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In memory of the Ustad
The early dawn of February 3 brought out a thousand odd Mumbaikars in their silks, tussars and kurta-pyjamas to pay an unusual tribute. An early morning (5.30 a.m.) recital of 40 tablas, who played as one in homage to their guru, the late Ustad Allarakha, on his first death anniversary. Ustads and lesser students of the late Ustad’s school played as one in memory of the man who elevated the tabla from an instrument of accompaniment to one of solo potential. As Zakir Hussain, his son remarked, “Abbaji was a true musician whose life revolved around music alone. He was the happiest when he sat with his tabla surrounded by eager students.” That morning that crinkled smile may have crossed his face as he watched the whole day resounding to music and tabla patter.

Ustad Allarakha was the most celebrated exponent of the tabla. It was a treat to watch him caress and coax his tabla, his face rapt with emotion, as he accompanied a Pandit Ravi Shankar or a Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma. Ustad Allarakha’s stage presence was unspectacular and yet, dazzling in his own beatific, charming way. He took his place on stage as a co-equal to the artist he was performing with — playing out the rhythm with his finger-tips on the tabla. And as the concert would wear on, he would tease the co-artist with a taal, a riff, and a gleam in his eye would say it all - that Ustad Allarakha was ready for action.

It was one long day of tributes in music that son Zakir Hussain, and brothers Taufique and Fazal had planned for their Abbaji’s barsi. For after the tabla tribute, it was Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma and Zakir Hussain, and rounding off the morning was Kishori Amonkar. A documentary on the late Ustad was preceded by reminisces by associates and students. Later in the evening, it was a round of folk ensembles of percussion, followed by more music by more maestros — Ustad Sultan Khan , Vikku Vinayakram and Zakir Hussain.

The late Ustad was a traditionally trained musician, and rather than abhor fusion like some of his peers, his progressive outlook to his art and to music was maybe one reason why all his sons have flourished as tabla players with as much equanimity as they have as world musicians of a heightened capability and discipline. The late Ustad is believed to have once told Zakir, when the latter was moving towards fusion as well, that whatever he (Zakir) does, he must uphold the discipline and training he has imbibed. Ustad Allarakha was privileged to have put up a shingle that could have read ‘Ustad Allarakha & Sons, tabla and percussion maestros’.

The day-long homage wound up with a late night rocking fusion performance by Vikku Vinayakram and Zakir Hussain, who were joined by international artists like the Latin percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo, Nigerian drummer Sikiru Adepoju and saxophone-player George Brooks. Other Indian musicians who enhanced the percussion line-up were Sivamani, Ranjit Barot, Fazal Qureshi and Selva Ganesh.

A predominant absentee was Pandit Ravi Shankar, who had performed with Allarakha for a quarter of a century. The two together helped popularise Hindustani classical music all over the world. Panditji had to decline participation because of poor health.

Bachchan sings again
Now the re-invented Amitabh Bachchan is back as a singer, something he has successfully played at in films like Mr Natwarlal, Namak Halal and Silsila. When he sang his own few ditties, the Big B had many a star rushing for the nearest recording studio. But then it was just a passing fad, so the playback singers had the last laugh. And how can we forget the two songs he rendered in his deep baritone for his own label Aby Baby — Eir Bir Phatte and Kabhie Kabhie. The Big B recorded a song with amchen Remo Fernandes for an under-production film with music directors Jatin-Lalit. He arrived late and straight from the sets of Kaun Banega Crorepati for the recording and, very hungry. So he gulped toasted sandwiches, by the plateful. Once fed and rested, Big B proceeded to take the mike and headphones and delivered a perfect recording! The brothers are naturally crowing loudly to anyone who cares to listen: “Amitji sang for us.”

Ramgopal Varma to direct Alisha
No, Alisha Chinai is not giving up her singing for a film. She is doing a new album with music director Sandeep Chowta. The music company releasing the album is Tips. And then, in quest for a new look to music videos, the latter have brought in filmmaker Ramgopal Varma to direct the video. Varma and Chowta are good friends. Chowta did the background score for Satya, and the music of Mast and Jungle, all Varma’s films. Alisha’s fans are hoping that with Varma directing the video, it will have a positive impact on the album’s sales. And remember how Varma has been presenting his heroines, especially Urmila Matondkar. It seems Alisha has come to the right guy. Varma’s sense of song picturisation is excellent, and Alisha might just have a winner on her hands this time. The change of a look, and fortunes, just might do the trick for her.

Robbie to take Freddie’s place?
Guess who wants to take the place of Freddie Mecury as the Queen’s frontman? Robbie Williams. He is all set to hit the stage and astonish millions of Queen fans. Why? The cheeky chappie recently blurted out his ultimate ambition to sing with the band, and the Queen boys thought he’d be great to perform a series of stadium concerts with them. Although Queen’s proposed link-up with Robbie Williams is still very much on the drawing board, the band’s guitarist Bryan May couldn’t resist another chance to set tongues wagging. “We’ve been playing around with Robbie and we like him,” he told the British media worryingly, “I think he’s a great entertainer and one of the few entertainers with a capital ‘E’ that I’ve seen emerge out of England in recent years.” Take a bow Robbie!

Now, Julio’s on the net too
Fans of Latino super charmer Julio Iglesias were absolutely delighted when the man with the silken voice and equally smooth charm was on the net, and they could chat with him online at univision.com. Julio talked about Noche de Cuatro Lunas, his latest musical masterpiece and the artist’s 77th album. Visitors to Univision.com will be able to preview Julio’s new music video and join the site’s fan club, with a music medley of his greatest hits, a photo gallery and background information. Julio’s latest album was co-produced with the well-known producer Estefano. Over the course of his 77-album career, Spain’s most famous singer has sold more than 200 million albums worldwide. Julio is the most successful Latin music star in the world, and had the first foreign-language album to sell more than two million copies in the USA, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Further, Julio Iglesias has earned an astounding 2,650 Gold and Platinum records.

Piroj Wadia

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