Grass,Hopping and Gaan

An Eclectic Night with Francisco Ruiz

2011-11-05T21:00:00.000-04:00

Francisco Ruiz- Quito Ecuador. http://www.facebook.com/Franciscoruizmusic

I may sound biased because he is my friend, but I think the audience will agree, it was one of the most beautifully crafted shows I've seen so far at Berklee.

Starting off with a solo piece Blackbird as sung by Bobby McFerrin, he invited our a capella group "the Singing Tribe" on stage and then came our spontaneous composition pieces. The first, which I was honoured to be a part of with Andrea Charls and Tracy Robertson, the 2nd with Laura LeBlanc and 3rd witih Emily Miller. The joined Eduardo Mercuri for a few Brazillian accoustic numbers, and finally the band. Paul Sanchez, Dwight Rivera, Santiago, Herrera, Fabio Rojas, Francisco Vielma and Tareq Rantisi.

(more pictures here http://www.facebook.com/thesingingtribe)

It was truly an Amazing Night. Mi amigo, you are going to beautiful places. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

The tribe practicing on the stairs

soundcheck with eduardo mercuri

Pictures by Sudheep Menon

Jazz Urbane at Scullers

2011-10-22T02:49:00.000-04:00

Having watched a super fun outdoor set at the Jazz Festival with dancing and high energy, I was excited to see this amazing band in a totally different light (or dark rather.)

Inside the Scullers Jazz Club, they were in their dark mode but still full of light to throw on to us the audience. A Beautiful set they performed leaving the many students in the audience inspired, the non-students in awe.

The amazing performers

WeBe3

2011-09-09T06:49:00.002-04:00

An amazing concert leaving us in tears and speechless.

me watching in awe (this is before the tears streamed and ruined my makeup :P)

Judy brings down the house and Rhiannon

And arrives Bobby M.

Add caption

you 3 are inspirational, your friendship, your bond and your love.

Rhinebeck Love

2011-09-05T07:42:00.000-04:00

Spent 5 of my best days of 2011 in Rhinbeck, NY, singing, learning, improvising, making friends and just falling in love with the world again :-)

There's so much beauty and positivity, thank you Bobby M for bringing such great beings together.

travelling a whole day for a 3 hour journey. Thank you Irene.


my orangeblossomness on by the riverbed.

me singing away..

Thank you again Bobby M

Dupont Circle- DC

2011-08-04T09:00:00.003-04:00

Dear Blog Readers, been off the radar as I rarely find time to blog anymore! But I just had a wonderful weekend in DC celebrating 40 years of Bangladesh Independence.

The concert didn't go exactly as planned. Rather for a while amader Current chilo na. HAHAHAHA. Despite the negativity of it. I thought it was hilarious! hehehe. Thank you Drishipat for having us. We are definitely coming back to not "accoustic" but ROCK that Circle next time.

PS: My personal favourite part of the Concert was my TREES. These are beautiful pictures of Modern Bangladesh taken by my amazing photographer friends.
The photographers who'se pictures were exhibited were.

Omar Samdani- NYC
Raihan Husain- Toronto
Faraaz A Rahim- DHAka
Taskin Rahman-DhakA

My wonderful band with whom I will perform again:

And then there was US :) our little Berklee trio

House of Blues- Reels Blues Fest feat. Brad Whitford

2011-02-01T22:14:00.000-05:00

Vinnathandi Varuvaaya

2010-11-08T14:33:00.000-05:00

Another Magnificent album by AR Rahman, specially worth mentioning. Its in Tamil, but the success of the movie and soundtrack enables it to be remade in Hindi for next year. The layout of the soundtrack reminds of Delhi 6.

I totally recommend listening to the Tamil versions.

The beautiful accapella title track:

Hosana: one of those AR Rahman sounds we fell madly in love with

South Indian Grunge Blues: (FANTASTIC)

and now i tempt you get the full album, cos there are more amazin albums there. THIS ALBUM IS THE MUST of 2010!!!

love and peace and cold (not warmth sorry) (its freezing in Boston)
Armeen

The ultimate Show- AR Rahman

2010-07-26T21:09:00.003-04:00

I was supposed to be in London for my birthday, and had planned to go to the beach and celebrate, when my friend Sami called me up and suggested we go to see AR Rahman, as he was playing that day at the O2 Arena. From that moment, when I knew I would be in the same room as AR, i started having butterflies.

The day of my birthday, I barely did anything but listen to his songs, and get ready to see him. I was so nervous as if I was really going to meet him, but in a way, I was. And boy, did I meet him!

When entering we saw people from all races, countries, all over the world, it was amazing!

The show was magical. It was a audio-visual treat. Each song had its own visualisation, ballet dancers, kathak dancers, salsa dancers, hiphop dancers and of course Bollywood dancers! Acrobats, trapeze artists, you name it, all types of performers. The best of the best of enterntainers/artists were present at this amazing show. This is and always the beauty of Rahman, that he can bring together so many people and their talents.

The band was split in half and were on the 2 sides of the stage, and they really were AMAZING. Amongst the singers were Hariharan, Shaan, Benny Dayal and other South Indian (mainly) singers! Hariharan of course stole the show with his gorgeous voice and presence, but each and every one of the musicians up there were the completely fantastic and were really at their best!

The show was split up into segments, the set changing every couple of songs (when that set would finish).
Hopefully the pictures i took from one of the back rows will do some justice

My first glance of Rahman:

The stage:

The first few segments were mainly beautiful dancers visualising the songs, joined in by the singers at certain points.

Bombay Theme:

The half way through there was a India segment where Hariharan makes his entrance clad in an Indian flag, singing "Bharat humko jaan se pyara hain" flowing into my favourite version: "Tamizha Tamziha."

My heart was bursting in joy when the intro riff of Lukhha Chupi was playing, and on top of that missing my Bondhu Tahmid, with whom I spend hours and hours talking of Rahman, in fact our friendship is very based on our love for this man. And he loves this song in the special way i do.

They had a beauitful visual of Lata Mangeshkar not on the screen but on the curtains of the set itself. Was so special and sweet:

Maximum of the show was the South Indian songs and South Indian versions of the songs we know in Hindi. I really appreciated that, that they sang the versions that were dearer to them. Plus 70% of the audience seemed to be South Indian too.

