surya Teja (Vocal).
10. Hariprasad Chaurasia (Bansuri).
11. Padmini Rao (Vocal).
12. Ajay-Atul (Vocal).
13. Shivkumar Sharma (Santoor) & Rahul Sharma (Santoor).
14. Padmaja Phenany-Joglekar (Vocal).
15. Shubha Mudgal (Vocal).
16. Gulzar: Baat pashmine ki (Vocal).
17. Satish Vyas (Santoor).

And then there were some that I could not attend viz:

1. Kabir by Padmashree Pralhad Tipanya (Vocal)
2. L. Subramanian & Ambhi Ductac (Violin)
3. Sitar fusion by Chirag Katti (Sitar)
4. Rashdi Khan (Vocal) and Shahid Parvez (Sitar)
5. Laya raga sangamam by Sthree Thaal Tharang at Sudanese club (Instrumental)
6. Upendra Bhat (Vocal)
7. Srivalasan G. Menon (Vocal) Carnatic
8. Kathakali (Dance)

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU.

Pandit Satish Vyas (Santoor)

Attended concert of Pandit Satish Vyas (Santoor) accompanied by Ojas Adhiya  (Tabla) organized by Anubhooti at Embassy of India auditorium, Abu Dhabi, on 19th Dec 2014. Occasion of this concert was first anniversary of Anubhooti.

Concert started with raag Jhinjhoti. Panditji started with aalap. The minute, detailed and delicate pieces he played in aalap generated instant wah wah (Verbal applause). Then he played two compositions. First was in Jhaptal. Satishji and Ojas got multiple applauses for their soft as well as forte playing. Second was in drut Ektal. This too was applauded by audience. He played for one hour and ten minutes.

Then he presented Raag Chsrukeshi that was adopted by Hindustani music from Carnatic music. No need to mention that it was too good. This section also consisted of Sawal-Jawab. Audience applause had become a common feature by this time. He played for about fifty minutes.

Needless to say Satishji played excellently. He was in a sublime mood today. SBI Dhabi audience came to know why he is considered best Santoor player next only to Pt. Shivkumar Sharma.

Ojas played excellent tabla. Audience liked him very much. He has potential to become one of the greatest tabla player. I wish he does.

It was a full house. For the first time a number of people had come from Dubai for this concert. Sound system, though, was not on its best behavior.

Special mention should go to the audience. It was a knowledgeable and rasik audience who applauded in all the right places. In informal discussion post concert, Ojasji also appreciated the audience and the auditorium.

A wonderful experience. Entertainment rating 9.5/10.

Disclaimer: I am a founder member of Anubhooti.

Gulzar: Baat Pashmine Ki (गुलज़ार: बात पश्मीने की)

Attended concert titled "Gulzar: Baat Pashmine Ki (गुलज़ार बात पश्मीने की)", a program about legendary Gulzar (गुलज़ार) and songs written by him . The program was anchored by Sachin Khedekar, Pournima Manohar and Anand Ingle. Singers of the evening were Swarada Gokhale, Jitendra Abhyankar, Swapnaja Lele and Dhawal Chandwadkar. The program was with a music soundtrack i.e. without live music. The program was in Sheikh Rashid auditorium, Indian Highschool, Dubai. This was the hundredth show of "Baat Pashmine Ki (बात पश्मीने की)".

The concept of this program was interesting. It consisted of songs of Gulzar in the foreground, poetry and sher(शेर) on one side, painting on other side and video clips in the background. Creatively conceived.

