Raga, in a western avatar

The remarkable aspects of each performance were stretched interludes, controlled vocals, and the combined sounds of flute and percussion. Photo: Jamil Mahmud

Those, who are familiar with Nazia Ahmed, know of her ability to render ragas and semi-classical compositions to western instruments. The young singer performed ragas -- Bhairavi, Ahir Bhairav, Jog, Yaman and Asavari -- during at a concert held at Red Shift, Bays Galleria in Dhaka on January 17.
The melange of western instruments and deft eastern classical vocals was a good demonstration of fusion.
The singer and her friends [the group known as 'Project Porikroma'] performed for over an hour, covering around 10 compositions.
The remarkable aspects of each performance were the stretched interludes, Nazia's control over her vocals, and the combined sounds of flute and percussion. Although there were bass, lead guitars and harmonium, it was the exchange of notes between the flute and percussion that really drew the senses.
When Nazia performed the song “Sajan More Ghar Aaye” [on Raga Jog], she started with an extended alaap. During this time the accompanying musicians were jamming. Nazia continued with the rendition, and her crew went louder.
The small audience raved about the performances of both the singer and the instrumentalists.
The next composition, “Shyam Sundar Ki” (on Raga Asavari) was comparatively mellow in mood.
Nazia's cover of the Nazrul Sangeet, “Kaberi Nodi Jole”, was another treat. The group's cover of the traditional song gave it a reggae avatar. Mingling of bass guitar and percussions was the dominating part of the performance.
Mithun on percussion and Jalal on flute shined. Nazrul, the popular dhol player, was on harmonium for a change, while Saif and Tahir were on lead and bass guitars respectively.
Before wrapping up, Nazia went for a brief medley and concluded with the song “Rehna Nahi Desh Birana” (on Raga Yaman).