Kaushiki Concert

Concert Review: Kaushiki Chakrabarti Concert at Hayward, CA on September 21, 2014

 It was the first time that I was going to listen to Kaushiki Chakrabarti’s performance, which was a part of the 2-day Tihai Festival. She is one of the most notable performers among the younger generation. I was quite impressed with her singing, especially, the Multani rendition which is available on YouTube, and hence, had very high hopes from her.

And I must admit, she didn’t disappoint. She arrived on stage, with a very happy and humble appearance. Without spending much time, she quickly got down to business. She kicked off her performance with Raag Puriya Kalyan. Bada Khayal was set in Vilambit (actually, Ati-Vilambit) Ek Taal. Within first few minutes, one could easily sense her command on the Sur and rhythm. Taking her own time for doing Raag-Vistar and Aalaps in a relaxed fashion, she elegantly arrived on a ‘sum’, opening up the Antara. After finishing up the Antara, she shifted gears a little bit, and displayed her command on the Taans.
Her Drut bandish was a treat: her Layakari and fast-paced Taans were amazing. So was her sargam. I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard her lightening-speed sargam’s.
In the context of Hindustani Classical Music, it is said that, there are 3 things essential for any singer: Aadat, Jigar and Hisaab. Aadat can easily be associated with Riyaz. Jigar, literally means the heart. And Hisaab mean calculation (of time and space... how much time is being spent on Aalap, Taans etc). On all these 3 accounts, Kaushiki ji scored very high.
After Puriya Kalyan, there were a few requests from audience: Maand, Marwa etc. She decided to finish up with a Thumri: ‘Yaad piya ki aaye’.. originally sung by Ustad Bade Gulam Ali Khan Saheb (and later, made popular by Lata ji in the form of a Film song: ‘Balamaa anaadi man bhaaye’). My God..She sung this Thumri so eloquently. While singing the Antara (Baali umar), she (deliberately and effortlessly) slipped into Raag Sohni (which reminded me of another Thumri: Prem Jogan Ban ke), and, equally effortlessly, came back to original raag (Hemant). In the second stanza (Bairi Koyal Kook sunaye), she uttered the word ‘Kook’ (literally meaning: Koyal’s chirping) in such a way, that it, indeed, sounded like Koyal’s chirping... too good.
Apart from her singing quality, I must mention her behavioral qualities: she was enjoying every bit of her performance.. which was visible on her face and expressions. Also, I must mention her humble and respectful attitude towards her accompanists (which is slowly becoming a rare quality) and towards audience (I have heard... and sometimes witnessed... certain senior artists, practically yelling at the audience... I cannot understand.. and stand... this).
She was accompanied by Harmonium by Kedar Naphde, and on Tabla, none other than the legendary Swapan Choudhuri ji. In terms of seniority, Swapan ji is way more senior to her. However, not even once did he try to show off his seniority, nor did he try to be the ‘big guy’. His Tabla accompaniment was a very very balanced act. During the Drut bandish, he did show his mastery on the Tabla and Layakari. But it sounded more like a father (lovingly) throwing a few challenges at his daughter, and the daughter living up to them, with great capability (and father acknowledging that, in return).. quite heart-warming stuff.
Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable concert.
Since this was a part of the festival, there was time constraint here. So, this concert seemed like a well-made supper.. I am looking forward to a full-course dinner.

Sonu Nigam Concert

Concert Review: Sonu Nigum Live on May 25, 2014 at San Jose:

Let me confess: I am a fan of melody, and not Cacophony. Simple. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a 60’s song or 2000+ Song: any song that is melodious and soothes my ears, is good. Any song or music that hits my eardrums like a jack hammer, is bad. That simple. So, I like ‘Kabhi alvida na kehna’ sung by Kishore Kumar, as well as ‘Kabhi alvida na kehana’ sung by Sonu Nigam (from KANK).
Given that, I had gone to Sonu Nigam Concert in San Jose, with a mindset that, it’s going to be a mixed one… more of cacophony. Contrary to my belief, it was other way round… a good portion of the entire concert was devoted to the songs from the era when melody was queen. Of course, Masti-Dhamaka had its share, however, concert was more melodious than cacophonous.
The show was kicked off by the Female singer (Jonita Gandhi). She is Canadian-born, with a flair for Asha Bhosle Songs. After a couple of songs (‘Aao huzur tumko’ and ‘raat akeli hai’) , she started the ‘Piya tu ab to aa ja’… I was almost certain that Sonu will make the stage entry by singing the lines: ‘monika … oh my darling’. But, that didn’t happen. The maestro made a big-bang entry after this song.
He kicked off his solo segment with an obscure Mukesh song ‘Taron me sajake’ from an equally obscure movie ‘Jal bina machhali Nrutya bina bijali’… not bad at all.
What followed this, was a non-stop ‘silsila’ of Mohd. Rafi songs (‘badan pe sitare’, ‘gulabi aankhe’, ‘dard-e-dil dard-e-jigar’, ‘deewana hua badal’ et all). Without comparing Sonu with the Legend, I will say that he did a commendable job here. This segment was topped off with ‘dil ke jharokhe me’. This was, indeed, a highlight of the show. It is not an easy song to perform live on stage. Especially, the orchestration: very complex and meticulous orchestration by Shankar Jaikishan. However, Sonu and his orchestra did an excellent job here.
That brings me to the orchestra. Sonu had used the real instruments (Sitar, Israj in ‘deewana hua badal’, rabab in ‘in lamhon ke daman me’ etc). Less emphasis was given to the electronic keyboard. Result: orchestration perfect to the T. Each and every song, may it be ‘raat akeli hai’ or ‘bole chhudiyan’, the orchestration was identical to the original song. Kudos to the musicians.
The show, started with the melodious mood, slowly spiraled down to cacophony… and I can’t complain for that… it’s a part of Sonu’s repertoire. With a truck-load of masti-dhamaka (‘suraj hua madham’, ‘bole chhudiyan’, ‘mujhse shadi karogi’ and so on), followed by a comic mimicry segment, the show paused a bit, for an intermission.
After intermission, the mood was a bit emotional and mellowed down. First, the female singer Jonita sang a couple of oldies. Then Sonu sang some of his melodious songs from KANK , Agnipath etc. Also, he went back in time, to sing ‘kya hua tera wada’. Then he paid tribute to Late Manna Dey by singing ‘puchho na kaise maine rain bitayee’… and showed off his classical training. Bouncing back to maza-masti, he concluded his concert on the high note.
I must mention that his energy was end-less… it’s not easy to sing continuously for hours together. He was singing back-to-back songs, with no gaps, and never forgot even one word from any songs.
Overall, it was an excellent show… enjoyed it thoroughly.