There was a solo part for Rahman and just his piano, and then he was joined by another amazing singer for a jazzy south indian song.

My 2nd favourite part was of course the Indian Classical Segment. Most of the singers came back on stage clad in traditional Indian dress. AR Rahman on Harmonium, a Tabla, a Bass and an Accoustic Guitar and the group singing chorus with Hariharan opening "Bhor Bhayee" from the Delhi 6 Soundtrack. Hariharan then continues with some more classical pieces. This led to Shaan coming to the front with a few songs, and then eventually a medley of some Rahman classics like "Piya Piya" from "Zubaida" and "Khilli Chandni" etc...

The segments jumped from fun songs From "Pappu can't dance" to a Michael Jackson tribute of "Black and White" to "Mehndi Hain Rachne Wali" covering the many genres this genius can blend and master.

The CLIMAX: the part that really touched me from within, took me from being a spectator of a show to being just one with Rahman was the Sufi Section. Rahman, clad in a white kurta and hat on harmonium and 2 Sufi Singers and a Tabla player. The amazing singer started off with a beautiful prayer song with verses from the Quran intertwined with the lyrics...Then Rahman joined in and the led to "Khwaja meri Khwaja." It was something else, the most beautiful I've ever heard or seen.
Those moments, I think, that was the one of the closest I've ever come to God.

The show ended with Humma Humma:

Audience Singing Humma Humma:

And the encore was of course : Jai Ho and closing the show with Vande Mataram

My favourite Picture :D :D

The amazing Musicians being applauded by the other performers:

Of course at the end there were chief guests and sponsore to thank haha

Sridevi with the closing credits:

Leaving in hundreds:

Of course there were a few flaws, hiccups, trouble in sound etc. But the show got much better towards the middle (ie when Hariharan came and stole the show) and especially when they did the slower songs (call me biased)

But nothing can top the genius-ness i witnessed. the New arrangements, the beautiful choreography, the flawless singing and mostly the spiritual touch it had on the audience.

Here is a clip i found online:

But all in all, from a wannabe musicians point of view, I felt like a tiny insect of a singer in the midst of this world full of talent and excellence, but in a very positive way. The energy and effort was obvious yet so nonchalant it was extremely impressive, that just thinking of the show makes me want to run home and practice more, just to reach even half the heights these talented ppl are.

I have never loved Rahman as much as I did, and it was the most special birthday I've ever had, though I really really missed Sami (who didnt end up going) and my bondhu Tahmid.

Here's a link for all the pictures I took: AR Rahman @ The O2

Rahman's affect on my life has been on many levels, musically, spiritually and in some way the my luck (maybe someday I'll write about that story too). Time flew so fast at the show, came out just when my birthday was ending and all I wanted to do was go home and get all the Tamil Albums I realised that I dont have! The coolest thing about the show was that I realised there are many many songs left for me to discover, so now i'm sitting here listening to some Tamil songs, and planning how to catch another show hehehe..

JAI HO!!

Chandalika @Nehru Centre, London Featuring Sahana Bajpaie

2010-07-14T14:41:00.002-04:00

Tagore's Dance Drama "Chandalika" At Nehru Centre with Sahana Bajpaie singing for the lead actress:

The quaint Theatre:

Spotting Bahanaz (as I call her) :

Part 1:

Chandralika:

Lives intertwined:

I loved the whole show especially the singing by Rishi Banerjee, Bahanaz and the lady singing for the Mother. The initiative and the audience turn out was inspiring. Tagore lives on through generations: our Dukhho-shukero Shathi.

Lokkhi Terra's Dhaka Launch Tour

2010-03-07T19:02:00.001-05:00

Lokkhi Terra's 2nd tour to Dhaka to launch their album.
Below is the banner, with Bhaiya's record label "Gyanjam Records"!!!! was cool to see his banner LIVE :D

Lokkhi terra at Dhaka Club- was a blast to see the old gang again, especially the ones I've played with in London, they seemed to have had a great time just chilling and eating Bengali food :-)

Our 2009

2010-02-24T04:48:00.013-05:00

So the last few entries was about the music I was tripping to in 2009. Now a more personal post. This one is more about the things that we did in 2009. By "we" I mean, my band, The Grasshoppers, my family, my friends. We're all a huge bunch of musicians/artists/music lovers, who generally spend a majority of our times immersed in music.

In general, most of the people I'm very close to are creative people, so here's a little breakdown of some the things me and my family did in 2009.

My mom Dr Nashid Kamal, released an album different from her usual genre of Nazrul Geeti; a tribute to her aunt Ferdausi Rahman. The album consists of remakes of Ferdausi Rahman's classic film and modern songs.

Along with this album my great aunt's classical album was released jointly. I sadly missed the grand release they had, held by Laser Vision. But I heard it was beautiful; my grandfather was the chief guest and they had emotional speeches etc.
2009 was also the year my bro's (LABIK KAMAL GOURAB) album "Paar Koro" released from BMC.

I think Bhaiya is one of the few "world" artists in Bangladesh, who took the time out to actually get to know the actual traditional arrangement of Baul music and make an album out of it. Arranged by himself, this album Paar Koro was a collection of a variety of folk songs; Labik Kamal plays khamak, dotara and features various artists: Jalaal on flute, ALmas on violin, Nazrul on Dhol, Buno and Resalat on bass;etc. The entire album is fully Eastern Traditionally arranged except for the last track "Asha Jawa" a last minute collaboration with Arnob. I think it kind of symbolises, where Bhaiya started, at the basics, learning khamak and dotara, to where he is going now- anywhere and everywhere.

The launching was held at Bengal Gallery, and was an awesome launch.

There are 2 AWESOME music videos by Shampa Afroz Shumu, of which I'm in one as a background person hehe.. Check them out:

Manush Bhojhle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6u-GKnw0mtM

Paar Koro (Title): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW5Gn2MVVPg

Bhaiya also got his first show as a traditional folk singer at Bengal Gallery, a prestigious affair, followed by the songs of Kiran Chandra Rai. Here are some shots of the jampacked show that took place early 2009:

So 2009 was the year I graduated, and needed to decide what to do next. I had taken a small course in Shantiniketon and was enjoying this time away from life. I think it was over these times spent alone, I found out that I was only happy when I was involved in music somehow or the other (which was not completely possible in my University life in Nottingham.) I think I'm trying to make the transition to balance my obligations, my dreams, and my happiness right now. Anyway here are some random things I did in 2009.

