narenmusic

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR  Ishaan Nigam feat. Brite Roy/ Jogiya Label: Self-released  Rating: *** 1/2 After collaborating on tracks like 'O Chaand', 'Gumshuda Hoon Main' and 'Roobaroo', singer Ishaan Nigam and composer-lyricist Brite Roy are back on 'Jogiya'. The song talks about the journey of a solitary man who wants to find a companion. The use of sarod and sarangi add an Indian flavour, and the concluding vocal part uses semi-classical nuances well. The words use metaphors like. "Sadiyon se takhti raahein, nadiyon se lambi raatein", and the main lines, "Piya ishqa rang piya, jogiya tu hi man basiya" sum up the song's mood. Ishaan's controlled singing matches the emotions and the melody has a simplicity. Though there's a tendency to use conplex words like 'matihani' and 'nau-sikhiya', the song's meaning comes out well. Akshay-Ninaad/ Panchii Label: Self-released  Rating: *** 1/2 Guitarist Akshay Redekar and

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR  Coldplay/ Moon Music  Genre : Confused Label : Parlophone Rating : ** Six listens into Coldplay's much-awaited new album Moon Music , and one is still confused about the direction it wants to take. It's been described in the promos as pop-rock, but one needs to excavate deeply to find traces of rock. What we get is an oddball mix of bubblegum pop, vocalising and ambient textures with a dash of disco, hip-hop and Afro-chant. But wait, it's fashionable to like whatever Coldplay does, even if it means being hopeful after being No 999,999 in queue for their proposed shows in Mumbai, with zero knowledge about the band and Rs 12k or multiples ready to dish out. Critics may say whatever they want, but vocalist-pianist Chris Martin is one of the most sought after and dishy stars in the world, and the Coldplay live shows always promise a memorable experience, going by those who have attended them. The conundrum lies with their studio albums. After their 2000 debu

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR  Vikas Tandon/ Dastaan Label: Six String Ventures Rating: **** Part of the band Tabeer, singer Vikas Tandon goes solo on his new song 'Dastaan'. He's got some fabulous musicians accompanying him, with Warren Mendonsa on guitar, Zubin Balaporia on keys, Jai Row Kavi on drums, Yohann Coutinho on bass and guest Uday Benegal on tambourine. The song has simple lyrics, beginning with, "Jo roshni muskurahat mein teri, dil ke andhere mita de woh hasi", and with the main lines, 'Dastaan ek shuru hone ko hai, main tera tu meri hone ko hai". Production is by Zubin, and Warren has a marvellous solo. The vocals are clear and smooth. The best thing is the song has a catchy hook and singalong vibe. Manya Narang/ Toote Khwab Label: Self-released  Rating: *** 1/2 Having worked with Salim-Sulaiman and Sonu Nigam, besides releasing a few cover versions, Manya Narang is out with her first independent solo single 'Toote Khwab'. The song, written by

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR  Darshan Doshi & Mark Hartsuch/ Better Than Sax 2 (EP, 6 songs) Label: Self-released  Rating: **** After releasing their album Better Than Sax last year, drummer Darshan Doshi and American saxophonist Mark Hartsuch come out with the sequel. It's a six-track EP that runs into 27 minutes. The opening track 'Capetown Vibes' is inspired by their performance at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in May, where they were joined by English bassist Tony Grey. The piece has some terrific improvisation on the sax, with Darshan tight on the rhythm section. It's a consistent EP, and the tracks 'Doogooda', 'Work Isn't Worth' and 'Joyous Celebration', featuring Kolkata percussionist Bihu Mukherjee, are innovative. The key arrangements are well-done too. It's good, raw jazz all the way. Bhrigu Sahni/ Awakening (EP, 6 songs) Label: Self-released  Rating: *** 1/2 Based in Pune, Bhrigu Sahni has studied performance and songw

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR  Anirudh Varma Collective/ Rut Sawan Ki Label: Self-released  Rating: **** Anirudh Varma Collective from Delhi is known to blend classical raags with modern arrangements. On the rain song 'Rut Sawan Ki', the choice is raag Shankara. Singers Suhavi Kalsi and Basundhara Roy Munshi are joined by Anirudh Varma on keys and Rohan Prasanna on sarod. The line-up is completed by guitarist Shrikant Biswakarma, bassist Madhur Chaudhary, drummer Suyash Gabriel and tabla player Saptak Sharma. The tune has a wonderful melody, and the coordination between the singers is smooth. Anirudh once again proves his brilliance at seamless fusion. Prateeksha Srivastava/ Barkha Label: Self-released  Rating: *** Singer Prateeksha Srivastava has been regularly releasing singles, with 'Jiya Kaanch Ka', 'Darmiyaan' and 'Saathi Tu Vaada Kar' part of her repertoire. She collaborates with producer Suyash and co-composer Danny on 'Barkha'. A rain song, it start

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR Venserto feat. Psya/ steal A moment Label: Self-released  Rating: **** This song 'steal A moment' just popped up out of a YouTube algo, and I liked the sound of the guitars. Tried to find out about the singer Venserto but the only thing I was told is that he's a 'musical artist'. Really? Thanks! Anyway, Venserto seems to be from Mumbai.. probably Navi Mumbai.. as the brilliantly shot video shows a local train, a Nerul sign, a Thane direction board, a precious ring and electric guitars played on a fancy railway platform. A musical collab between Venserto and Psya (also a musical artist.. yay!), the song itself is dark and angsty. Of the three characters in the video - Venserto and Eshaan play 'idea' and Psya plays 'death'. The lines are a mix of English and Hindi and the sound s very alt-rock with a rap interlude. And what a video! Lesssgooooo! (At 60, I use that phrase too). The Beatz Crew/ Her Bluesy Soul Label: Self-released  Rat