narenmusic

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR   Jaimin / 7  Sins Label: Self-released  Rating; **** With his 2022 album Cutting Loose , Kolkata-based Jaimin Rajani proved his mettle as a songwriter. His latest single '7 Sins' is an example of his wit and again, his charming way with words. "I try to help myself, but God just won't help me, oh my dreams they just won't come to me, when I'm awake", he sings, while also admitting he's been hit by all the seven sins of "pride, greed and lust, wrath, sloth, envy, gluttony". A highlight is the part by American mandolinist Patrick Fitzsimons. Guitarist and bassist Subharaj, keyboardist Arka Chakraborty, percussionist Arjun Chakraborty and classical guitar player Bibhubrata Acharjee add to the charm of this wonderful and melodic piece. Lyla feat. Mayuresh A/ Self Lou Label: Woodstock Music Box  Rating; *** Earlier this year, singer-songwriter Lyla had released her EP Bookmarks . She is now out with her new song 'Self Lou...

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR  Louiz Banks & others/ Quadrophonic II - 4 Pianos Genre : Jazz  Details : Prithvi Theatre, November 18 Rating : **** For the second year in succession, the annual Prithvi Theatre Festival concluded with a jazz concert. If the theme last year revolved around vocals, it focused on the piano this time. And with four musicians playing the instrument, it was appropriate to call it 'Quadrophonic II - 4 Pianos'. The show was presented by maestro Louiz Banks and curated by drummer Gino Banks . Besides Louiz, the featured pianists and keyboardists were Rahul Wadhwani , Arka Chakraborty and Indrajit 'Tubby' Sharma . Gino and bassist Sheldon D'Silva formed the rhythm section. "There's so much talent in Indian jazz," Louiz told this blogger in a brief informal conversation after the show. That was pretty much evident through the 90-minute set. What was noteworthy was the with one exception, all were original compositions. After compere Ed...

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR  Divyam Sodhi & Khwaab/ Baalam  Label: first.wav Rating: **** After releasing the fantastic 'Piya' earlier this year, singer Divyam Sodhi and producer/ co-composer Khwaab are now out with 'Baalam', a song about love and separation. The song has a semi-classical feel and Divyam has good control over the nuances. The back-up vocals by Kavya Singh and Suhavi Kalsi complement his singing wonderfully. The lyrics, by Aaghaz, use metaphors like, "Bikhre bikhrè gesu mere, aankh se kajra dhul gaya, ab na bole paayal meri". Gorkey Patkal's video keeps it simple, showing Preeti Panigrahi and Divyam in alternate shots. Both song and video have been beautifully done.  Five YearsFromNow/ Kya Hua Label: Robach Rating: *** 1/2 Hyderabad trio Five YearsFromNow blend ambient textures and a drum n' bass influence their new track 'Kya Hua'. The group consists of singer and lyricist Kai Gurung, producer Sumanth Krishna Battu and drummer Shan ...

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR  Gideon/ Everything Unfolds  Label: Self-released  Rating: *** 1/2 On his song 'Everything Unfolds', singer-songwriter Gideon sings, "Our love was like a summer breeze, but now it's just a distant memory; You're the one who filled my heart, but now you're left, I'm torn apart". Get the drift? Though the emotion has been expressed millions of times before, there's a certain freshness in Gideon's rendition that makes it likeable. The gentle piano and the backing vocals at the end go with Gideon's expressive style. The song is from the Audacity album. Jojin John's video alternates the singer's close-ups with shots of a couple. The grayish look adds to the nostalgia. Justin-Uday Duo feat. Aditi Paul/ Tu Jahan Label: Judo Music & Films  Rating: *** Singer Aditi Paul appears on composer team Justin-Uday Duo's latest single 'Tu.Jahan'. The song takes a couple of listens to settle in, but has a trendy sty...