narenmusic

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR  Rajeev Raja Combine/ Converging Streams Genre : Indo-fusion Details : Tata Theatre, Mumbai, October 13 Rating : **** With the western concert flute blending with Indian melodies and world music flavours, the album Cosmic Chant by Rajeev Raja Combine attracted many fans after its late 2013 release. A decade later, flautist and composer Rajeev Raja decide to call all those associated with his group on stage. Along with a few special guests, the Combine had a marvellous performance at the Tata Theatre on October 13. Part of the NCPA   Converging Streams series, it was a wonderful example of Indo-jazz-global fusion with just the right blend of melody, technique and improvisation. One, of course, wished more people attended. Only three of the auditorium's five wings were opened up, and yet one saw a number of empty seats, even on a Sunday evening. But those who came definitely had a gala time, as Rajeev's compositions took listeners on a journey from different

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR  Eric Clapton/ Meanwhile Genre : Blues-rock Label : EPC Enterprises/ Surfdog Records Rating : ** 1/2 Every time Eric Clapton releases an album, expectations are high. After all, the legendary musician has been around since the mid-1960s, and if you're reading this, you'd know his vast achievements. You greet his new album Meanwhile with the same nervous curiosity, even though only six of its songs are brand new studio releases and the remaining eight are ones that he's recorded or played live after the onset of the Pandemic. Like all his releases in the past two decades, Meanwhile is a mixed bag. There are a few songs that create an impression, and remind you of vintage Clapton. Producer Simon Climie's work is consistent and classy, with Jerry Douglas assisting him on two country-laced numbers. But the main issue is that most of the other songs have familiar tunes or riffs, and a style which Clapton has specialised in over the years. The more ardent

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