Muzaffar Ali : The Master Craftsman

Ultimately an Album has been released which compiles music from films by Muzaffar Ali.The Album has been aptly titled ‘The Master Craftsman Muzaffar Ali’. The compilation contains songs of Gaman(1978)/Umrao Jaan(1981) and Anjuman(1986).The songs of ‘Gaman’ and ‘Umrao Jaan’ has been available in different compilations released by Saregama, however it is the first instance when all the four songs of the Shabana Azmi starrer ‘Anjuman’ are available at one place in CD. The cassette released in 1986 by HMV was not available for many years now.

The songs of ‘Umrao Jaan’ needs no introduction and each piece of these Khaiyyam compositions have found their place in the annals of India Music. Jaidev’s composition for the Smita Patil starrer Gaman again was pathbreaking in the way that fresh voices as Suresh Wadekar/Hariharan/Chhaya Ganguly was used by the Maestro.Chhaya ganguly went on to bag the National Awards for the ‘Aap ki yaad aati rahi’ penned by none other than Makhdoom Mohiuddin.Other perennial favourites are ‘Seene mein jalan’by Sursh Wadekar and ‘Ajeeb saneeha mujhipar’ by Hariharan.Both are penned by Sahryar who has also written all the songs of Umrao Jaan.

Not many are likely to have heard the songs of ‘Anjuman’.All the four songs are rare gems from Khaiyyam. Most important is the fact that three tracks are sung by Shabana Azmi herself and it would be sweet discovery on the singing talents of this Award winning Actress.The duet with Bhupinder ‘ Gulab jism ka yunhi nahin khila hoga/hawa ne pehle tujhe phir mujhe cchua hoga’ is simply superb.The two other solos ‘Aisa nahin ke isko nahin jaante’ and ‘Tujhse hoti bhi to kya’ by Shabana Azmi bears the unmistakable touch of Khaiyyam .

The last song is a duet penned by Faiz Ahmad Faiz and sung by Khaiyyam and his better half Jagjit Kaur.The song is ‘Kab yaad mein tera saath nahin/Kab haath mein tera haath nahin’ . The perfect vocals of the pair blends perfectly with the orchestrations in this rare masterpiece.The Album is a must buy for all those who have a ear for good music.

DVD Set of Kahkashan : A Collector's delight

A pioneering initiative was taken by the noted Urdu poet Ali Sardar Jafri in producing the TV Series during early nineties named Kahkashan which was a lively portrayal of a galaxy of modern Urdu poets. The TV Series extending over 18 parts told the lives and times of Hasrat Mohani, Josh Malihabadi, Jigar Moradabadi, Majaaz, Firaq Gorakhpuri and Makhdoom Mohiuddin. The series was directed by Jalal Agha and the music was composed by none other than Jagjit Singh. Kahkashan in a way saw the culmination of creative genius of Jagjit Singh after the Gulzar magnum opus Mirza Ghalib. Some thirty and odd selection of poems in the series have been beautifully composed keeping in view the personality of the poet and demand of the situation in the series.

The authentic depiction of lives of these poets was possible as Ali Sardar Jafri himself had the opportunity of associating with most these poets.Ali Sardar Jafri represented the last crop of eminent poets who were involved in the freedom movement and have truly believed in the friendship between India and Pakistan. All these poets lived in the turbulent times of the pre-independence era and have gone through the moments of trauma of partition. Now, this rare 2-Disc DVD Set is available which is certainly an Collector’s item.

DVD 1 depicts the series relating to Hasrat, Jigar,Firaq and Makhdoom.DVD 2 depicts the series relating to Majaaz, Josh and remaining parts relating to Firaq and Makhdoom. The choice of artistes in the series with its racy narrative littered with exquisite compositions of Jagjit Singh makes it an interesting watch. Farooq Sheikh as Hasrat, Raj Zutshi as Jigar, Pareekshit Sahni as Josh and Irfan Khan as Makhdoom have played the characters to the hilt.

Hasrat Mohani was a freedom fighter who spent almost a decade in penal servitude for writings considered as seditious by the British Government. He is the poet who has penned the hugely popular Chupke Chupke Raat Din. One would wish the refrain to continue in this soft number by Jagjit where Hasrat recites this poem in the jail remembering his wife. Roshan Jamaal-e-yaar se hai anjuman tamaam… (The beauty of my beloved is lighting the whole festivity……) is the arresting number.The Chitra Singh number in the serial Ab to uth sakta nahin..is again a soft number with sensitive portrayal by Deepti Naval. Khayal-e-ghair ko dilse mitado yaa Rasool Allah.. sung by Ram Shankar in chorus is another highlight of the series. The scene is the grinding of the mill stones by Hasrat and his fellow prisoners in the Naini Jail.

