Saylee Talwalkar (Vocal)

Attended a concert of Saylee Talwalkar (Vocal) accompanied by Satyajit Talwalkar (Tabla) & Subodh Godbole (Harmonium) organized by Anubhooti at Embassy of India auditorium, Abu Dhabi, on 18th Mar 2016. Attendance to the concert was @90.

Saylee is disciple of Mrs. Usha Deshpande, Mrs. Arti Anklikar-Tikekar and Pandita Padma Talwalkar. She is daughter-in-law of Pt. Suresh Talwalkar and Pta. Padma Talwalkar and wife of Tabla maestro Satyajit Talwalkar.

Concert started with Raag Bheempalasi (भीमपलासी). She presented Bada Khyal in Vilambit Ek taal (एक ताल) 'Ab to badi ber (अब तो बडी बेर)'. Her Aalap were applauded. It was followed by famous bandish 'Biraj mein dhoom machayo Shyam (बिरजमें धूम मचायो श्याम)' in Drut Teen taal and audience liked it. Audience also applauded Satyajit for his Tabla. Then she presented Tarana (तराना). Audience especially liked it and applauded her frequently.

She then presented Chota Khyal in Raag Saraswati (सरस्वती) from Carnatic music. She sung famous bandish 'Sajan bin kaise (सजन बिन कैसे)' composed by Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki and transposed seamlessly in 'Vikal mana aaj zurat asahay (विकल मन आज झुरत असहाय)', a Natya geet a (नाट्य गीत) in same tune.

In the second half she presented a Nirguni bhajan (निर्गुणी भजन) 'Mhare ghar aao ji (म्हारे घर आओ जी)' that ended in a very big applause.

Next she presented a Marathi Abhang (अभंग), originally sung by Gaan Saraswati Kishori Amonkar, 'Bolawa Vittal (बोलावा विठ्ठल)' and seeped the audience in Bhakti Ras (भक्ति रस). Audience joined her by clapping in rhythm for the Nam Gajar towards the end and she liked it.

She then wanted to present last composition but audience egged her for one more. So she boldly chose to sing an off the track form of music called Gawlan (गवळण), 'Sawla Nandacha (सावळा नंदाचा)'. It was a folk song based on Raag Vrindavani Sarang (वृंदावनी सारंग), originally sung by her Guru Arti Anklikar and composed by Achyut Thakur.

Concert concluded with Bhairavi (भैरवी), 'Sun Yashoda (सुन यशोदा)'. Saylee became emotional while thanking everyone before starting Bhairavi.

Saylee offered a lot of variety with Bada Khyal, Chota Khyal, Bhajan, Abhang, Gawlan and Bhairavi. She addressed the taste of all the audience. Audience liked the variety. She sung well and sometimes sung at her limit without going out of tune.

Satyajit is one of the best Tabla player of India and it was for all to see why he is so highly rated. He was too good.

Subodh followed Saylee religiously and showed his skills in the light music section.

Sounds system was good. Some more illumination on stage would have been welcome.

Trivia: Saylee and Satyajit are husband and wife but interestingly, this was their first ever concert together.

Entertainment rating 8.5/10.

Disclosure: I am a founder member of Anubhooti.

For more concert reports please visit
Mandar's Concert Reports 
http://mandarconcertreports.blogspot.com/

Classic Harmonies

Attended a concert titled 'Classic Harmonies', an orchestra of Hindi oldies. Singers were Anjali Marathe, Jitendra Abhyankar and Dattaprasad Ranade. Musicians were Ninad Solapurkar (Keyboard), Rohan Vanage (Octopad) and Vishal Gandratwar (Tabla). Dr. Amit Tribhuvan was the anchor of the program. This program was organized by Maharashtra Mandal Abu Dhabi (MMAD) at Indian Islamic Center, Abu Dhabi on 19th Feb 2016.

Since the program was on Shiv jayanti (Chatrapati Shivaji's birth anniversary) they started with 'Jaydev Jaydev jayjay Shivraya (जयदेव जयदेव जयजय शिवराया)' from album 'Shiv Kalyan raja (शिवकल्याण राजा)'.

