Keno Megher Chhaya Familiar songs, fresh sound
As I'm about to write this review, the sky is overcast with promises of rain [not that there's been any dearth of it over the last couple of days]. Writing about an album, titled “Keno Megher Chhaya”, seems apt.
“Keno Megher Chhaya” is Swani Zubayeer's latest album -- a compilation of Nazrul Sangeet.
An album of Nazrul Sangeet seems like a natural progression for Zubayeer. Extensive training under Ustad Mazhar Ali Khan and Jawad Ali Khan [grandsons of the legendary Ustad Ghulam Ali Khan] of Kasur Patiala Gharana has primed his voice that is inherently gifted with a grain and gayaki well suited for ghazals. The artiste did his Master's in Western Classical Composition from the Royal University College of Music in Stockholm. From his previous albums [music directed by him as well], it's apparent that Zubayeer's background enables him not only to offer immaculate renditions but also give the renditions the fitting and remarkable instrumental ambiance. “Keno Megher Chhaya” demonstrates those capabilities and highlights his artistic growth.
The Nazrul Sangeet Zubayeer has chosen for this album are all more or less familiar; some done to death. What makes this album special then? Well, everything. From the artiste's gayaki to the music direction. Bengal Foundation, which produced the album, deserves special thanks for coming out of the overly familiar Durbadal Chatterjee soundscape [no offence to Chatterjee; he is a brilliant music director]. The album maintains the usual Grade A standard Bengal Foundation is known for and also provides something new. Surely, you've heard the thumri “Uchaton Mon Ghorey Roi Na” innumerable times. Every artiste specialising in Nazrul Sangeet has recorded it or continues to perform it. But Zubayeer's renditions sound fresh. It's like the ubiquitous chicken curry, made remarkable thanks to someone's family recipe that boasts a 'secret ingredient'.
Melancholia and a ghazal singer are best friends. This affinity is apparent in this album as well: “Sur-e O Baanir Mala Diye”, “Eto Jol O Kajol Chokhey”, “Jaarey Haath Diye Mala Ditey Paro Nai”, “Shunyo E Bukey”, “Jobey Tulsi-tolaye” and “Keno Megher Chhaya”.
Zuabayeer has summoned melancholy with utmost conviction and the renditions are made memorable by every alaap and mudki. The brilliance of Nazrul Sangeet is that the compositions allow a skilled vocalist to embellish them with his/her signature vocal improvisation, much like in jazz. Zubayeer has taken full advantage of this opportunity, without excess.
If I had to pick favourites I'd go with the ghazal “Eto Jol O Kajol Chokhey” [particular for the opening sarangi/esraj], “Jaarey Haath Diye Mala Ditey Paro Nai” and “Jobey Tulsi-tolaye”.
The singer showed off his mastery over classical music in the closing number, the Baiju Bawra-esque title song, “Keno Megher Chhaya”. This Darbari composition can make anyone break a sweat but Zubayeer executed the deceptively relaxed high notes with confidence.
In summary: Highly recommended. Anyone who is into Nazrul Sangeet or admires Zuabayeer's music should certainly grab a copy.
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