Naren's indie round-up/ June 2022, Ep 4

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Gayatri Asokan/ Rakhunga Sambhal Ke

Promoter: Bazm-e-Khas

Rating: *** 1/2

In her latest ghazal, Gayatri Asokan sings Raza Bhopali's lines, "Rakhunga zindagi bhar uski yaadein sambhal ke, jee na sakoonga main usey dil se nikaal ke". The poetry is simple, effective and nostalgic, making good use of kafiyas or rhymes.

Alap Desai's composition matches the poetry, and Manas Kumar's violin adds to the charm. The video is a straightforward live recording in the studio.

The interesting bit is that the poet's takhallus (pen name) is used at the end ("Kehne laga 'Raza' inhe rakhna sambhal ke"). That practice isn't noticed too often in contemporary ghazal writing, and its use is welcome here.

Amrita Kak ft. Amaan Ali Bangash & Ayaan Ali Bangash/ Chaap Tilak

Label: Panorama Music

Rating: ***

Written by the legendary Amir Khusro, 'Chaap Tilak' has been regularly performed at Sufi concerts over the years. There have been numerous recordings too, including one in the 1978 film Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki.

The latest rendition features singer Amrita Kak. While she sticks to the song's basic melody, the difference comes in the form of the twin sarod accompaniment by Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash.

The video by studiothirty6 follows the predictable pattern of using a palatial backdrop, with the singer dressed in traditional finery. For that reason, most adaptations of classic tunes are looking the same, even if they sound different.

Chirag Katti's Sitar Rhapsody/ Seeker

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Sitar player Chirag Katti had composed the tune 'Seeker' almost a decade ago. Now, with a few improvisations, he has released a video with his Sitar Rhapsody ensemble.

A large chunk is played on the electric sitar, with the regular sitar alternating at appropriate moments. ID Rao's saxophone and Vinayak Pol's drums provide perfect accompaniment in the first half.

Keyboardist Dharmesh Maru, tabla player Rupak Dhamankar and bassist Hansel Dias complete the line-up. It's an energetic six-and-a-half minute piece, with a sitar meets jazz-rock vibe, though one feels keeping it a minute shorter would have been more effective. 

Jaimin/ Bucket Of Pain

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Kolkata-based singer-songwriter Jaimin Rajani is set to release his debut album Cutting Loose on August 18. As a build-up, he's released the first single 'Bucket Of Pain'.

A pleasant guitar-backed track with a lovely intro, it shines because of its effective lyrics. "Bucket of pain, thrown, thrown it might be coming my way, thank God It veered but hit someone who got in the way, oh no now I feel sorry to console him, I'm part of someone else's moment of pain", Jaimin sings in his pleasant, well-modulated voice.

The song, featuring a host of Kolkata musicians, reminds you of the early 1970s folk-rock era, with its simple songwriting. The good thing is that it grows on repeated listening. The second single 'She' is due on Friday. We're looking forward.

Winston Balman And The Prophets Of Rock/ Fight On Acoustic 

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

Winston Balman is a singer-songwriter from New Delhi, and has released songs regularly since 2012. His latest is an acoustic version of 'Fight On', with a band release scheduled for later.

Composed, written and sung by Winston, who also plays acoustic guitar, this one has a marvellous violin by Bhaskar Dutta, giving the song a country-rock feel, also reminding you of Collective Soul's 'The World I Know' pared down.

The song is about a relationship gone wrong. "You know you never really told me the truth, that's why you never really stuck around too", the song begins, before using the line "I'm gonna fight my love back and fight on" on repeat. A strong melody, and well-executed arrangements, give it an edge.