A number of Gulzar songs were presented. The songs were; Fir wahi raat hai (फिर वही रात है), Naam gum jayega (नाम गुम जाएगा), Mora gora ang lai le (मोरा गोरा अंग लई ले), Tum pukar lo (तुम पुकार लो), Koi hota jisko apna (कोई होता जिसको अपना), Beeti na bitai raina (बिती ना बिताई रैना), O mazi re (ओ माझी रे), Ruke ruke se kadam (रुके रुकेसे कदम), Dil dhundhta hai (दिल ढूँढता है), Is modse jate hai (इस मोड़से जाते है), Chod aye ham ye galiyan (छोड आए हम ये गलियाँ), Tuzse naraz nahin (तुझसे नाराज़ नहीं), Dil hum hum kare (दिल हूम हूम करें), Mera kuch saman (मेरा वो सामान), Do naino mein (दो नैनोंमें आँसू), Ai ajnabi tu bhi kabhi (ऐ अजनबी तू भी कभी), Chalka chalka re (छलका छलका रे), Barso re megha (बरसो रे मेघा), Kajrare kajrare (कजरारे कजरारे), Jay ho (जय हो), Musafir hun (मुसाफिर हूँ).

The program showed multiple facets of the personality of Gulzar. His special bonds and understanding with Pamchada and Sanjeev Kumar. Clippings of films made by him like Mere Apne (मेरे अपने), Angoor (अंगुर), Machis (माचिस), Masoom (मासूम), Ijazat (इजाज़त) etc., excerpts from his stories like Ravi par (रावी पार).

Program started almost one hour late due to some "technical" difficulty. The stage set up was such that the spectators sitting at the end of seat rows could not see the video clips. This was a big fault of stage manager (नेपथ्यकार).

The reason of using three persons as anchors was not clear. Sachin Khedekar was the life force of the program and carried the show on his shoulder. His rendition of the poems and reading of story was excellent. His knack of presenting the poem, applying right amount of emphasis and effective pauses were endearing. Other two anchors were 'also ran'.

The singers were decent. They were not WOW but nothing to complain about. However Swarada and Dhawal impressed. Surprisingly audience did not ask for 'once more' even once. Since the entire program was digitized, it would not have been possible anyway.

Girish Charwad drew two paintings. His painting of Mirza Ghalib was appreciated. Interestingly besides being a good painter he is also a Sarod player.

All in all it was conceived well, planned well and executed as per plan. A good experience. Although you know Gulzar, you are impressed by his contribution and achievement a new. And here lies the success of program.

Entertainment rating 8.5/10.

Padmashree Shubha Mudgal (Vocal)

Attended concert of Padmashree Shubha Mudgal (Vocal) accompanied by Dr. Aneesh Pradhan (Tabla - तबला), Sudheer Naik (Samwadini - संवादिनी) and Diya Kundu (Tanpura & Vocal accompaniment), a very young disciple of Shubhaji. The concert was part of Emirates NBD Classics III series at DUCTAC, Dubai on 5th Dec 2014. I attended the concert with my father-in-law. Thanks to Kumar.

Concert started with Raag Bageshree. She presented two compositions. First was 'Sajan bahu gun kam na aye..' in vilambit Ektal and second 'Harawa gundh lao ri..' in madhyalay Teen taal.

Then she spresented two short compositions in Raag Chhayanat composed by her Guru Ramashreya Jha alias Ramrang. First composition was 'Aaj man laago mero ...' in  Jhaptaal (This was composed as a tribute to Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande, the great). Second composition was 'Kar kanganwa..' in Teen tal. This was a beautiful composition about how Sita sees Ram's reflection in her bangle before garlanding (marrying) him. It was my first time to hear Raag Chhayanat live and I liked it.

Then she presented Bol Banao Thumri 'Piya ke jagaye, jaag pari main to ...'. Bol Banao Thumri is speciality of Banaras gharana (Purvi ang). This Thumri was different. It was slower than Thumris I know. Aneeshji got a free hand towards the end and he was very good.

Final composition was Jhula ' Dheere dheere jhulao ...', taught to her by Naina Devi. Jhula is influenced by folk music and is a speciality of Uttar Pradesh.

After she concluded a farmaish (request) was made for Dadra 'Sunder sari mori ...' And Shubhaji fulfilled the request. But it did not end there. Audience urged her to sing Thumri 'Balam tere zagde mein rain gai ...' She liked the farmaish and sung it.

