Hariharan/ Jaan Meri

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR 

Hariharan/ Jaan Meri

Lyrics: Farhat Shahzad

Genre: Ghazal

Label: Sufiscore

Rating: ****

Having completed 50 years in the music industry, singer Hariharan is in the news for the launch of the book Ustad-e-Ghazal Hariharan, written by Anand Kakkar. He's also released his new album Jaan Meri, which features words by the brilliant Farhat Shahzad, known for writing Mehdi Hassan's record Kehna Usey.

Hariharan's oice texture has naturally been suited to the ghazal, and there have been numerous articles on how he mastered Urdu diction, though he comes from a south Indian family with Carnatic music following. He maintains that supreme command over the medium, and the five songs of Jaan Meri are testament to the riyaaz he does.

The album begins with some lighter songs before getting heavier in lyrical content. The title track uses saxophone, flute and sitar, and some vibrant arrangements as Hariharan sings, "Jaan meri ek nahin sau baar karke dekh lo, kuch nahin ho paayega tu pyaar karke dekh lo". It's a simple tune that sets the mood for the album.

The second song 'Bas Mere Khwab' has wonderful words, "Bas mere khwab dekhne soya kare koi, jee chahta hai mujhko bhi socha kare koi". There's a charm in the way he enunciates 'socha', 'rusvaa' 'aaya' and 'shikvaa' and the song grows on one's senses.

'Baat Se Baat' uses a Latino bossa nova flavour, striking rhythm and melodic horns, and the lines are short - "Baat se baat nikaali jaaye, aa tanhai sambhali jaaye". The intricate arrangements make it stand out.

'Lahu' has intense lines like "Tumhara hoon par tumhara nahin hoon, tumhara dil yeh dukh sehta to hoga, tumhe bhi mera dukh rehta to hoga" and "Basa hoon main tumhari dhadkanon mein, tumhe aaina yeh kehta toh hoga". The steady tabla acts as the backbone.

The final song 'Chala Gaya' starts with a short alaap, before Hariharan sings, "Jaise mera khayal sataa kar chala gaya, chehre pe uske rang sa tha chala gaya". It runs into over seven minutes, but the intricacy of the singing and the depth of the words keep the interest flowing, with the poet signing off with the lines "Shahzad chand sher sunaakar chala gaya".

Over the years, Hariharan has released some wonderful ghazal albums like Visaal, Jashn and Kaash. These are besides his film songs, Colonial Cousins and devotional numbers. Jaan Meri is a marvellous continuation of his journey.




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