A musical treat for Nazrul aficionados

Guests at the ceremony. Photo: Prabir Das

A rainy evening did not deter a huge number of artistes, journalists and Nazrul enthusiasts from turning out on July 17 at Café thirty 3, Baily road in the capital. They were there for the launch of noted singer Fahmida Nabi's maiden Nazrul Sangeet album, “Amarey Chhuiyachhile”.
Chief Guest, eminent Nazrul Sangeet artiste, exponent and editor of Star Arts and Entertainment Sadya Afreen Mallick unveiled the album. Apart from Fahmida Nabi, the event was attended by a number of music artistes, among them music arranger and director of the album Partha Mazumder, his younger brother celebrated singer-composer Bappa Mazumder; Fahmida Nabi's siblings reputed artistes Samina Chowdhury, Tanzida Nabi Antora and Ridwan Nabi Pancham; promising singer Kona; noted beautician  Kaniz Almas Khan; popular lyricists Zulfiquer Russell and Shahan Kabondho and sponsor of the album Md. Shamim Hussain, managing director of Classical Hometex Ind. Ltd.
Following the formal launch, Sadya Afreen Mallick said, “I am very glad to be here at this lovely evening to unveil the album of Fahmida Nabi. I have the highest appreciation for her artistic ability. I have heard several songs on the album. The blend of the piano and other western instruments by Partha Mazumder with Fahmida's melodious treat are very soothing. However, to set the record straight, one song “Ami Bonophul Go”, out of the nine tracks is not a Nazrul Sangeet, though listeners are often confused. The number has been penned by Pranab Roy and composed by the legendary Kamol Dasgupta. I hope Fahmida will put the song in its correct context. Fahmida has tried to express the lyrics with dexterity and her style of presentation is her very own. Like Fahmida's previous album on Tagore songs, this one will also be an interesting addition to the audio bazaar and bound to appeal to listeners.”
Artiste-composer Partha Mazumdar, elder son of legendary couple Pandit Barin Mazumder and Ila Mazumder, said “For every song, I have predominately used the piano with pieces of acoustic guitar and octapad; but the album maintains the proper tune, lyrics and essence of Nazrul Sangeet. The artiste's vocal delivery has been kept prominent over instrumental takes. I have used the tanpura for only one song. That's why the blend, I think, is perfect.”
“Fahmida apa is a favourite singer to many. The unique album is akin to an experimental one. I believe the album has become a beautiful work, because Fahmida apa recorded songs while Partha Mazumder has arranged its music. Partha Mazumder is possibly 'the best composer of Bangladesh'. I am proud that I am his younger brother. Sadya Apa has graced the occasion which is a privilege. I hope, the album will impress everyone,” said Bappa Mazumder.     
For her part, Fahmida Nabi said, “I am very happy to have put together the album smoothly. I always want to recount tales through my music. I am an adhunik singer. I wanted to present this album to my fans and Nazrul enthusiasts as a reflection of my feelings when I heard the bard's composition. The use of western instruments pattern and improvisation in the raga-based songs will hopefully be an audio delight for my audience. I must also mention that this project was initiated by Sadya Mallick and I was greatly enthused by her suggestion. It is the reason that I decided to present an album of outstanding songs by our National Poet. Under the label of Laser Vision, another of my adhunik albums titled “Tumi Abhimaney”, featuring several original songs will be released either 24th or 25th of this month.”
About her own production house Anmol (named after her daughter) the artiste said, “I have taken it on as a challenge. TV and radio channels are on the rise; but quality music relatively lags behind…”  
The tracks on the album include “Aponar Cheye Apon Je Jon”, “Abar Bhalobashar Sadh Jagey”, “Amarey Chhuiyan Chhiley”, “Kemoney Rakhi Ankhi Bari Chapiya”, “Bulbuli Nirob” and “Na Mititey Asha”. Fahmida Nabi's poduction house Anmol has produced the album.