The series on Jigar considered as the mentor of Majrooh Sultanpuri has a solemn number from Jagjit -Muddat mein who phir taaza mulaqat ka aalam..The series on Firaq presents the loneliness and the misery that haunted this Jnanapith Award winner which was reflected in his poetry. Jagjit’s Kisika yun to hua kaun umr bhar ke liye…. and Ghazal ka saaz uthao bahut udaas hai raat…. are mesmerizing.

The series on Majaaz have delicately presented the personal life of the poet wherein he falls in love for a married woman and faced with the improbability of the whole affair was devastated. The heart touching Jagjit numbers Dekhna jazba-e-mohabbat ka asar aaj ki raat…. and Ae gham-e-dil kya karoon /Ae vaishat-e-dil kya karoon…makes the series all the more lively.

The dilemma faced by Josh when he has to migrate to Pakistan under pressure from his family members have been brought to live by Pareekshit Sahni. Till his death Josh could not reconcile to this trauma. It is evident in his poetry. Aye vatan mere vatan …and Kya hind ka zindaan…. are the numbers that suffices it. Jagjit Singh’s Tujhse ruksat ki who sham-e-aske-afsaan hai hai… and Kisko aati hai maee haee kise awaz doon… synthesizes into the ambience of the series .

Makhdoom was a revolutionary poet who was an active member of the Communist Party .The portrayal of this challenging character has been done justice by Irfan Khan. Nine poems of Makhdoom has been selected for the series and is sung by Kumar Shanu, Asha Bhonsle, and Vinod Sehgal. However the focal point remains the Jagjit numbers Raat bhar deeda-e-namaak mein lahrate raho…. and Ishq ke shole ko bhadkao to kuchh raat kate… For those who cannot understand the difficult Urdu couplets, the series provides subtitle in English which is an added advantage.

The DVD is released by Madhu Entertainment and Media Pvt. Ltd.,Shah Industrial Estate, Off Veera Desai Road,Mumbai-53.The DVD is also available for online shopping at Moviemart.in. The Set is a must-buy for owning this piece of musical legacy.

Sar Masti by Zila Khan : A Tribute to Hazrat Amir Khusrau

Zila Hussein Khan is the inheritor of the legacy of the oldest school of Sitar and Surbahar and the daughter of the illustrious Sitar Maestro Ustad Vilayat Khan.Blessed with a gifted voice; she has a diverse repertoire while excelling in Sufi themes. Sar Masti is a tribute to Hazrat Amir Khusrau, the 13th century genius who is considered as the father of Qawwali.

Generations of singers have lend voice to the poetry of Hazrat Amir Khusrau .What makes this attempt by Zila Khan stands out is the pooling of her wide experience which while at the same time being entrenched in her classical foundation also explores the nuances of other formats. No doubt she has performed at World Jazz Festival and Musical play in English.

The Album begins with the popular Man Kunto Maula .The highlight of this number is the beautiful tarana sung with dexterity meandering through intricate rhythmic patterns.
The second number is a recitation of poetry followed by its rendition.
Abr-Mi-Barado man bhi shabam,Aj yaar judaa/
Chun Kuman Dil-ya-Chuni,Roz je dildar judaa/
(Like the rain parts from the clouds, I too am separated from my ‘Pir’, my beloved……)
This poetry in Persian speaks the devotion of the poet to his Master Hazrat Nizamuddin.
Zila Khan portrays this poignant number manifesting the sentiment of the poet.

The next number is another popular number of the poet, Chhap tilak sab chhini re mose naina milaike …..(You took away my all, just by looking into my eyes…..)
The secular love that is transformed into divine love is the underlying theme. The vocals are again the focal point of this number.

Aeri Sakhi more khwaja ghar aaye is the selection which conveys the ecstatic outpourings of the poet following the visit of his Master. The languorous rendition to the perfect accompaniment of musical instruments is a listener’s delight.