A very old jam session with Rajib Bhai (Double R) in NY suddenly resulted in a song for Rajib Bhai's mixed album "Adho Megh" called "AhoBaane." I hadn't a clue about this release till the day off, but turned out pretty cool. The other songs on this album are pretty cool, I was thrilled to see Oni singing again, always enjoy her voice.

in 2009, i also had a blast making a new electronic project called ara, but details of that will come later on.

But 2009 was the year I moved back to dhaka after 5 years, and it felt great. Our live shows are a blast, the audience is amazing, and I feel alive to be performing regularly.

THE GRASSHOPPERS: ADIL, AMIT, BART, AASHNA
Here are some random shots of performing in 2009:

Our first gig at IC, with Guest Upol Islam on keyboards.

Christmas Gig at Floor 6 with Saif Q from Groovetrap :D

It's been a weird year 2009; I moved from my quiet home in Shantiniketon to the bustling Dhaka, started my life as professional musician, watched my life change from a bekaar student life to a busy struggling artist lol. But so far, so amazing...

Till next time bloggers!

Songs of 2009- (4 and final)

2010-02-05T18:32:00.006-05:00

Thanks to gf Bhai who's been actually reading this and pushing me to finish this: here I go again.
I was super excited end 2009 because John Mayer's 4th studio album "Battle Studies" was set to release. We got a whiff of the album with the release of the single "Who Says" a brilliant accoustic-vibed song with (as always) the perfect lyrics.
There's yet to be a song of jm's I don't love so it's going to be mad hard to pick a few. The album is jm at his usual brilliance, I can't claim he's done something crazy or different but there he is; maturing smoothly with each album but somehow keeping a boyish charm to it. I love how he's induced blues into us: his audience; the whole album keeps bumping into bluesy vibes. I always get totallly consumed in jm's albums and this album is no different. Don't know how to justifiably describe these songs
"Heartbreak Warfare"is a wonderful opening to the album, a love song essentially, very JM:
"If you want more love, why don't you say so?"
"All we ever do is say Goodbye"- is one of the songs in the album I always search for, the slow pain release grooves. It almost makes me want to be in a dysfunctional relationship to have such pains to write about.

2 things I didn't like of the album was: a) The cover
b) Taylor Swift's voice suddenly appearing out of nowhere in "Half of my Heart"- think as you may, but I just didn't like it there, didn't go, in my opinion.

perfectly lonely, Crossroads, War of my life, Do you know me at all- all great songs, each different in their own ways, bluesy/country etc.

"Edge of Desire" a wonderfully more music based track, is another slow one (if you're reading the blog, you'll know i favour them more) with a wonderful guitar solo.
I love the lyrics of the last track "Friends, lovers or nothing" when it stops midway and goes:
Anything other than yes is no
Anything other than stay is go
Anything less than i love you is lying
But the best best best track in this album is the incredibly intriguing, sexy and superbly written and composed " Assassin;" you have to listen to it to know, that it's almost like a story that reveals itself at the end. (I won't give it away, go and have a listen ;-P

A brilliant musical venture in 2009 was Pakistan's COKE STUDIO produced by Pakistani producer Rohail Hyatt, where they integrated various artists from various genres, to perform their own songs, and jam together both vocal and instrumental, I guess it was a more "planned" jam or composition.they've done a more than fantastic job here; a full setup house band with (i'm assuming) some of Pakistan's finest musicians steady throughout, and guest celebrity artists. I especially enjoy their backing vocalists, who chime in at the right places.

There were 2 seasons, and since it was an experiment, the songs kept gettiing better, the fusion intensifying. Beautiful solos, jams, was a pleasant place for my ears.
From the 2008 episodes my favourite is Balaman: a beautiful piece by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, although sadly interrupted by Ali Azmat. Hate to be blatantly honest about this, but it was a great occasion to hear RFAK jam Indian Classical, I wish it had been only him in the jam. ANyway, it's worth listening to for RFAK's beautiful work.
The other jam they did of Garaj Baras was really good though. RFAK really added a new dimension to the song. RFAK also sings some of his uncle Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan;s famed songs in Coke Studio like Shama Paiya.
Strings was also in the ensemble, they as always gave a solid performance. The entire beauty of the show is the jamming of the vocalists.
2009's season was Amazing: the vocalists sing a couple of their own tracks with the setup who interpret the songs in a new way, and then they integrate and jam off each other.
Of the solo songs, my favourite was "Khamaj" and "Ankhon ke Saagar" by the lovely Shafquat Amanat Ali Khan. I did small little intricate things to my already favourite songs. He is really something else.
A duo I discovered to my pleasure was the female dua "Zeb and Hania" a guitarist and vocalist with a fantastic sound. They have an album engineered by Mekaal Hasan, which I am yet to listen to, but they performed a track from that album called "Paimona" which was truly beautiful, the vocals lilting yet confident, and there was a wonderful dotara solo at the beginning.
The duo also did a jam with Mekaal Hasan Band's Javed Bashir in a song called "Chor Diya"- this one really stood out- Wonderful song.
I don't listen to Atif Aslam, so wouldn't know how his tracks were, but other than that, there's something beautiful going on with Coke Studio, anyone who loves Eastern Classical, or Fusion, or World Music should definitely check this out.

Every Rahman fan like me, was filled with pride at the International recognition in 2009 that Rahman received by getting the Oscars for Slumdog Millionare- He's really branched out to incorporate much more in his songs, which is a super treat. My favourite song was "O Saya" a crazy song i tripped on my daily subway rides during my time in NY. "Jai Ho" of course was fantastic, a real moral booster positive song.

A big favourite of 2009 was the album "U" written by Indraneel Chattpadhyay composed by Bappa Majumdar. It was a collection of poems, some recited by Joyonto Chattapadhyay and some turned into songs by Bappa Majumdar and Shawjeeb. I felt, that due to this being a special non-commercial project, all parties allowed themselves to be free with their creativity and I truly enjoyed Bappa Bhai's drifting more into classical'ish ventures; in not just one or 2 special tracks, but in all the songs.
I loved Paper Porinam- both Bappa M and Shawjeeb's versions
I especially enjoyed Joyonto C's recitation, the way you can hear him smile in some words, his expressions are brilliant, and his voice has this comforting feeling.
The songs are placed in such a way, that each recitation leads into a new song.
Bappa M and Shawjeeb are really singing brilliantly, (which is no surprise)- and I think some of Bappa M's best compositions went into this album and production was fantastic.
Shawjeeb's "Korkot" is another song I recommend highly.