Start appeared a bit tentative to my untrained ears, but then Shubaji sung very well (goes without saying). I especially enjoyed her aalap.

Sudheerji also plays harmonium with great command and was applauded by audience. Understanding between Shubhaji & Aneeshji was excellent. Being Husband-Wife helps!

Sound system did not give any trouble and temperature of auditorium was not cold. Infact I would have preferred a couple of degree Centigrades lower.

Raag Chhayanat, Bol banao Thumri, Jhula & Dadra .. Wow... This concert was definitely 'different' and out of beaten track.

A very good concert. Entertainment rating 8.5/10.

Diwali Pahat (दिवाळी पहाट) - Padmashree Padmaja Phenany-Joglekar (Vocal)

Attended concert, titled Diwali Pahat (दिवाळी पहाट), of Padmashree Padmaja Phenany-Joglekar (Vocal)  accompanied by Parag Dhadphale (Tabla - तबला), Mandar Parkhi (Samwadini - संवादिनी), Mahesh Khanolkar (Violin) and Sayli Karve (Vocal accompaniment). The concert was organized by Gallop events in IIS Auditorium, Silicon Oasis, Dubai on 24th Oct 2014. I attended the concert with Aditi, Sucheeta & Jayant.

This was a light musical concert of her film songs (चित्रपट गीते) and bhavgeete (भावगीते). All the songs as well as the announcement was in Marathi. Padmajaji encouraged audience to feel free to sing along because the best relationship is the relationship of sur (सुर).

Concert started with famous Ganeshstavan 'Om namo ji adya (ओम नमो जी आद्या) Mangal charana Gajanana' of Sant Dnyaneshwar. Then she sung Kavivarya Shankar Ramani's poem 'Dive lagle re dive lagle (दिवे लागले रे दिवे लागले)'

Then she presented a, yet to be recorded, abhang(अभंग) of Mirabai, her own composition 'Hari mere jeevan pran adhar (हरी मेरे जीवन प्राण अधार)'. She then presented a poem of Kavishreshta Indira Sant, 'Yaho yaho Suryanarayana (याहो याहो सूर्यनारायणा)'. Then came 'Suhasya tuze (सुहास्य तुझे...मी मज हरपुन)', a composition of Dinanath Mangeshkar. Audience welcomed this song by clapping at the first alaap. Audience then made a farmaish of 'Kenvha tari pahate (केंव्हा तरी पहाटे)' in Raag Durga from movie Nivdung (निवडुंग). 'Sangu kase sare tula (सांगु कसे सारे तुला)' a sad song that touches your heart was next. 'Hasra nachra (हसरा नाचरा...श्रावण आला)' a poem of Kusumagraj (कुसुमाग्रज) composed by Girish Joshi, 'Sonchphyachi Paule (सोनचाफ्याची पाऊले)' & bandish 'Khelat basant (खेलत बसंत निस पियासंग लागी)' were the subsequent offerings.

Final section was a rapid fire of songs, one after another, non stop. Poem of Ex- Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpeyi 'Geet naya gata hun (गीत नया गाता हूँ)' followed by 'Pustakatli khun karaya (पुस्तकातली खूण कराया)', 'Ranjishi sahi (रंजिशी सही)', 'Aaj Jane ki zid na Karo (आज जानेकी ज़िद ना करो), Kahin ye who to nahi (कहीं ये वो तो नहीं), Tinhisanja sakhe milalya (तिन्हीसांजा सखे मिळाल्या),  Tuzya eka hake sathi (तुझ्या एका हाकेसाठी).

The harmonium player, Mandar Parkhi, sung one Gazal ' Zhuki zhuki si nazar (झुकी झुकीसी नज़र). Mahesh, the violinist, also played a solo piece very effectively & Sayli, her student sung Dore akash shamiyana (दोरे आकाश शामियाना), a Bengali song of Saleel Chudhuri.