The Album ends with the Zihal-e –Miskin Makun Tagaful, Duray Naina, Banaye Batiyan. This number famous for its witty crafting of both Persian and local dialects conveys the sublime feelings of the poet for getting the grace of his Master. This captivating rendition exhibits the exquisite voice-culture of Zila Khan .An Album that would appeal to all categories of listeners. The Album has been released by Music Today

Temple Music of Vaishnavas by Pt. Jasraj

Haveli Sangeet as it is called revolves around poetry of Astacchap poets belonging to the cult founded by Vallabhacharya based on devotion of of ‘mind, body and wealth’ to Lord Krishna. Devotional Music has been the forte of Pt.Jasraj and more so particularly for the Haveli Sangeet. His earlier release in 1989 ‘Echoes of Temple Music’ under the label of Magnasound is an outstanding Album relating to the Krishna Seva songs.

The recently released 2-Volume CD is a rendition of this exponent of Mewati Gharana in a live recording at Kenigston Town Hall, London in 2000.The Album starts with invocatory prayer Chinta Sanatan and Om Namo Narayan Dhun. The two prayers builds up the atmosphere for taking the listeners through a spiritual intoxication.

The first number Ho Charanar Patraki Chhaiya in Raga Puriya Dhanashree is where the devotee pleads with the Lord to grant him a place at HisLotus feet .It is followed by Ghata Bhara Dehu Kakhuti Tab Dehun in Raga Gauri conveying the theme of Radha and Krishna. The last number in CD 1 is the popular Mai Mero Mana Mohiyo where Radha speaks of her devotion to Lord Krishna. The rendition by the legend , as it traverses through varied scales and notes depicts an intense spiritual expression creating a sublime atmosphere. The rich and expressive voice of the Maestro makes all the difference.

The CD 2 starts with Saint Paramananda’s Mai Meethe Hari Ju Ke Bolana in Raga Maru Bihag. The song speaks about the sheer sweetness embodied in uttering the name of Sri Krishna.The highlight of the song is the perfect violin ensemble accompanying the rendition by Kala Ramnath.The next number is Lal Gopal Gulal Hamari by Krishnadas sung in Raga Adi Basant.This song in praise of Lord Krishna rendered slowly heightens the feelings of the poet in utmost devotion to his Lord. The last number is a favorite of Pt.Jasraj himself,Vraje Vasantam Navanneta Choram by Vallabhacharya sung in Raga Piloo. A soothing number sung in the traditional style wherein the main refrain is followed by supporting vocalists Tripti Mukherjee/Suman Ghosh.This piece is a perfect piece which epitomizes the theme of Krishna Bhakti. It is He who causes restlessness, yet it is the utterance of His name that brings peace to troubled hearts. Listening to the Album is an ethereal experience.
The Album has earlier been released separately by Navras Records,U.K. in 2002 and 2006 respectively and released in India as 2 CD Set in 2009 by Sony & BMG Music .

Meera - Voices from the deserts of India

Like Kabir,the theme of Meera has been a constant favourite among the singers. There is no dearth of Albums with selections from ecstatic poetry of Meerabai. MEERA-Voices from the desert of India is an attempt to present the timeless poetry of Meera sung by the traditional singers of Rajasthan which have their legacy over the past centuries.The singers Padmaram and Maheshram are members of the Meghwal community who specializes in singing devotionals of Kabir,Meera,Gorakh and Sadaram.The Album has a selection of eight tracks,with Padmaram singing six tracks and Maheshram the remaining two. These traditional compositions carries the flavour of the region which is further heightened by the accompaniment of traditional musical instruments as Tandura,Kamayacha,Sarangi,Khadtaal and Dholak.

The Album begins with Sawariyo Parnay sung soulfully by Maheshram where Meera speaks-
Rana,why should I marry a man
Who will die birth after birth?
I will marry the Dark one Shyam…
The music and the voice brings out the intense longing of Meera.
Le liyo Bairagi ro bhes and Nath Tum jaanat ho speaks of the adoration of Meera for her Lord.The melancholic strain of Padmaram’s singing makes them a listeners delight.

Ritu aai bolat meera/Nache Nandalal/Dwaraka wasi are the three compositions that presents the joyous mood of Meera in praise of her Lord where metaphors fall short in praise of her Giridhari.These songs create a sublime experience for the listeners .Surat Hari Naam se (My love is only for Hari’s name) is the number where Meera professes her intense longing for her Lord oblivious to the ways of the world.

The Album finishes with the charming number Kanha raja Mohiyo Bairagi re sung by Maheshram wherin Meera sings in ecstasy praising her Lord after being accepted as the disciple by Saint Ravidas.She imagines Lord Kanha to be coming in different form to accept her offerings .A moving and melodious number which lingers in the mind of the listener.
The sleeve notes gives a translation of these poetry in English.The Album is released by Ninaad in association with Patrika TV,Jaipur. Information on buying the Album can be obtained from the website ninaadmusic.com.