The overall sound was kept ambient, but I felt Bappa Bhai really tuned one of his top songs in the song Dishna Amay Jete.- the melody is just touching in the best ways.

My friend's Rousseau and Rupom's album "Joloj Khela" released this year FINALLY! Firstly I just want to mention, the duo's name "BIM" is the BEST name ever, I wish I'd thought of it- it stands for Brothers in Madness!

Anyway me and this album go way back, mainly because the album was made 4 years ago; and also because I was one of the few people who actually had it since it was made. So this is not really a 2009 review. It's been released by Fahim music, sadly as all debut albums go, limited promotion and attention is given to it, which is tragically how I believe good songs only remain in the ears of only interested parties.
BIM is not really of any specific genre, it's bouncing off the walls of many genres, and since it's essentially a progressive guitarist and an Eastern vocalist, there's really Madness in the album. Rupom has this awesome raw tone which he uses in a few songs that really generates the Real madness energy, topping it off with Rousseau crazy guitar playing. Another point I must mention, is the attention to good lyrics BIM.
The first track Aroho: is a real intro into the album; starts with a bang. The duo really made the most awesome teaser ever, and Aroho was the perfect track for it:

The most loved song of the album is the song "Nilimay"- a beautiful love song, one of those tracks everyone seems to fall for.

I am biased, i totally admit, I like all the songs. but I'll elaborate on a couple from the top of my head. "Rongomela" - has a tune that hits you, folkish- and the solos were super.

Kanai is a super cute song, sung by Rousseau not Rupom (who is the main vocalist)- it's a remake of a folk song, and has nice rnb'ish groove to it. Bangladesh music scene, at one point was very favourable towards that genre, and I think had it been released at the right time, it would have been a proper hit. This is one of my top favourites.

Rousseau sang another track called "Danamele" which to me is the most interesting one in the lot. It's a very musicians' song, if I may say so.

There is a tragedy in the album . Their title track "Joloj Khela" is a "gaye kata deya" song, and it was written by one of Rousseau's friends Shumit, who sadly passed away recently tragicly. I had the pleasure of meeting this lovely guy, we hung out a couple of times and even the little time we spent was impressionable for me, I always have tears in my eyes when I hear this song and remember him.
(thats shumit bhai in the mirror) The album is dedicated in his memory.
BIM has dared to venture out to remaking Nazrul Islam's songs, "Jogee" and "Megher Domru." Both in 2 directions; Jogee a darkish, running rock-based song; while Megher Domru is a sweet song that reminds you of rain and hinting sunlight. One of my favourite solos of the whole album is the beautiful acoustic solo in Megher Domru, showing Rousseau's softer side for a change.
Another song that reflects Rousseau's softer side is "Bhabchi Eka"- the song has an ambience of floating on clouds, which I loved.
The last track KHEPA BAUL is kind of the most energetic, "craziest" track, like real crazy- starts of with the "ok ok" that both brothers are known for. (inside joke)
Anyway, there some boo-boo's I will say. Didn't love the mixing in a few songs, and I think the brothers could have sung a couple of the tracks a lot better.
But the overall album gives off the vibe of versatile musicians, with a raw new generation Bangali-ness to them despite being US bashis : they are mad and lazy and crazy and they did something that is rare these days: that is: whatever they wanted.

From the Wake up Sid soundtrack I loved the song "Iktaara"- the vocals, composition everything was really lovely.

Another song I really enjoyed in 2009 was AM Fahim's "Mornings with a you" a beautiful instrumental track that throws to you exactly the emotion of the title.

2 of my favourite groups released their albums in 2009: Theivery corporation's "Radio Retaliation" and Zero 7's "Yeah Ghost" but I am yet to listen to them properly, but so far they are fabulous!

So yes, I was saving the best for last: Mekaal Hasan Band's long awaited record "Saptak." MHB has been releasing music videos over the last few years "Jhok Ranjan," "Andholan" and "Huns Dhunn" but this year the final album has launched.
Words can never do MHB justice, such precise planning, technical brilliance, yet soul stirring, intellectually stimulating and haunting music.
"Chal Bulleya" is one of the BEST produced songs I've ever heard in my life, with a SUPERB video to match. I think I've heard this song a billion times, thus giving little attention the rest at first.

It's super hard to pick favourites in such an album that reeks brilliance throughout, but the one that hit me hardest was "Huns Dhunn" based on Hamsadhwani raag with the most beautiful intro by Pappu on flute, flowing into the beauty of this incredible raag; really took my breathe away. Salute to MHB.
This is the MUSTEST buy of 2009. Go to itunes NOW.

Yes, I know it comes off as if I'm saying every song written about in this blog are brilliant, but that's precisely what the 2009 review was about, about the positive parts of Bangla and International music- and my 2009 playlist. Life is too short to elaborate on the negatives.

PS:I was listening to my 2009 playlist kind of like a goodbye while writing the final part of this blog post and I realised my favourite song of 2009 was "Rehna Tu" by AR Rahman :D (Huns Dhunn was from 2008)

Songs of 2009- (3)

2010-01-30T16:31:00.000-05:00

Okay so writing part 3 is exciting me. Mainly because I listen to the songs as I write about them and write now I'm listening to "Leftrightleftrightleft" and feeling happy happy happy :D:D:D

It's no secret that Coldplay is my favouritest band in the planet, they've played a huge role in my mental life, saving me, helping me, depressing me, highs and lows, since I was 15 years old.
Those of you who have been reading the blog, I went to one of the opening shows in Madison Square Garden from "Viva La Vida" and I say again, there is no other experience in this world, that takes you above and beyond this materialistic world than seeing Coldplay live.

So I was super excited to hear that they were releasing a live album based on the tour and free! It was a gift to us fans. As Coldplay said "how can we charge for this album? we'd have to pay royalties to the thousands of singers in the audience who sang on the record."

