DAMAN
Universal, Rs. 50
You get to hear some refreshing music here, a change from the continuous onslaught of techno music. But then you do expect something very ethnic from Dr. Bhupen Hazarika. Here, the composer fuses classical and modern music in the right proportion, to come up with good tunes, some of which make their mark alright. Of course that trademark Assamese folk music flavour is there, like in all Hazarika songs, but that’s what makes them different.

Side A begins with Bhagwati songs, an ensemble of bhajans devoted to the different Goddesses. They are sung well by Jaspinder Narula, who exhibits her range, singing in high pitch. Sun sun goria, the bride’s bidaai song has a folksy tune, very melodious, and very sweetly sung by Alka Yagnik. The lyrics by Maya Govind need a special mention here.

Sar sar hawa is yet another number based on Assamese folk song, which gives you a feel of the sound of that land. Flute has been used to give a pep to this number, and Hema Sardesai is in her elements singing it. The haunting Gum sum is an original Assamese composition of Dr. Hazarika translated into Hindi. The song is again repeated in Dr. Hazarika’s distinct vibrating voice on Side B.

On the flipside there’s a rock n’ roll type, happy-go-lucky number, Bahar hi bahar, sung by Shaan and Dominique, followed by Hu hu pagal pawan, again a very Assamese tune. Some different music here which should appeal to some.

KEHNA TO HAI...
Wings, Rs. 50
The album, acording to the inlay cover, is a “musical tale of innocent love.” So you have love ditties crooned by Kumar Sanu, who comes up with a private album after a long time. Besides him, the other renowned people involved in this album are composer Rajesh Roshan and lyricist Dev Kohli. Ibrahim Ashq and Vijay Akela have penned one lyric each.

Roshan, fresh from the success of his winning score in Kaho Naa...Pyar Hai, comes up with another hummable score here, though it leaves a lot to be desired. The title song, which is already popular, is the best of the lot. It’s lyrics too convey the apt emotions of innocent love. Saathi mere jeena hai mushkil, about separation pangs, and Sun hasina sun are catchy. Aao tumko ghar pe chhod aaoon, though prosaic, has interrsting lyrics by Ibrahim Ashq. Kya tum wohi ho is another good number.

The best part about the album is that Kumar Sanu isn’t sounding his usual nasal self. He seems to have worked hard on singing without any nasality, and it sounds good. Good album which makes for an apt Valentine’s day gift.

MERA DIL BHI KITNA PAAGAL HAI
(HARMONY - ALKA YAGNIK & KUMAR SANU)
Venus, Rs. 40
This Harmony series compiles 10 romantic hits of Alka Yagnik and Kumar Sanu. The two have sung many melodious duets, mostly for Nadeem-Shravan, and here you get to hear Mera dil bhi kitna paagal hai (Saajan), Jeeta hoon jiske liye (Dilwale), Tumhe chede hawa chanchal (Salaami), Baazigar o baazigar (Baazigar), Payalia (Deewana), Khate hain hum kasam (Aatish), Tum meri mohabbat ho (Sangram), Raja ko rani se pyaar (Akele Tum Akele Hum), Neend kise chain kahan (Zamaana Deewana) and Chura ke dil mera (Mail Khiladi Tu Anari). An okay compilation for those who still like to hear these not-so-recent songs. One point though - Raja ko rani se pyar from Akele Hum Akele Tum is a duet of Alka and Udit Narayan. So why include it in the Alka-Sanu collection?

SAI GAYATRI MAHAMANTRA
Venus, Rs. 45 (two cassettes)
In this album the Sai Gayatri Mahamantra Om Shirdi vaasaay vidmahe Sachhidan anday dheemahi tanno Sai prachodayaat has been rendered non-stop by singer Anuradha Paudwal. Exquisitely rendered in a mellifluous voice by the singer, and effectively tuned by Shaank-Neel, the brief yet meaningful, inspirational and beneficial Mahamantra, credited to Swami Pradnyanandji and occupying both the sides of the album, mesmerises the listener. The chant-like rendering, with appropriate pitch variations, is soothing to the ears. A must in one’s collection of devotional albums. (Of the two cassettes in the pack, one cassette of devotional songs is offered free).