Advaita : Chantings by Dr. Subhadra Desai

Rarely does a Album comes across where the singer is both an accomplished vocalist as well as a Sanskrit scholar.This rare combination exists in the Album Advaita by Dr.Subhadra Desai. The Album is based on the Vedanta theme of Advaita or non-dualism as has been propounded through the Vedas, Upanishads and more importantly through the teachings of Adi Sankaracharya. A research scholar in Sanskrit, the mantras and the sukthas has been carefully chosen by the singer herself with lucid commentary of the sacred verses at the beginning of each composition.

The chanting of the verses has been as per the vedic traditions to the minimal accompaniment of instruments i.e, Harmonium,Flute and Manjira createing an aura of spirituality. Each word of the verses comes to life in the voice of Dr.Subhadra Desai. Purusha Suktam from Rig Veda has been selected as the first composition where the invocation is followed by the chanting in Raga Vibhas.Purusha Suktha is an important hymn of the tenth mandala of Rig Veda and is an eulogy to the Purusha.The expression etymologically signifies ‘that which fills all with strength’.

The second chant is Devi Suktham again from Rig Veda sung in Raga Bhairav. What makes the chanting more lively is the fact that these verses are chanted with the meaning and the inner purport being internalized by the singer herself. One could feel the difference.

Ishopanishad selection Hiranmayena patrena has been rendered in Raga Bilaskhana Todi. All these verses have hidden meaning.
Hiranmayena patrena satyasyabhihitam mukham/
Ttvam purusannapavrnu satyadharmaya drstaye..
In Sri Aurobindo’s interpretation the meaning of this important mantra is :
The face of Truth is covered with a brilliant golden lid;
That do thou remove,O fostere,for the law of the Truth,for sight;
O Fosterer, O Sole Seer, O Ordainer, O illumining Sun, O Power of the Father of creatures,marshal thy rays,draw together thy light;
The Lustre which is thy blessed form of all, that in Thee I behold,......
He am I.

The noble thoughts that these verses exude are a legacy of thousands of years old Sanatana Dharma of the Hindu Philosophy. Altogether this rendition is a divine experience.

Next is the famous Nirvanashatakam of Sankaracharya chanted in Raga Shree.The ephemeral nature of everything transient is stressed in this verse.

….Na bandhurna mitram gururnaiva sisya/
Chidananda rupah sivoham sivoham…

….Neither the friends and relatives,Nor the guru or the disciple/
I am the Absolute Knowledge,Existence,Bliss,I am the Shiva…
The rendition is awesome.

A selection has also been made from Suryopanishad, Namo Mitraya composed by Madhup Mudgal which again takes the listener to a new high.

A selection of Kabir, the proponent of Nirguna Philosophy keeping with the Advaita theme of the Album has been done.Biracha puche bija byccha ke mahi is the doha.
Finally the Album signs off with the oft chanted mantra from Brihad Aranyaka Upanishad in Raga Bilakshan Todi. The invocation conceives the Supreme Being as indivisible and infinite.
Punamadah punamidam purnat purnamudachyate/
Purnaya Purnamadaya purnamevavasisyate

A refreshing attempt where the listeners are bound to imbibe spirituality.The Album is released by ANAHAD(anahad_music@yahoo.co.in). The Album can be bought at underscorerecords.com.

Bhajan Dhyanam by Pt. Ajoy Chakraborty

Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty is the name that has carved out an unique place among the luminaries of Indian Classical music in the past three decades.This exponent of Patiala Gharana and Guru at the ITC Sangeet Research Academy has also been at the forefront in imparting training to younger talents at Shrutinandan, the Musical Academy established by him. Being an expert in Kirtan style of singing, the devotionals by Pt.Ajoy Chakraborty has endeared the listeners by the ‘sweetness’ of his rendition.

Bhajan Dhyanam has been conceived by Hemant Mattani of Sona Rupa Ltd.,U.K. who is the man behind many successful Albums. This Album composed by Pt. Ajoy Chakraborty has a selection of the very best in devotional poetry. The ten numbers in the Album has been rendered by Ajoy Chakraborty himself and his talented daughter Kaushiki as well as his singer-wife Chandana.

The Album begins with a Stuti in honor of Lord Ganesha,
Adi Pujita padapankajamapadamapa-ghatakam by Ajoy Chakraborty. The invocation to the accompaniment of Phakawaj speaks about melting away of all obstacles thus paving the way for success by the Lord.