The album has variations of their old songs, a couple of new ones, and a HUGE presence of their audience in the songs, for those of you who haven't been there will just be able to slightly get how intense, how full of life and love the shows are. The whole album is energetic but slows down for its soft moments as in for "Fix You" when Chris Martin gives the mic to audience and they sing "Lights will guide you home and ignite your bones" (in tune may I add) and the beautiful height of "tears stream down your face" (i still cry every time i hear this part). There's a cute new song called "Glass of Water" and their drummer sings the song "Death will never conquer".The climax of the album is "Viva la Vida" where the whole audience chants along with the "WHOAAAAA" again and again throughout the whole song, not allowing it to end.

Although I know the live album is not from the NY show, I like to think all of our voices are on this album, thank you Coldplay for this wonderful present, once again you brighten up my life just by being you.

Another favourite musician "Norah Jones" released an album this year called "The Fall"

Was eagerly looking forward to her new ventures in music and I was not disappointed in any way. As far as I know she worked with some new artists and has brought about a different sound to her name, sort of a grungy jazzy thing, especially with the song "Chasing Pirates." But don't fear old fans of Norah Jones, she has her soft acoustic guitar and piano based songs as well as her lullaby'ish slow songs throughout the album. It's a nice mesh of some distortion and heavy drumming with her old jazzy sound and an old bluesy vibe, they all suit her beautifully and I'm happy to see her on her adventures.
It only released in November, and I havent really had a chance to grasp the whole album, but I do already have some favourites: "Chasing Pirates" , "Stuck", "Back to Manhattan" (beautiful ballad) and "I Wouldn't need you."

So this album is more of a discovery of 2009, though released in 2007. It's "The Opposite Side of the Sea" by Oren Lavie. I stumbled upon him, due to his incredible stop motion video of his beautiful song "Her Morning Elegance" (thanks to Adil Bhai.) Me and bedueen spent hours and hours just watching this video on repeat, there's a total beauty in this song, the lyrics, melody, the picturisation and the handsome artist himself. The Israeli singer/songwriter Oren Lavie has a unique sound, his songs take you to the opposite of the sea with his deep bass voice and his extensive use of violin, cello and the classical touch which is rare in mainstream or rock music. My find of 2009 is definitely Oren Lavie, and the video is a MUST WATCH: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_HXUhShhmY

Calvin Harris- "Ready for the weekend": this 26 year old Scottish producer who is now working with Kylie Minogue is has really impressed me with his song "I'm not alone" (blogged about already)- am yet to hear the whole album, but I hope it's going to be as bare the single :-)

Going back to Bangla songs, one of my favourite female vocals Nancy (from Habib Bhai's albums) released her solo album. There were several producers on her album, and so got to hear new sides of her voice. But I favoured tracks 1 and 2, composed by Habib ; he really knows how to direct her, pronunciation, throwing, etc wise; he brings out the dreamy girly voice in her, really beautiful. I recommend these 2 tracks highly.

Kailasa- a fantastic band featuring the raw beautiful vocals of Kailash Kher came out with their 3rd studio album called "Chandaan Mein." Like their previous records, this also featured some Sufi songs, some originals, a blend of Kailash's rawness with Naresh and Paresh's fantastic western production and wodnerful backing vocals. These 2 brothers are really something, they manage to take place the right amount of Indian and Western-ness with Kailash's voice. The album's highlight was the title track, a slow moving song "Chandaan Mein" featuring the very cute and appropriate backing vocals the brothers give with their boyish voices in contrast to Kailash's folky one. Bedueen and I tripped on this song on long road trips.

As Bhaiya said when he heard this song, "Na Bin Bataiyen (Dha dhin dhin na)" was based on a concept many musicians have tried, with the tritaal's dhin dhin na, but this version seems to be the most successful we've heard so far as far as fusion goes. (you have to hear it to get what I mean.)All 3 members of Kailasa sing wonderfully in the perfect fun energetic motions in this one.
A few of the other tracks are sort of Bollywood'ish, similar to the type Kailasa is producing for the films nowdays. But another track that super stands out, arrangement, composition-wise is " Rang rang ma" almost drum and base'y vibes with the khomok tabla and drums all together, another round of multiple vocal tracks (my weakness) and then a slow down and build up in the middle (another weakness.)
("Tere Naina" was added as a bonus track from their previous album "Kailasa" and it is in another league altogether, but don't want to compare albums!)
Naresh and Paresh are completely fabulous producers, anyone who haven't their work, RUN and get a copy!

Okay part 3 over, hopefully I can complete part 4 (last part) by tomorrow and commence with my Jan 2010 play list hehe.. yes i seem to be on a roll right now (due to the fact I have an exam, thus feel like doing everything else but study hehehe)

Arm

Songs of 2009- (2)

2010-01-28T17:42:00.001-05:00

So here starts the 2nd part of my 2009 music review..

Gurus of Love: a short album with mainly 3 songs. Arnob's song "Naam Chilo Na" was a fantastic one on his part, also liked Habib bhai's new venture into a more alternative sound, it's these little projects when we get to hear his other side.

3rd person Singular Number OST- I really enjoyed this one. It's always fantastic to hear new songs by Leemon Bhai. But the 2 songs that really came to me were by Nancy. I personally think Habib Wahid and Prince Mahmud's best songs yet; were the 2 songs sung by Nancy in this album, "Didha" and "Ke je kaar" respectively. Strongly recommended these 2 tracks.

Jaago OST- produced Arnob- the soundtrack included many vocal collaborations including Milon Mahmud, Kona, Zohad, Kumar Bishwajit..but my picks are "Keno Chole Gele Duure" a soft song with a "rabindrik" approach; and "Pothe Cholte" by Rupam a lively happy-go-lucky song.

Another Bangla album I've favoured in 2009 is Shami feat 365, a folk song remake album featuring the vocals of Wakeel,Shaon and Deb. I've been used to hearing him in a different sound, so it was interesting to hear his outlook on fusing folk music. The radios favoured "Cholo Na Udashi" the most, but i enjoyed "Mon jaare chai" especially the flute solos.
Oh! and the cover was superrr nice.