She finished the concert with my farmaish 'Lav lav kari pate (लव लव करी पातं)', a lullaby 'Nilya aakashachya (निळ्या आकाशाच्या)' from her album Megha re (मेघा रे), 'Megha re (मेघा रे)', the title track of her album and finally 'Runuzunu runuzunu (रुणुझुणु रुणुझुणु)'.

Padmajaji  engaged the audience throughout the program by peppering witty and informative commentary, encouraging them to appreciate the musicians and to clap. This created a dialogue with the audience.

Harmonium and Violin players have been playing with Padmajaji for more than 20 years so there was no question of lack of coordination. All the accompanists played well and were applauded from time to time by Padmajaji and audience. She sung very well and audience loved her.

Special mention should go to the audience who was knowledgeable, applauded at the right locations and recognized the song at the first note. Such an audience is singers delight.

Although remotely located, it was a very good auditorium. It was spacious, comfortable and has a large stage. Sound system was of Bose. Main singers mike had some issues as the words were a little unclear. Volume of violin was slightly on higher side.

Gallop events is a newly formed company. This was the first ever event organized by them and they did well. Typical Maharashtriyan atmosphere was created through a combination of music, rangoli (रांगोळी), hand outs, event specific news letter and Diwali faral (फराळ) packets. Full marks to them.

An excellent concert. Entertainment rating 8.5/10.

Pt. Shivkumar Sharma & Rahul Sharma (Santoor) - Jugalbandi

Attended concert of Pt. Shivkumar Sharma (Santoor) & Rahul Sharma (Santoor) in Jugalbandi accompanied by Ram Kumar Mishra (Tabla) and Pt. Bhawani Shankar (Pakhawaj). The concert was part of Emirates NBD Classics III series at DUCTAC,  Dubai on 17th Oct 2014. I attended the concert with Jayant, Raju, Pawar, Amit, Harshal & Milind.

Before the start Panditji gave an introduction of Indian classical music to the audience and emphasized the importance of spontaneity and improvisation that differentiates Indian classical music from other genres.

First section of Concert was pure classical. They started with late night raag Janasammohini (जनसंमोहिनी). First the two played alaap jugalbandi without percussions. Then they played Jod with Pakhawaj. Crescendo of this piece was fabulous. Then they played a composition in same raag with Tabla in Rupak (रूपक) taal. Audience liked the chakradar played with both percussionists.

Second section of concert was light classical. Panditji chose night raag Pahadi (पहाडी) as the base raag for this section. They played two compositions. First was Dhun in Dadra (दादरा) taal. Anyone, who has heard Panditji's audio tracks, is familiar with Pahadi Dhun. It used to be played on Doordarshan more than 25 years ago. Only Tabla accompanied them for this.

Second composition was a faster composition in teen taal (तीन ताल). Here they were accompanied by both Tabla and Pakahwaj. Both of them played Santoor with stick and hand making it more enjoyable. Rahul stole the show. He made the percussionists sweat. They could not match his speed. Fast pace + known tune + it being the grand finale + everyone playing at their best = pure entertainment. They finished with a tihai of chakradar, each chakradar a tihai in itself.

It seems Panditji likes raag Pahadi. He played Pahadi in his last concert too (Last year). Everyone enjoyed it owing to the familiarity.

The synchronized playing of fine details with sliding motion of stick was a treat for the audience. All the performers were top class, so needless to say they played very well. Surprisingly, there were no Sawal-Jawab (सवाल जवाब) in today's concert.

Although this was my third live concert of Panditji, it was the first time to watch Rahul live. I was impressed and would like to watch solo concert of Rahul. This was the first time to watch Santoor jugalbandi and I don't know when such an opportunity will come again.