The prayer is followed by Talfai bina aalam more jiya by Kabir sung by Pt. Ajoy Chakraborty. The voice modulation perfectly conveys the acute pang of separation that Kabir suffers being away from His Lord with utmost sensitivity. The beautiful poetry of Lalit Kishori follows the number in the voice of the Maestro. Re nirmohi cchabi darashaye jaa epitomizes the intense outpourings straight from the bottom of the heart by the devotee-poetess. The Maestro leaves the listener spell bind in this portrayal of the pinnacle of devotion. The signature line is mesmerizing.
….Lalit Kishori Nain chakoran, Dyuti mukhchand dikhaye jaa, Bhayo chahat yeh pran batohi, roose pathik manaye jaa..

Saint Ravi Das composition Ab kaise chhute raam rat laagi is the fourth number sung by Kaushiki. The poetry expounds the universal presence of God in every nook and corner and the inseparable relationship of the devotee and the Lord. This lone number by this exceptionally talented singer matches to the brilliance of her father.

Jai Jai Devi Jai Jaga Janani, a composition in praise of Goddess Saraswati by Swati Thirunal forms the next number by Pt. Ajoy Chakraborty sung to the accompaniment of chorus. Koi kahiyo re the Meerabai number is sung by Chandana. The ecstasy of Meera has been perfectly portrayed.

Pt Ajoy Chakraborty continues to excel in the compositions of Surdas and Tulsidas i.e, Prabhu Mere Gun Avagun /Jaun Kahan and Hari Patit Pawan. These soothing numbers grows on the listener as one hears them over and over. The last number is a duet by Chandana and Pt. Ajoy Chakraborty of a Kabir composition, Subhan Teri Kudrat Mein Kurbaan.Kabir reveres the supreme power that has created this universe. This graceful number once again is able to infuse the mood of submission.

A must-keep Album for music lovers. The Album has been released in India by Times Music .

Kabir by Madhup Mudgal

Kabir has been a favorite theme of Devotionals and every singer worth the salt has renditions of Kabir Bhajans in their repertoire. However,Kabir by Madhup Mudgal stands out in its selection of Bhajan pieces and the melodius rendition. The Album was originally released as 2-Volume cassette containing 18 Kabir Bhajans in 1999 by Music Today.

In its re-release in CD format, a selection of 11 numbers is presented from the original collection. The influence of the Kumar Gandharva who has been instrumental in grooming Madhup Mudgal as his disciple is evident in this brilliant collection. Singing devotionals is not only about good orchestration or a polished voice; it’s about manifesting the inherent spirituality of these lyrics which are spontaneous offerings by the Saint-Poets. Madhup Mudgal has been able to bring out this aspect in his singing. The choice of Bhajans has been the lesser known ones of Kabir.
The sleevenotes carry the text of all the 11 Bhajans as well as their transliteration in English.The Album starts with the fast-paced Ram Gun beladi re followed by sublime Narahari sahajey hi jinni jana and Chali meri sakhi ho. Ho Baliya kab dekhonge tohi is again a fast paced number wherein Kabir speaks of his intense longing to have a darshan of his Lord.The next number is a mystical poetry of Kabir .The Divine experience which is unique only to the aspirant is described in metaphors .Murshid nainon beech nabi hai/Syaah safed tilon beech tara is the number. Similar is the selections as Avadhu so jogi guru mera and Sarwar tati hansani tisari.The sonorous voice of Madhup Mudgal makes these rendition an unforgettable experience.

Baba jogi ek akala jaakey teerath vrat na mela speaks about the futility of frills and rituals on which much stress is laid by all religions rather than the eternal truths.Antar gati ani ani baani/Ko beenay prem laagi re/Ek achamba dekha re bhai are remaining selections sung with fervour and makes for an intellectual experience.However,the Album misses out brilliant compositions as Aise logani se ka kahiye and Chalan chalan sabko kahat hai, naa jaanun baikunth kahan hai which are a part of the original 2-Volume Cassette.

It would have been better if all the 18 compositions could have been accommodated in a 2-CD Volume .Nontheless the Album is to be possessed by all the discerning listeners of this genre of Music. The Album can be bought online at Music-today.com

Dhyan by Purushottam Das Jalota : Soulful Bhajans

Purushottam Das Jalota has been considered as the great master of Bhajans. Unlike his son Anup Jalota, his Albums though few in numbers are a cut above the rest. Most of the recording companies can not boast of enough titles of the Bhajan Samrat. Even the oldest recording company HMV has only a single double LP released in 1985 titled ‘Bhajan Satsang’ as a notable recording of Purushottam Das Jalota in its catalogue. The Album in review is Dhyan released in 1996 which has been re-released under the label of NA Classical.