My most favourite album in Bangla music in 2009 was Zaki Aman's "Aushadharon."
His home recorded "tomake bhebe lekha" has been a big part of my life since 2004 when I first heard it in my first year dorm room in Nottingham Uni from a fellow student. We later got introduced through mutual friends, and I like to think my perpetual requests and pleading played a role in getting him to Dhaka to record his solo album.
Zaki Aman has never been a professional musician, although he had a band when he lived in Dhaka many years ago. Thus his songwriting has been purely for himself. In terms of genres, he is a singer/songwriter, ie his lyrics play a major role in the entire song. But there's something about his melodies and lyrics, his mood is a "soft light evening" or "late night moon" mood; they hit a spot. Another thing about his music, is that, having been away from Bangladesh from so long, he hasn't been influenced by the Bangla Music around him (which sporadically happens with the rest of us actively in the scene), his exposure to Bangla Gaan is from the late 90's and so there's a touch of that in his songs.
But the highlight of his songs are his unique guitar plucking, which are the root of the songs. Many of us who had his accoustic home recorded demos may have a better grasp of knowing who he really is, a man and his guitar.

The album is an extended version of that; it is more like an MTV Unplugged album, he added little jazz piano solos, saxophones, light percussions, soft drums etc to his original formations. I was around on and off during recording, and to my biggest honour I was offered to play a small role, small humming in 2 of his songs. It was a beautiful experience in this day and age, to be such a big fan of someone, to actually Like them and befriend them in real life (very rare in our music scene), and to play a role in the songs I've been in love with..

Anyway coming back to the album:it wasn't perfect, It does have its flaws of course in mixing mainly; but those who work in studio's know how hard it is to make an album, but I must give ZA credit, coming from no musical production background he beautifully directed all the musicians to play their roles in their songs, and did a stellar job as a first time producer. I love them all, but here are my top favourites:

Gaangchil- a song he had written for his band back in the day, its a got a "band" vibe and i love the chorus.
"Hajar manusher majhe becheo, Eka.."- i think everyone in their lives has experience the emotions expressed in the lyrics of this song, very relatable song- as he looks at life from a loner's eyes.
Aushadharon- the title track (i hum throughout the melody)- the best sides of ZA, as a lover. He has a unique way of placing the loving words in a melancholy yet romantic tune.
Tomake Bhebe Lekha or (TVL as ZA likes to call it)- I think it's one of those songs I can never get tired of listening to. I tried my best to pochafy it, i heard the accoustic one a billion times in my dorm room, I heard the version Shanto Bhai sang in Fuad's Variation #25, i heard a 2nd accoustic version, I even sang in it (so had to hear it over and over during recording), I have videoed Zaki Bhai and watched it over and over, but here I am at 4am listening to it 5 years later, it is truly one of the best Love songs made by a Bangladeshi musician in my lifetime.

And those few seconds that I hum, at the end of the song, i feel like i am the "tumi" in tomake bhebe lekha....

yes I am his documented biggest fan :D and it feels wonderful to openly love someone's songs and still maintain that love after being friends with them in real life. Zaki Bhai, thanks for this gift.

Okay, that's it for part 2, more parts coming soon :-) all parties interested joining my regular mailing list, leave comments..blog soon ;-)

Songs of 2009- (1)

2010-01-26T15:05:00.000-05:00

Okay so I'm terribly sorry to the people who actually read this blog, that I haven't written for a year.

2009 wasn't the best of years for myself, and there was something going on every second consuming my mind and soul. I am so glad that it's over and I plan to craft this year my own way. Anyway this post isn't about the negativity of 2009 but of the positives. Comparatively I actually didn't listen to a LOT of music last year. But here's a take of some of the favourites.

2009 began with AR Rahman's "DELHI 6" Rahman songs need no elaboration, each one is a piece of art, Masakkali, Genda Phool, Bhor Bhai etc all played a big role in the soundtrack of my life. But the highlight of the album was Rahman Saab's own voice in "Rehna Tu"- sung about Delhi, in a way that perfectly describes your home, and if that wasn't enough Rahman played the most superb solo, that took my breathe away. As GF bhai said, if only we had the power to write such a beautiful tribute to Dhaka.
I couldn't help myself but add a bit of the lyrics of this heavenly song:

Rehna tu hai jaisa tu,
Thoda sa dard tu, thoda sukoon,
Rehna tu hai jaisa tu,
Dheema dheema jhonkha,
Ya fir junoon,

Tujhe chahun jaisa hai tu,
Mujhe teri baarish mein bheegna hai, ghuljaana hai,
Tujhe chahun jaisa hai tu,
Mujhe teri lapat mein jalna, raakh ho jaana hai..
Tu zakhm de agar,
Marham bhi aake tu lagaye,
Zakhm pe bhi mujhko pyaar aaye..

AR Rahman; like every year, dominates a fair share of my playlist. But this year I was in for a treat, he had released a special non film album called "Connections" a collection of songs he made for himself and may I say it is only in such albums, that you hear who he really truly is, full of rich Indian Classical instrumentals and others intense songs.

My favourites are "Mylapore Blues" a south indian blues song, and "Man Chandre" featuring the intesnely beauitful vocals of Sukhwinder Singh, but the highlight for me was the voice of Shraddha Pandit in the first verse... those of you who haven't hear this one, you MUST.

Kishon Khan's project "Lokkhi Terra'- a world music project, released their album "No Visa Required" in England. The England version features Anusheh (from Bangla) and Aneire on vocals and a variety of London based musicians in the album. The version to be released in Bangladesh will have a new outlook to it with remixes and another singer Sohini's vocals (which will be reviewed next year :P) My favourite song is Naiya Re, maybe I'm biased, as I've performed this song with Lokhhi Terra or because it's the one that is most Bangali.

Guitarist/producer Rousseau Mannan is a good friend of mine, and while we were working on a new project (details later on), we were sharing music with one another. And he stumbled on this beautiful peice on youtube from a West Bengal film "Antaheen".

We later found some of the other tracks, Antohin and Muthor Rumal, piano based songs with some funky samples (i think?) and moving solos and lyrics; and in general great sound. But the tip of the iceberg was a song names "Shokal Ashe Na" by Sreya Ghosal, the perfect accoustic song with just jazzy sounding vibe, accoustic guitars, piano and Sreya Ghoshal's "allahdi" side..

Niraj Chag, a British producer whose music i really enjoy, released his second album "The Lost Souls"
My 2 picks from this song are "Trace" - a random with scattered sargams, beats and generally a very "Niraj" song, and "Sawaan"- a traditional Indian melody placed beautifully with Indian percussion but produced with the right strings/orchestration/bass to hit that note in my fusion loving place, allowing the rich Indian-ness to stand out amidst other complimenting sounds.

Raving and remeniscing

2010-01-18T17:34:00.002-05:00

Okay so my new year's resolution is to blog more, write more, sing more. I have a mailing list i send music to on a regular basis, (anyone interested to join reply to this post) but anyway I'm going to try to add a few of those posts here on my bloggy blog...

its surprising where i can get music from on a random day. yesterday i heard this bare song in Rabbu's car (very very old school friend who i rarely see let alone ride his car) and this song played a familiar tone in my head. back from London rave days in Old Street, ... aah london i miss it...

its an electronica one....bare bare bare sweet:

Calvin Harris' "I'm Not Alone"- (Dead Mau5 Remix)

2008 and Music

2009-01-08T09:38:00.004-05:00

Well I planned to write this in December, but got caught up with my Mama's wedding, so now sitting to write my 2008 review (musically) while I fight this nasty cold which the entire biye bari has caught. Lol.. here are just some highlights I remember right now:

Jack Johnson's "Sleep through the Static"- I don't remember the order of the albums in which i listened to them, but I think Sleep through the static is the first album i stumbled across in 2008. I admit when I first listened to it, i was not as taken i was when I first heard Brushfire Fairytales and I had set it aside for a while thinking that maybe it isn't my cup of tea. But throughout the year, it has grown on me slowly and steadily. JJ has kept his acoustic sound, but it seemed a little darker this time, which maybe took some getting used to seeing that JJ is one i turn to for absolute happiness. I think he used more electric guitar this time with more trebly sound. But "Go on" is a sweet one, while "Adrift" has a little romance to it while "what you thought you need" is one i clung to for the catchy humming and the title track and its beautiful lyrics:
Who needs sleep when we’ve got love? Who needs keys when we’ve got clubs? Who needs please when we’ve got guns? Who needs peace when we’ve gone above But beyond where we should have gone? We went beyond where we should have gone

Habib Wahid- Bolchi Tomake- From Bangla music, this is one album I listened a fair bit. Although I liked Habib Bhai's Shonno for its genuine poppishness, Bolchi Tomake is a different album, using more his "love song" approach than any other. Didn't like all the songs, but Goudhuli Logon, a duet with Nancy is definitely a winner, bringing to attention Habib Bhai's lovely Indianish influence on love songs.

Another Bengali album out in 2008 was Kata Taarer Bera by DJ Raf and Jasper. This album is a real hiphop/rnb album in contrast to the dare-I-say wannabe hiphop and rnb knock offs. The intro The History, was really my favourite, a song i blasted when I drove around Dhaka city, on the days I stole the car keys from Elias bhai, a blend of dotara, VERY well done rap and a baul chorus, the perfect Dhaka Dhishting song. Other tracks i loved were Club Sokhina, a remix of the famous Oh Sokina gesosh Kina, and Keno Niley Ei Poth, a song with which I related to every word rapped out, targeting the drug addiction in Dhaka city. It also brought my attention to a very talented musician and producer and singer Jasper whose diversity was only sampled in this album. His classically trained voice smoothes in and out of many genres, excelling at each he touches, and another achievement of 2008 was collaborating with him for a track on his solo album.

Where Rivers Meet- Zoe Rahman and Idris Rahman. These two immensely talented musicians, I've had the pleasure of spending time with and featuring on my album, released their cd which delivers a beautiful interpretation of some classic Bengali songs. A mix of West Bengal modern songs, Abbasuddin, Rabindrasangeet Zoe and Idris have tread where noone else in Bangla music has ever gone, the instrumental jazz versions of these songs. And may I say what beautifully refreshing and genius album it is.

Dostana Soundtrack- Shankar Ehsan Loy do it with this fun album, which has us singing along in Khabar Nahi and dancing our pants off in Desi Girl and Ma Daa Laadla.

Bondhuta- mixed album- Another Bengali album is a compilation of songs of which stand out Dr Osama by Karnishe Magpaie, a groovy song with thought provoking lyrics. Another pleasant surprise was the subtle production of Dokhiner Janala by Tahsan, and of course Arnob's Bhoboghure was genius as always (i had heard that this song was originally supposed to be the title track of the song later renamed Doob)

Shayan'er Gaan- Shayan- Although I admit that I do not have the capabilty to completely grasp every underlining meaning of the lyrics in this album, i thoroughly enjoyed and was awed by her superior lyrics and melody, my favourite being "Bhoi Peyona Tumi." A long awaited album delivered at a time when our people needed hope.

Jason Mraz is one of the new artists I fell i in love with this year. Introduced to me by Tariq Bhai, Jason Mraz brought joy to my heart to hear what I like to call just music, no genres. But romance, reality, hope, disappointment- it was all there in beautiful melody and the Perfect production. His album We Sing, we dance, we steal things was devoured by myself and it came to me at a beautiful time too, when I moved to Shantiniketon, knowing noone, and The Dynamo of Volition was my everyday rickshaw ride song. I'm now going backwards to listen to his previous albums this year :-)

Dido's return with Safe Trip Home has been awaited by me for years. And there was no disappointment there, with the opening single Dont Believe in Love which I Loved! The rest of the album sounds just like the way she was, dark romance. I admit haven't gotten the chance to thoroughly listen to it as yet, but have enjoyed my first few listens.

Another discovery this year was the genius of Antoine Dufour. his 2008 album Existence dominated my ears ever since I lay my hands on that album. I don't connect to all instrumental albums, and particularly need the main line to be vocalish or "leading" and this is exactly what his expertise is. He leads with melodies prettier than clouds the whole time providing the perfect bass lines and harmonies on that singular acoustic guitar on that singular take. Genius or what? My pick of this album is "Song for Stephen"

Another person who dominated my playlist this year was Amos Lee another musician I randomly stumbled across. I think it was when his song Colours was featured on one of my regular soaps ( i like to call them) when i dug out his discography and completely fell head over heals in love with this incredible singer.
For those who haven't listened to him, his music is jazzy while his vocals are rnb with southern influences, and a lot more. He's groovy, soft, loud all at once.
Anyway his 2008 album Last Days at the Lodge got released, and although I havent really gone through it, I am in love with every song especially "Jails and Bombs" and "Won't let me go" Amos Lee is just BRILLIANT I LOVE HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monpora Soundtrack- Arnob- The entire album was good with KrishnoKoli's touch all over the album. But the song that stood out was Shonar Moina sung by Arnob, really something. That song just took me back to Arnob and his folk singing days with Bangla. It was the perfect production and the perfect singing on Arnob's part, and really one of the best songs he's ever produced.

