Saturday, November 29, 2008

Aisa Lagta Hain - Echoes


Recently I did a very intimate concert at a friend's house. My generous friends hosted a bunch of strangers at their house, first during practices and then for the actual concert itself. As the weeks went on, we became close friends and now this musical journey seeks to be continued on. The theme was the songs of Sachin Dev Burman and I sang some pretty gems like Gaata Rahe Mera Dil, Tum Na Jaane Kis Jahaan Mein, Shokhiyon Mein Ghola Jaaye, Najar Laagi Raja, Deewana Mastana Hua Dil and Raat Akeli Hain. I will try to put up some version of this show on this blog. Here is the intro from the show:

Introduction to the SD Burman show

My musical compadres and I thoroughly enjoyed not only the practice sessions but also the actual concert, performed for a houseful of music lovers. The event was by invite only and only open to a small group since the concert was being held at home yet the creative yield for me and the rest of the performers was tremendous. Naturally, my voice gave out by me getting sick one week before the show (thanks Murali) and I had to somehow manage singing through the pain. The rest of the artists were so kind and caring of me, that they all decided to also get sick ;) The result was a fabulous show with a few moments of voices giving out. Mostly mine.

Well a few days after, it was still not in good shape. Yet at the request of some elders, I sang some ghazals in a home setting. A recording was made and I am actually shocked that it came out decently. This particular song is by Chitra Singh and is one of my most favorite ghazals. I have lost sur here and there, and I am aware of that. My voice dried out and I could just not get some notes out as well. I was so sick that I couldn't even sing a note till the day of the show, but somehow things managed to happen. Normally I don't put up such recordings, but I just thought it was not too shabby considering the state of my voice. Abhijit is a genius on the keyboards and I'm on vocals. That's it. The link to the recorded song is below in the player; tell me what you think.

Froggy Throat


Monday, August 04, 2008

RD Burman show in Sunnyvale, California on August 23rd, 2008



Come one, come all....

I am finally getting to do the songs of Pancham Da, a music director that has been close to my heart since I was a teenage girl. I am doing some wonderful Asha and Lata numbers which fill my heart with joy and I would love for you to come join me and share in this musical evening with all of us. From the fast-paced songs of Teesri Manzil to the gentle melodies of Aandhi, to the laughs of Padosan and the tears of Amar Prem, this show covers some of the best work Pancham Da ever created. I am honored to be able to work on some wonderful songs that my goddess (Asha Tai) has sung like the flow of a crisp brook of melodious notes...Needless to say, I am charmed with the content of the show as well as the chance to sing my idol's best work. I hope I do it justice.

Please join us and prepare to hear some of the most amazing musicians put their talents together to weave the musical history of Pancham Da's finest creations. Details about the show are on the accompanying flyer. I have my own quota of tickets to sell so please contact me via blog comments for details and tickets. Thank you for visiting my website.

With a warm and tender welcome,
Dhanno your abhinetri

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Concert for a great cause



Hello everyone,

I apologize for the silence, I've been up to a lot of mischief, mayhem and music, not in that particular order. In April I did a cool concert with a local band named Eastern Winds based on the works of A.R.Rahman. I got some exciting song choices that challenged my voice quite a bit (and especially because I got horribly sick the week prior and lost my voice). Still, the music prevailed and somehow I was able to croak out some 'tunes' much to my own amazement. I'm now taking a still break but I have some wonderful musical plans that I'm cooking up. I realize I have not posted a song in ages but that's about to change. I'm planning an experiment which shall be posted on here over the next month or so. So please stay tuned.

Most importantly, I want to speak with you all about a cause that is very dear to me. Recently a dear friend's family member had a tragic happening take him away temporarily from his beloved wife and newborn infant daughter. He is hanging from a thread and just hearing about this will make tears come to your eyes. Anand is now in a coma thanks to a cruel twist of fate and the VSNA community of the Bay Area is raising funds to assist his family pay for the huge medical expenses spent in keeping up with the treatments.

To the rescue came Siva, an up and coming little-known percussionist who performs with some music director in India :-) Jokes aside, the great Sivamani is doing a benefit concert that will assist in raising funds for Anand. The goal is to continue the treatments and reunite Anand with his wife and little daughter. Please check out the following website that has all the pertinent information and come out to see Siva do his master work. Anand and all his loved ones would be very grateful.

The website will have the pertinent information but I am including all that in this blog post as well:

A.SIVAMANI Musical Concert - Taal & Time

Featuring:
Anandan Sivamani (Prince of Percussion)
Shriram Brahmanandan (Mridangam)
Mahesh Kale (Hindustani Vocals)
Jeanette Harris (Saxophone)

For more info, Please visit:
Taal-N-Time

When?
Saturday, July 5th, 2008
Promptly from 8:30 PM to 11:00 PM

Where? ((((Please note the change of venue))))
Dougherty Valley Perf. Arts Center,
10550 Albion Road, San Ramon, CA

Buy Tickets?
Sulekha or Taal-N-Time
Price: VIP, $50, $35

Questions:
408-274-8100
Taal.N.Time@gmail.com


Help us save a life with the gift of music. See you at the concert.

God bless,
Kaumudee