Ustad Shujat Khan (Sitar) and R.Prasanna (Guitar)

Attended Hindustani- Carnatic fusion concert of Ustad Shujat Khan (Sitar) and R.Prasanna (Guitar) accompanied by Ojas Adhiya (Tabla), B. Amrit (Kanjira) and P. Ravindran (Mridangam)  as part of Emirates Classics III, at DUCTAC, Dubai on 17th April 2014 with Raju and Jayant. This was my second time to watch Shujatji live.

First section of concert was played by Prasanna with Mridangam & Kanjira.

The concert started with Prasanna playing a composition of Muthuswamy Dixitar. Then he played a composition in raaga Suddha Saweri & another composition demonstrating his command on guitar.

The percussionists played jugalbandi after that.  Audience loved it & was applauded a lot. Prasanna ended this section with a composition called 'Bowling for peace', a composition from his album, a fusion.

Second section was played by Ustad Shujat Khan. Solo initially and then with tabla & mridangam. This section consisted of only one composition.

He played Jhinjhoti (aalap jod) followed by a composition. He termed the style of playing as 'informal'. Shujatji played sitar nimbly and applauded  the percussionists encouraging them .

This section took the concert to a different height. The trio played exceptionally well and took audience to the edge of ecstasy. They deservedly received standing ovation.

Final section was a jugalbandi of Prasanna and Shujatji with the three percussionists.

First Shujatji sang a gazal while playing sitar in this section. The lyrics were very good but the singing slowed down the tempo.

Then they all played together. This was my first time to watch Hindustani - Carnatic jugalbandi. The artists regained the lost tempo in this section. Prasanna garnished this section with some western style guitar play.

Concert ended on a high with all the musicians playing crescendo.

Volume of sitar was little loud & sometimes smothered sound of guitar. Program started almost half an hour late. Attendance was not very encouraging with only half of the auditorium full, probably because it was a working day.

Shujatji has lightning  fast fingures and played with ease. It is a delight to watch him playing. He also sings very well. I would, however, prefer sitar over vocal. Tabalji Ojas was a thin young man. But he played like a hurricane. He matched Shujatji stroke by stroke. Too good. This was my first time to watch carnatic classical music played on electric guitar. Another novelty was that Mridangam was placed on a custom made low stand.

Enjoyed the concert. Entertainment rating 9/10.

Betal zalet sur (बेताल झालेत सूर)

Mandar's concert report

Attended 'Betal zalet sur (बेताल झालेत सूर)', a program of Marathi parody songs (विडंबन गीते) on 11th April 2014 at India Club, Dubai. This was 202nd show of this program and first time out of India.

Before the start the artists challenged audience not to laugh even once during the program. Needless to say, they won.

Program started with Ganesh Vandana (गणेश वंदना). They presented one type of song in  another song's tune and vice versa. Some fusion, some new songs in old tunes accompanied by witty commentary.

Parody can be of anything. Style of singing, tune of the song, wording of the song, naughtiness, style of various musicians etc.. The artists used all these styles to create parody. They used all types of songs like folk songs, bhav geet (भाव गीत), filmy songs, tamasha (तमाशा), bhajan (भजन), light songs, lullaby(अंगाई), lavni (लावणी), qawwali, classical music and even ukhana (उखाणा - there is no English name for this)

There is a very thin line between naughtiness and vulgarity. This program never crossed that line and was enjoyed by everyone with their families. The singers and musicians were good and remained in sur (सूर).

The only deficiency I could note was that they mostly used existing songs and the contribution of newly written & composed songs was limited.

This program was presented by an amateur group of 11; consisting of entrepreneurs, doctors, chartered accountants, managers and engineers. It was lead by Shri. Chandrasekhar Vaze (One on extreme right in photograph). Mr. Vaze is Chairman of Jankalyan sahakari bank. The group consisted of four singers, a tabalji, a dholki player, a side rhythm player, a bansuri player, a harmonium player and two narrators.

The artists promised a program filled with fun and entertainment and confirmed that there will be no seriousnessa and the audience will enjoy.

They delivered. All in all a satisfying program. Entertainment rating 8.5/10

xxx xxx (Tabla)

Attended Tabla concert of Shri xxxx xxxx (Tabla) accompanied by Nandkishor Banchhode (Tabla) and Sandip Khairnar (Sanvadini - Harmonium) organized by Anubhooti, at Embassy of India auditorium, Abu Dhabi on 11th April 2014.

This was xxxx xxxx's first international solo concert. Anubhooti introduced him to international audience. The chosen taal for the concert was Tritaal.

The concert started with Peshkar. It was followed by Ajrada Kayda. Audience applauded the artists multiple times not only demonstrating appreciation of performance but also their knowledge.

