Naren's indie round-up/ Jan 2023, Ep 3

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

L. Subramaniam & A.R. Rahman feat. Sivamani/ Don't Leave Me

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

The track 'Don't Leave Me' was originally featured in the 1984 album Conversations by violinists Stephane Grappelli and L. Subramaniam. The latter is now joined by A.R. Rahman and members of both families on a fresh take.

The song pays tribute to Subramaniam's father, the late V. Lakshminarayana, whom Rahman’s father, musician R.K. Sekhar, knew from his days in Mylapore, Chennai. The song begins with a nine-minute prelude, with a piano intro by Rahman who is accompanied by drummer Sivamani. Subramaniam's violin is soulful.

On the main tune, the musicians are accompanied by Rahman’s children Khatija, Raheema and Ameen, Subramaniam's daughter Bindu on vocals and his granddaughter on violin and back-up. The entire piece spans 15 minutes, and though the vocals get drowned in the mix, there's some fantastic instrumentation all though.

Sumeet Tappoo/ Ret Ka Ghar

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

With a good mix of depth and pleasantness, Sumeet Tappoo's voice is perfectly suited for the ghazal medium. His latest release 'Ret Ka Ghar' is backed by a well-structured tune composed by Prithvi Gandharv.

Shakeel Azmi's lines are brilliant as he begins, "Ret ka ghar hoon bikharne se bachaale mujhko, yun na kar tez hawaaon ke hawaale mujhko". The final sher is, "Gar bichadna hi muqaddar hai toh is sey pehle, apni palkon pe zara der sajaa le mujhko".

Mir Desai's arrangements and Manas Kumar's violin add to the song's charm. The video, directed by Pratham, Geetesh and Parth, looks good against the backdrop of the sea, though one could have done with more varied angles.

Red Zing/ Kehkasha

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Rapper Arbaz Shaikh aka Red Zing has been in the industry for around a decade. He's best known within the desi hip-hop fan community for his track 'Azmaish', besides last year's 'Khubsoorat' featuring Aniket.

On his new song 'Kehkasha', meaning galaxy of stars, he maintains a positive vibe, talking about spreading happiness, working hard and never giving up. While the song is something people can relate to because of its autobiographical nature, one feels there should have been a twist in the style of delivery somewhere.

Red Zing has directed the video himself, mostly focusing on seaside shots, with the unusual hip-hop moves.

Sangeeta Chamuah/ Saaz

Label: Self-released

Rating: ***

Coming from a family of folk musicians, Assamese singer Sangeeta Chamuah has trained in Hindustani classical music. On her new single 'Saaz', violinist Manas Kumar has composed the music

"Chheda tu ne kaisa yeh saaz hai, dil ka tera koi raaz hai", begin Amit Shetye's lines. Sangeeta's singing is expressive and the song has a lilt that's likeable.

The sudden rhythmic pick-up midway lends a twist. The video, shot against natural surroundings, goes with the song's mood. It's the kind of tune one would like to hum along.

Twin Strings/ Aise Ho Tum 

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ****

In songs like 'Dhalti Rahe' and 'Khabar', Delhi band Twin Strings has shown its strong sense of melody, helmed by the soulful vocals of Manav. The team continues its good form on 'Aise Ho Tum'.

The song is about a person's inhibitions of expressing love, with Manav writing, "Ae dil tu ne socha toh tha, ke boloonga yeh, boloonga woh, ab hai woh tere saamne, kyon kehta nahin, kehna hai jo". Guitarist Sagar, pianist Sahil and percussionist Mohit Deen complete the band, with a guest appearance by violinist Manas Kumar (who is featured on three songs in this week's blog).

This is also the third seaside video this week. But what differentiates it is the wonderfully- choreographed sequence featuring dancers Neeraj Lohari and Vasundhara Negi. The video, like the song, strikes a chord.