Thereafter they presented their main Hindi program. They started with ''Aaiye meherbaan (आईए मेहेरबाॅं). Audience immediately asked for 'once more' which was duly complied. Then they presented 'Dilka bhavar kare pukar (दिलका भॅंवर करें पुकार)' from film 'Tere gharke samne (तेरे घरके सामने)' & 'Yun hasaraton ke dag (यूॅं हसरतोंके दाग)'. The singer went out of tune in this song. Then they presented a medley of Kishore Kumar songs that included 'Ye Jo mohobbat hai (ये जो मुहोब्बत है)', 'Lena hoga janam hamein (लेना होगा जनम हमें)' & Dilbar mere (दिलबर मेरे). Hemant Kumar's 'Yaad kiya dilne kahan ho tum (याद किया दिलने कहाॅं हो तुम)' was next.

Dattaprasad Ranade, who was silent until now, started his performance with Mehdi Hasan's famous Gazal 'Ranjish hi sahi (रंजिश ही सही)'. Audience applauded with clasps the moment he started. He informed that this Gazal was originally not written for mehbooba but for Pakistan's democracy. Audience gave him a big applause and demanded 'once more'.

There was another medley that included 'Jaminse hame (जमीनसे हमें)', 'Ye ratein ye mausam (ये रातें ये मौसम)', 'Dil ki najar se (दिलकी नजरसे)' & surprisingly 'Tumse milke (तुमसे मिलके)'.

Anjali's Raat akeli hai (रात अकेली है) was applauded by the audience. 'Kahin dur jab din dhal jaye (कहीं दूर जब दिन ढल जाए)' was applauded for keyboard play. 'Janeman janeman (जानेमन जानेमन) from film 'Chotisi baat' was next. Lead singers demonstrated good chemistry in this song. 'Jhumka gira re (झुमका गिरा रे)' was also widely applauded. Dattaprasad presented one of the most famous and meaningful film gazal 'Chitthi ayi hai (चिठ्ठी आई है) in his soulful voice. Needless to say audience demanded 'once more' and got it. In 'Neele neele ambar par (नीले नीले अंबरपर)' Jitendra sung some wrong words but quickly rectified. Though Ninad played keyboard commendably, absence of guitar was strongly felt in this song.

Then they presented 'Dil cheez kya hai (दिल चीज़ क्या है)', Ghulam Ali's most famous Gazal 'Chupke Chupke (चुपके चुपके), the evergreen 'Ai meri joharjabi (ऐ मेरी जोहरजबी) & 'Kajra mohobbat wala (कजरा मुहोब्बतवाला) where Anjali sang in two scales.

Gazal medley consisted of 'Hothon se choo lo tum (होठोंसे छूलो तुम)', 'Tumko dekha to ye (तुमको देखा तो ये)', 'Tum itna jo muskura rahe ho (तुम इतना जो मुस्कुरा रहे हो)', 'Hanske bola karo (हॅंसके बोला करो)' & 'Ye daulat bhi lelo (येदौलतभी लेलो)'. This medley should have come earlier.

In grand finale Jitendra sung two songs: First was 'O sawariya (ओ सावरीया)' from movie 'Half Ticket' in male as well as female voice like KK and second was 'Laga chunarimein daag (लागा चुनरीमें दाग)' with its ageless Tarana.

Some of the songs were played with live music and some were karaoke. I did not understand logic of singing with karaoke when there was an ensemble of seven artists.

Dattaprasad was best singer of the night. Anjali and Jitendra sung well. Jitendra presented some of the songs for second  or third time in Abu Dhabi in last 3-4 years. Musicians also played well.

Anchor had a deep voice and conducted the program in Hindi with some sprinkling of Marathi. He narrated small incidents and trivia about these songs making his narration interesting. However he presented oldies one after another without choosing any theme to follow. Thus he jumped from one time period to another, once musician to other, one style to other. Though all songs were good, they were haphazard & I did not find it orderly.

Acoustics of this auditorium are not good. The hall was not full and that worsened the situation as the sound echoed. But it was better than some if the previous programs.

As stage property they used posters of eight movies on wing curtains but ironically did not sing a song from any of them.

I noticed something different in medleys. They started all songs of medley from mukhda insured of antara.

Program started half an hour later and was attended by about 200 to 250 people.

Some artists probably drank too much water and had to take break mid program when they were not performing.

MMAD should probably think about organizing a Gazal special one day.

Entertainment rating 8/10.

Vrushali Kulkarni (Kathak)

Attended a concert of Vrushali Kulkarni (Kathak) organized by Anubhooti at Embassy of India auditorium, Abu Dhabi, on 29th Jan 2016. Attendance was more than 130.

Vrushali Kulkarni (Kathak) is a Nrityavisharad and is trained in Lucknow and Jaipur Gharana. This was her first international performance.

She started with Shiv vandana (शिव वंदना) composed by Pt. Bindadin maharaj and choreographed by Pt. Rohini Bhate.

Then she presented Uthan (उठान) and Amad (आमद) in vilambit Teen taal (विलंबित तीन ताल) followed by two types of Paran (परन) in madhya lay Teen taal (मध्यलय तीन ताल) followed by Toda (तोडा), Tukde (तुकडे), Kavitt (कवित्त) and Ginati (गिनती) in drut Teen taal (दृत तीन ताल).

She then presented an Anwat Rachana choreographed by Rohini Bhate (रोहिणी भाटे) that included a Tarana (तराणा) followed by Samadhun Geet 'Lagan lagi (लगन लगी)'.

Concert concluded with Abhinay paksha (अभिनय पक्ष) a Geet on Radha Krishna (राधा कृष्ण) 'Zulat Radhe Navalkishor (झूलत राधे नवलकिशोर)' written by Pt. Bindadin maharaj, composed by Pt. Birju maharaj (बिरजू महाराज) and choreographed by Pt. Rohini Bhate. It was the best item of the concert.

Vrushali displayed good expressions and fluid movements. She made full and effective use of stage. Her acting in the last item was fantastic. She created the visuals of Krishna growing up through her acting and dance.

Vrushali used recorded music for the program thus making it a really solo performance. Organizers distributed a leaflet explaining her presentations thus making it easy to understand. Vrushali narrated between the presentations and despite dancing she was not breathless.

She is a dancer with potential.

Entertainment rating 9/10.

Disclosure: I am a founder member of Anubhooti.

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.

2015 year (ear) for music!!!

2015 year (ear) for music!!!

Year 2015 was a very good year for me as a music lover. I managed to attend a number of concerts in UAE and India.

The ones that I attended are:

1. Swar Nakshatra: Pradnya Deshpande & Pt. Hemant Pendse at Sanskritik Bhavan, Phaltan in Jan 2015.
2. Kalapini Komkali (Vocal) at Indian Embassy, Abudhabi in Feb 2015.
3. Ganesh (Violin) & Kumaresh (Violin) at ISC, Abudhabi in Feb 2015.
4. Kushal Das (Sitar) & Shashank Subramanyam (Flute) at ISC, Abu Dhabi in March 2015.
5. Harini Krishnan (Vocal) at residence of Sujatha & Ravi, Abu Dhabi in March 2015.
6. Shubhendra Rao (Sitar) in Alladiya Khan, Mumbai in April 2015.
7. Satish Vyas (Santoor) in Alladiya Khan, Mumbai in April 2015.
8. Gauri Pathare (Vocal) in Alladiya Khan, Mumbai in April 2015.
9. Monica Shah (Vocal) in Alladiya Khan, Mumbai in April 2015.
10. Sudheer Nayak (Harmonium) in Alladiya Khan, Mumbai in April 2015.
11. Raja Miya (Vocal) in Alladiya Khan, Mumbai on April 2015
12. Satish Krishnamurthy (Carnatic purcussion) in Alladiya Khan, Mumbai in April 2015.
13. Devaki Pandit (Vocal) in Alladiya Khan, Mumbai on April 2015
14. Sucismita and Debopriya (Bansuri) in Alladiya Khan, Mumbai in April 2015.
15. Rajrupa Chauduri (Sarod) at NCPA, Mumbai in April 2015.
16. Sangeeta Shankar (Violin) at NCPA, Mumbai in April 2015.
17. Ravindra Chary at ISC, Abu Dhabi in May 2015.
18. Lakhachi Goshta at Indian embassy, Abu Dhabi in Jun 2015
19. Bhavsargam - Hridaynath Mangeshkar (Vocal) at Balgandharva, Pune in Aug 2015.
20. Haye Akhtari at Madinat theater, Dubai in Sep 2015.
21. Marathi bana - Ashok Hande (Vocal) at Vishnudas Bhave, Vashi in Nov 2015.
22. Music trilogy at Nando's, Dubai in Oct 2015.
23. Anand Bhate (Vocal) at Indian Islamic centre, Abu Dhabi in Nov 2015.
24. Pankaj Udhas (Vocal) at WTC, Dubai in Nov 2015.
25. Zakir Hussain & Niladri Kumar at Shanmukhananda hall, Mumbai in Dec 2015.
26. Raghunandan Panshikar (Vocal) in Sawai Gandharva, Pune in Dec 2015
27. Pravin Godkhindi (Bansuri) in Sawai Gandharva, Pune in Dec 2015
28. Rajendra Gangani (Kathak) in Sawai Gandharva, Pune in Dec 2015
29. Ulhas Kashalkar (Vocal) in Sawai Gandharva, Pune in Dec 2015

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU.

Ulhas Kashalkar (Vocal)

Attended a concert of Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar (Vocal) accompanied by Taalyogi Pt. Suresh Talwalkar (Tabla) & Sudheer Nayak (Samwadini) on 12th Dec 2015 at Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav, Pune with Alhad kaka.

Ulhasji has received training in the Gwalior, Jaipur and Agra gharanas and blends style of these khayal gharanas. He is a disciple of Pt. Ram Marathe and Gajananbuva Joshi.

Ulhasji started the concert with raag 'Jog Kauns (जोग कंस)'. He presented what sounded like 'Sugar barava ayo re (सुगर बरवा आयो रे)' followed by 'Peed parayi (पीड पराई)'. He sung for about 40 minutes and showed his class in this limited time.

Second presentation was a Bandish 'Aai re kaise raat (आई रे कैसे रात)' in Raag Adana (आडाणा). He sung for only about 7-10 min.

Concert ended with the famous Bhairavi 'Jamuna ke teer (जमुनाके तीर)' upon farmaish by Sureshji that lasted for about 7-10 minutes.

It's known that Ulhasji is a very good singer. He is considered point of reference by many contemporary and junior singers. He acts what he sings, making it easy to understand.

Pt. Suresh Talwalkar is considered encyclopedia of taal. His books are considered Tabla gospel and his Tabla tuitions are considered one of the best. To see him perform was an opportunity of life time.

Sudheerji is an excellent harmonium player. He enhances the singers performance by his understanding and complimenting them with his 'singing' harmonium.

A lot of time was lost in changing the stage arrangement for previous Kathak concert and back again for this concert. The concert had to be wrapped up in one hour because of municipal restrictions to finish all programs by 10 pm. By the time performers and audience had warmed up, it was time to finish. What a shame. Either the time restrictions should be relaxed or time management has to be better.

Trivia - Sawai Gandharva festival is arguably the largest festival of classical music in the world. Attendance this year was around 15000.

Entertainment rating not allotted because of time restrictions.

Rajendra Gangani (Kathak)

Attended a concert of Pt. Rajendra Gangani (Kathak) accompanied by ensemble of musicians on 12th Dec 2015 at Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav, Pune with Alhad kaka, Dilip kaka and Vinita kaku.

Rajendraji is trained in the Jaipur Gharana by his father. He also has a rare mastery over the tabla, harmonium & pakhawaj.

Rajendraji made a swirling entry to the applause of audience. His energy is amazing. He danced almost for 1.15 hrs and also managed to say bols and make announcements. By having a dialogue with audience he took the audience with him on joy ride. He drew many applauses.

He displayed amazing foot work and graceful movements. He performed on Uthans (उठान), Parans (परन), Bandishes(बंदिश), Mukhdas (मुखडा) and tihais (तिहाई).

He even created sound of rain through sound of his ghungroos while dancing. He displayed various moods with his facial expressions, body language and dancing.

His jugalbandi and sawal-jawab with tabalji Azad were especially mention worthy.

Concert ended with a dance on bhajan of Surdas. This bhajan was commemorating Guru, a gurubhajan.

The live music with Lehra, Tabla and Vocals was good. Rajendraji frequently advised them about the speed he needed from them.

Trivia - Organizers had to stop the sale of tickets for the day due to huge audience response.

A very different, good, amazing and entertaining performance.

Entertainment rating 9/10.