Then Nandu presented Ajrada Kayda and demonstrated how a disciple follows his Guru's foot steps. This Kayda ended with synchronized chakradar.

In the next rela xxxx demonstrated how soft tabla can be played most effectively.

Farmaish bandish in madhyalay teental followed by a medley of compositions, bandishes, chakradar, Punjabi chakradar, bedam chakradar, tukdas, sawal-jawab & lagge.

xxxx modesty was evident when he requested audience to excuse for any mistakes as they have practiced only for 3-4 days. If they can perform so well with such little practice, imagine what they can do with more practice.

Nandu has shown marked improvement in his tabla playing over last year. He played very well and was appreciated by xxxx. Now Nandu has 'hot fingers'.

Sandip had to be corrected by xxxx on a couple of occasions, otherwise he did well. Although playing lehra seems simple, actually it is very difficult.

When the performers enjoy playing, the audience enjoys listening. This concert was pure joy. Entertainment rating 9/10.

Disclaimer: I am a founder member of Anubhooti.

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.

Zhakir Hussein (tabla)

Attended 'Nirvana 2014' a republic day special concert of Zhakir Hussein (tabla), Louis Banks (piano), Shankar Mahadevan (vocal), Taufiq Qureshi (multiple purcussion instruments) and Niladri Kumar (sitar & zitar) at Madinat Arena, Dubai on 25th January 2014 with Aditi, Thangaokar family, Pooja, Prachi, Prakash, Vijay, Pawar and Raju. This was the second time I was witnessing live performance of 'The Legend' Zhakir.

Concert started with solo performance of Zhakirji. It's amazing to see him playing extremely difficult pieces effortlessly. Wherever his fingers danced, they created magic. Fabulous!!! This start set the tempo of the concert.

Then came an overture called 'dove' a joint performance by Zhakirji, Louis Bank, Niladri and Taufiqji. A section of this piece somehow reminded me of Mongo Santamaria's 'watermelon man'.

Zakir and Louis were joined by Shankar Mahadevan for next performance 'color of love' followed by 'shadows'. Shankar did not sing any song, he just recited the bols (बोल).

Next piece was called 747 by Louis, Toaufiq and Niladri on 'zitar' an instrument he invented by combining sitar and guitar To play fusion and western music. The instrument sounds different. Niladri's fingers fly!

Next piece was played by Louis, Niladri, Taufiq & Zhakir with spotlight on each one, one by one. Taufiqji played his signature vocal instrumental and was applauded multiple times. He also made audience to play rhythm (clap) with him.

Next performance was jugalbandi between Shankar and Zhakir. Started with south Indian classical and migrated to north Indian thumri composed by Zakirji (kori chunar mori..), jocularly dubbed as masala dosa + mutton biryani.

Next was a composition called 'Doors of desire' by Louis, Shankar, Zhakir and Taufiq.

Grand finale was brought up by all the artists performing together. This included 'breathless' of Shankar.

Program started almost one hour late. It was a very big hall, so the cosy atmosphere was missing. Sound system of Mujib Dadarkar was excellent.

Interestingly all five did not play simultaneously till the last piece. All the artists were so good (एक से एक) that it was difficult to choose the best performer. I would like to attend Niladri Kumar's solo concert. Shankar's voice was not at its best today.

Again I came out of the auditorium with a feeling that it was a fabulous concert but there was not enough of Zhakir Hussein.

An excellent concert. Rating 8.5/10.

Wow what an year 2013 !!!

Wow what an year 2013 !!!
Year 2013 was a fabulous year for music lovers in UAE. There were a number of concerts.
The ones that I attended are:

1. Nirvana-Zhakir Hussein (tabla) & others.
2. Sunidhi Chauhan & Shankar Ehsan Loy (Vocal)
3. Mysore brothers (violin)
4. Rajesh Vaidhya (veena)
5. L. Subramaniam and Ambi (Violin)
6. Monalisa Ghosh & Kundan Mukherjee (Odissi dance)
7. Hariprasad Chaurasia (Bansuri) & Gweneth Wentink (Harp)
8. Amjad Ali Khan (sarod) & Amman, Ayyan
9. Ustad Rashid Khan (vocal)
10. Chirag Katti (sitar)
11. Shiv Kumar Sharma (santoor)
12. Bikram Ghosh (tabla)
13. Pandit Jasraj (vocal)

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

1. Asha Bhosle (Vocal)
2. Shubha Mudgal (Vocal)
3. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan (Vocal)
4. Pankaj Udhas (Vocal)
5. Rajan-Sajan Mishra (Vocal)
6. Bal Murli Krishna (Vocal)
7. Rahul Sharma (Santoor)

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU.