Naren's indie round-up/ Dec 2024, Ep 2


BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Anup Jalota & Sumeet Tappoo/ Chaturang

Label: Soulful Melody Records

Rating: ****

Singer Anup Jalota and his senior disciple Sumeet Tappoo celebrate their 40-year association with the album Legacy. The first track 'Chaturang' is based on a traditional composition of the Sham Chorasi gharana, set in raag Mishra Desh and passed on to Jalota by his father Purushottamdas Jalota.

The video, directed by Pratham Chourasiya, features a Kathak recital by actress-dancer Prachee Shah Paandya. It is shot as a live performance, with two tabla sets, sitar and flute among other instruments.

The track has been produced by Prithvi Gandharv, and has a certain reminiscence of Naushad's style. Both Jalota and Tappoo coordinate rather well, whether it is in the poetic phrases, taraana syllables or sargams. The jugalbandi is perfect.

Asha Bhosle/ Saiyaan Bina

Label: Apni Dhun

Rating: ****

At 91, Asha Bhosle continues to dazzle. Her latest video 'Saiÿaan Bina' sees her in her ebullient self, as she sings Mahimma Bhardwaj's words, "O matwale bole naina, saiyaan bina jag soona".

Anand Mishra's video has a few highlights. First, Bhosle pays tribute to Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Madan Mohan, S.D. Burman, R.D. Burman and Lata Mangeshkar by greeting their framed photographs. Secondly, the video transitions into a Kathak recital by grand-daughter Zanai Bhosle. This is capped by shots of Ravi Chary playing the sitar.

Music is by Nitin Shankar, who naturally keeps a solid groove, with assistance from producer Aditya Dev. While there are many contributors, it's Bhosle's vocals and screen presence that shines brightest.

Rishabh Shukla/ Dreamscape

Label: Self-released 

Rating: ***

Besides his EP Overthinking, Mumbai-based singer-songwriter Rishabh Shukla has released a string of singles over the past couple of years. His latest 'Dreamscape' talks of a desire for love and peace.

The song has a country-pop feel, which suits Rishabh's boyish voice. The guitar backdrop and steady build-up of rhythms blend. "Baby, that's all I ever need, baby it's you I want for me", he sings.

While Rishabh plays rhythm guitars himself, Dhananjay Chhetri handles electric guitars, with Timothy Thampy on bass. There's a good match of instrumentation and words.

Winston Balman/ Fight On

Label: Songdew Media

Rating: ****

After heading the group Winston Balman & The Prophets Of Rock, Delhi-based singer-songwriter Winston goes in solo avatar on his new single 'Fight On'. He had released an acoustic version with the earlier outfit.

It's a country-rock song about a soured relationship. "You know you never really told me the truth, that's why you never really stuck around too", begins Winston. Later, he sings, "I'm glad you were gone, I'm gonna find my love back, fight on".

The song has been well-arranged, with Sagar Sharma's superb electric guitar solo climax and Aditya Dutt's tight drums enhancing the piece. Winston's voice has ruggedness and emotion that make it stand out.

Jeanne Merchant/ Jesus, You're The Miracle 

Label: Merchant Records 

Rating: ***

Just before Christmas, a few festive songs are released each year. This year, we have Jeanne Merchant singing 'Jesus, You're The Miracle'. In fact, she had released a song 'Christmas Time' last year.

The song comes with a lyrics video, which shows Jeanne surrounded by Christmas trees. The words include lines like, "I've seen you raise a dead man, you raised a storm at sea, Jesus, you are the miracle I need".

Jeanne has composed and written the song herself, with production by Salim-Sulaiman and Nyzel Dlima. It's got a smooth lilt that goes with the words.




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