This Album contains bhajans by the Master along with his disciple Sandhya Jain. Poetry of Meerabai/ Tulsidas/ Kabir/ Narayan Swami has been selected. These devotee-poets sought the Divine for the sake of the Divine and nothing else which is reflected in their poetry .The challenge lies with the singer to impersonate these feelings to create that aura of spirituality in their rendition. The rendition by Purushttamdas Jalota scores on this point.

The first Bhajan of the Album is the Meerabai poetry Nahin Aiso Janam Payo sung in Raag Aasavari. This is followed by Kabir’s Bhajan bina birtha janam sung in Raag Bhairav. Both are solo numbers by the Master himself .Accompanied by minimal embellishment of musical instruments, the graceful vocals entice the listeners. The third Bhajan is again sung by Purushottamdas in Raag Jogiya. The number is Meerabai’s Main Shyam Diwani Mera Dard Naa Jaane Koye. The Master creates the magic through his rich tapestry of vocals.

Sandhya Jain gifted with a mellifluous voice sings the fourth number in Raag Kalyan. The prayer by Tulsidas Sri Ramachandra Kripalu Bhajamana has been sung with devotion .The next number is Meerabai’s Sun ri maine hari awan ki awaz sung in Raag Maand by Sandhya Jain as solo. Though a difficult number, Sandhya Jain gracefully renders the composition.

The seventh Bhajan is Narayan Swami’s Man mohan jaki drusti padat sung in Raag Kaharva by Purushottamdas Jalota. Master in his craft, Purushottam Das Jalota again gives an enchanting performance. Kabir’s popular number Mat Kar Moh tu Hari Bhajan Ko maan Re has been sung in Raag Pilu by Sandhya Jain. This sweet number is further enriched by the sweet voice of Sandhya Jain. The last number of the Album is a duet sung by the Master and his disciple in Raag Bhairav in Dadra Taal. The song is penned by Kavi Narayan Aggarwal.

The number Jis Desh mein , Jis bhesh mein, Parivesh mein raho/Radha raman Radha Raman kaho is a sheer delight where the Maestro sings the interludes ,while the refrain is followed by Sandhya Jain. The listener is immersed in the sense of surrender to the Lord.
….In whichever country you live, attire you don and environment you dwell/Recite Radha Raman ,Radha Raman….

This Album is a must-keep for those having interest in devotional music.

Karuna by Jagjit Singh

The king of GhazalsJagjit Singh has been equally successful in his Devotional Albums, since the release of Live concert recording ‘Hare Krishna’ in 1998.His magical voice has been able to convey the sublime themes with equal élan .Karuna-A cry for compassion is one such Album bringing out the Jagjit Singh magic.

All the eight devotionals are penned by Kavi Narayan Aggarwal who has written devotional poetry for the leading vocalists including Pt Jasraj, Pt.Bhimsen Joshi, Kishori Amonkar etc. The Album mentions the songs to evoke grace of the Supreme Lord. Simplicity has been the hallmark of poetry of Narayan Aggarwal and the devotionals in the Album are a testimony to the fact.

The Album starts with Tum Karuna ke sagar ho prabhu/
Meri gagar bhardo/Thake paon hai door gaon hai/
Ab to kripa kardo
This soothing number is followed by an eulogy to Lord Rama,Patita paban naam tiharo.
The Album has four Krishna Bhajans, Krishna hai sraddha/Shyam charan man bhaye/Tum peer haro braj ke swami/Shyam naam ras barse.The singing communicates the sense of surrender to the Lord and is certain to elevate the mood and spirits of the world-weary souls. The sweet compositions in the gifted voice make all the difference. One can go on hearing them any number times and each time the compositions would sound fresh.
The other two compositions Sumiran karle charo bela and Jeevan ki Prabhu Saanjh Bhayee hai completes the Album. The poetry stresses on the ephemeral nature of the surroundings and prays to the Lord for deliverance .Once again Jagjit Singh comes up with a winning composition bringing forth the divine aspiration of the poet.

The Album has been released by EMI and marketed in India by Virgin Records. An MP3 version of the Album is also available. A brilliant Album.