Since it was a father son duo one could not help but notice the similarities and differences. Rahul appeared to be using Santoor with electric strings. Panditji has a frontal posture whereas Rahul sits with right shoulder slightly forward. Panditji suits with left leg forward whereas Rahul with right. Panditji appreciated Rahul whenever he played something special. He carried himself like a proud father of brilliant son.

It was a mature audience who resisted the temptation of clapping until the piece was completely played out thus avoiding the drowning of details in claps and appreciating fully.

This auditorium is known for good acoustics but today there was some problem with gain balance and frequent adjustments were needed.

An excellent concert. Entertainment rating 9/10.

Ajay-Atul (Vocal)

Attended concert of Ajay-Atul, famous music directors. They were accompanied by a set of musicians. Rushikesh Ranade, Yogita Godbole, Sawni Ravindra, Swapnil Bandodkar and Ajay-Atul were singers. Abhijeet Khandekar was the anchor. The concert was organized by Karma Event at Al Nasr, Leisureland, Dubai on 16th Oct 2014. I attended the concert with my family & friends.

Concert started with Ajay-Atul's famous Ganesh stavan (गणेश स्तवन) 'Ekadantay..(एक दंताय)' followed by 'Gorya gorya galawari..', ' Galawar kahli..(गालावर खळी)' etc. Then came Hindi song  ' Abhi muzmein thodisi hai baki zindagi' from Agneepath.

Audience was now getting jittery because Ajay-Atul had not made entry. This is when they made their grand entry with song 'Natrang ubha..(नटरंग उभा)' title song of Natrang. This song was immediately followed by famous 'Malhar wari motiyane ..(मल्हार वारी)' and gondhal ' Amhi ambeche gondhali (आम्ही अंबेचे गोंधळी)' followed by 'Chang bhale..(चांग भलं)' followed by 'Jeev zala wedapisa..'

Then came the romantic section with 'Man ranat gele ga', 'Jeev rangala..(जीव रंगला)' from Jogwa, 'Badmash dil..(बदमाश दिल)' from Singham, 'Man udhan waryache (मन उधाण वाऱ्याचे)' & 'Chimba bhijlele.. (चिंब भिजलेले)'

Then came the section of dinchyak (ढिंच्याक) songs 'Lai bhari..' title song of Lai bhari, 'Cham cham karta..(छम छम करता)',  'wajle ki bara (वाजले की बारा)' the lawni, 'khel mandla (खेळ मांडला)' a song that gives you goose bumps sung by Ajay, 'Baygo baygo.. (बायगो बायगो)', 'Aicha gho..(आईचा घो)', ' Ye go ye, ye maina.. (ये गो ये)', 'Chikni chameli (चिकनी चमेली)'. Audience was demanding Kombdi (कोंबडी पळाली) at this time, but they chose to ignore and sung title track of Singham.

The last section consisted of two songs. First song was 'Mauli mauli.. (माऊली माऊली)' and the grand finale was 'Deva Sri Ganesha.. (देवा श्री गणेशा)'

Some of the musicians were known faces for the audience like Amar Oak on Bansuri, Satyajit Prabhu on keyboard & Archis Lele on Tabla. Mr. Prabhu was evidently the music arranger.

I had not noticed earlier that Ajay-Atul use a lot of chorus in their songs very effectively and chorus makes the songs delicious.

Swapnil sung very well in higher octaves, but sung only two songs and was largely wasted. Ajay & Atul looked younger than when I saw them 4 years ago. When Ajay was singing solo, Atul played drums. When audience demanded once more Atul announced that they prefer to sing more songs than repeat, an ace answer. Rushikesh sung most of the songs originally sung by Shankar Mahadevan and Sonu Nigam. Yogita sung very well. Sawni was also good. But if you want to know who was the best singer of the night? Undoubtedly it was Ajay & khel mandla (खेळ मांडला) was the best song.

It was a medium sized auditorium. Auditorium was actually a converted ice rink, so it was very cold, uncomfortably cold. The acoustics were surprisingly decent.

A good concert. Entertainment rating 8/10.