MAIYAJI SAB KHAYAL RAKHANA
Rap Music, Rs. 35
An audio of seven devotional songs rendered by Anuradha Paudwal and Jaswant Singh. The latter is also the music composer. The album opens with the title track, Maiyaji sab khayal rakhana. Lyrics are by Madan Pal and have been rendered with effective fervour by Anuradha. (The remaining six songs have been penned by Jaswant Singh). The title song as well as Bolo jai Matadi bolate chalo sung by Anuradha and Jaswant, and Waqt aakhari jab hum tere dwaare rendered by Jaswant are the pick of the lot.

JAI SIYA RAM
Rap Music, Rs. 35
The contents of the album are in the nature of a continuous chant or Dhuni, with Side A devoted to Shri Ram and the flipside devoted to Hanuman. Written by Ravi Chopra, the Dhunis have been effectively rendered by Hari Om Sharan, the well-known singer, who has done full justice while giving musical vocal form to the words, with Sanjayraj Gaurinandan as the arranger. A treat for the devotees of Shri Ram and Hanuman.

HAR HAR GANGE NAMAH SHIVAY
Rap Music, Rs. 35
Yet another cassette, the contents of which are in the form of a chant or Dhuni. The Shiv dhuni is on Side A and the Ganga dhuni on Side B. Written by Ravi Chopra, the Dhunis are in the voice of Anuradha Paudwal, who has rendered the lines with appropriate devotional fervour. Sanjayraj Gaurinandan is the music arranger. A must for the devotees of Shiv and Ganga.

KOKA (PUNJABI)
Lucky Star, Rs. 45
The album contains eight contemporary bhangra-pop numbers rendered in his own inimitable style by Mangal Singh who has made a name as a singer of note in this typical music genre. The lyrics have been written by Sham Balkar, Madan Pal and Mohan Preet Singh, and set to music by Vidyut Goswami. The audio opens with the title track Koka (Nose Ring) and is followed by Ali Ali, Tan tan ke and Asi luttey Gaye. The tracks on the flipside are Dang dang ke, Maamley mohabbata dein, Dasve sajna and Yaar di baarat. All of them are pulsating, lively, foot-tapping numbers, Tan tan ke, Dang dang ke and Yaar di baarat being the pick of the lot. They will undoubtedly please the lovers of bhangra-pop.

DON’T MIND SOHNIYON (PUNJABI)
Venus, Rs. 38
A mix of Pubjabi folk and pop music. That is what this eight-track album offers to the listeners. Davinder Dil, who has sung the numbers, is in his elements, and has done full justice to the renderings under the baton of H Giddu, whose score is marked by lilt and pace. The numbers are foot-tapping, specially Don’t mind sohniyon (the title track with which the audio opens), Jhanjhar, Punjab and Wah bhai wah.

Reviewed By
Salma Khatib And Pandit Shimpi
salmakhatib@hotmail.com

____________________________*****____________________________

New Releases

SUR AUR SAAZ - SHUJAAT HUSSAIN KHAN
Music Today, Rs. 75
Shujaat Husain Khan, son and disciple of sitar maestro Ustad Vilayat Khan, combines the magic of his melodious voice with that of the sitar in this album. The subtle nuances of the human voice are reproduced near-faithfully on the instrument. The result being an instrumental recital without words, but as eloquent. Shujaat is accompanied by Sandeep Das, the tabla-player. The album has four tracks, all being traditional bandishes. Side A has Saanjh bhayi, udit bhayo in ektala (Raga Yaman Kalyan) and Tarana in teentala (Raga Mishra Khamaj). Side B has Main pachhtai in keherwa (Raga Mishra Bhairavai) and Ham ka udhave in keherwa (Raga Mishra Bhairvai).