Arnob-DOOB While we're on the topic of Arnob, Doob is also another 2008 album. I'd been hearing these songs in the making since last year and when it finally came out, it wasnt a big shock to hear what was on it obvously. Each song has its brilliance, but Noyono Tomare was sth different altogether as it was Arnob's first release of a Rabindrasangeet. It's safe to say Doob reflected a transition in Arnobs music from the Shantiniekton early 20's young lad, to the 30 year old SuperSTar he is now. Yet some songs with Sahana Bajapie's lyrics tied him down, and those will be incrdibely missed.

Kailash Kher- Kailasa is a band i frequently listened to this year and their production of Dasvidanya Soundtrack was wonderful.

Towards the end of 2008 I started to listen to Tabeer, the solo of Shafquat AManat Ali Khan. Although I terribly miss the rest of the band Fuzon (who also released their 2nd album Journey with a new singer in 2008, and good one too), there are some songs where I hear noone but Shafquat's beauty, especially in the song "Khairheyan De Naal" a song that i lay awake all night listening to on repeat. Such beauty is hard to find these days, bless you Shafquat and songwriter.

A great joy to listen to this year was my mate's album Groovetrap. I had been hearing demos and live versions so I was quite familiar to some songs, while others were complete surprises. Shopno Abeer, Khuje Pabe are my favourites but each song has its special funk to it, and I'm still going through his album in 2009.

Lastly My own album Aye Ghum Bhangai came out. And although it's my own album I can still listen to it (or parts of it) as an outsider as all the instrumentation was by some great friends and musicians I've had the honour of working with. Everyone who played not only brought to reality the sound i had planned, but took it a step further by adding their own genius to the song. Adil Bhai especially was sweetest to my ears his short but incredibly sweet solos throughout the songs. and Idris and his mesmerizing solo which always made me miss my queue during recording while i got lost in his notes.

Well that's all that I can remember right now, I obviously listened to a million more songs but at this moment this is what I rejoice listening to in 2008. iT was a great year for music and for me, never a dull moment when it came to listening to albums and I pray 2009 stays the same.

Around the world in Dhaka

2008-09-15T22:56:00.009-04:00

Although most of my 2 months spent in Dhaka this summer was unfortunately getting very ill, the first couple of weeks I managed to have some good fun, and see a few interesting shows.

I went to a Le Saigon show for the first time. It was Laila's show, which was a very pleasant and entertaining performance. Her classic beauty and voice, gave the place an atmosphere of a jazz cafe in New York. She sang off tracks (a very hard thing to do!) song after song, covering many artists from many eras, from Sade to Colbie Calliat to Frank Sinatra.

I especially enjoyed her own song, she wrote about a love-hate relationship which ultimately turned out to be with a mosquito! I would definitely love to hear more of her original stuff. Overall she kept the audience on their toes, but lightly with her little jokes and stories, keeping us involved in the show (another very hard thing to do, involve your audience!) She mentioned how she performs with guitarists and other musicians abroad, which has developed my eagerness to see her with a band next time :-)

A totally different show I saw the same week at a more personal space:

A Night with Rob Fakir: This Kushtia Baul is no new name, and it was our luck that we got a very close and personal cosy show with him in August. A close friend of ours invited him down to Dhaka for an all night jolsha in a small open-air little room, in the middle of a large chunk of land filled with trees. In our urban jungle, it was almost a little space of fresh air.

It was word of mouth amongst friends that ended up bringing a pretty big crowd to our friends place, and it was Rob Fakir and his friends' amazing performance that kept us there the whole night.To make things even greater, my fabourite Dhol player Nazrul Bhai was playing with him!

Rob Fakir, in my eyes has a very special something about him, not only his voice and his beautiful do-taara playing, but it's his charisma that entrances you into his music.
I guess it was part of this charisma the London's Evening Standard highlighted him in a review of Bangla Beat to Afro Beat show where he had performed along with Arnob, Kishon Khan's Lokhhi Tera (including myself.)
It was at that show in London that I had met him and had been introduced to this personality or as we are now nicknaming him, the "Rob-star." After his own performance, he had stood backstage for 45 minutes and fully watched our set, a set of 14 band members from all over world mainly playing Afro beat and Latin jazzish pieces merged with Bangla lyrics. He had stood there straight without batting an eye lash, absorbing the playing of the different instrumentalists.

Back to his show, we all sat around him, incences lit and moglai porota's being passed around in between songs, it was homely and warm and I can safely say we felt a part of his performance. He took little breaks and asked some of the singers in the audience to join him. He especially requested Arnob (with whom he collaborated with in Bangla's 2nd album Protutpunnomotitto), saying that it's been a long time since he've heard him sing. Arnob obliged, meekly took the stage, even a superstar like him, humble to this man's connection with Lalon's preachings, his messages and his melodies. He sang Jaat Gelo and Chatokh Pakhi (in which we all joined in.) Following him was Labik Kamal Gaurob, another loyal student of Lalon and later Rob Bhai's son, both bringing two different loves to the songs, one of a city boy growing up in our concrete jungle who found salvation in Lalon's words, and the other of a boy brought up with Lalon's philosophy in his blood and home.
I must say, it was when others were singing that I fell deeper in love with Rob Bhai's Do-taara playing, when he was sliding in and out of their singing and solo-ing in between verses, on his self made do-taara. It was a real treat.
And this way the night continued with all of us contributing to the atmosphere on our night with Rob Fakir.

So there you go, that's Dhaka for you, within 30 minutes drive you can be in downtown New York or a mela in Kushtia. I'm sad to be leaving, but as it goes, we must move on to the next phase of our lives, so next time I write, it shall hopefully be from my new house in India :-)

Peace and Love

Didn't get to Heaven but made it Close

2008-06-30T09:36:00.017-04:00

June 23rd 2008- was one out of this world day for me and my sister.

The place: largest venue in NYC- Madison Square Garden
The show: Coldplay's 3rd and last free show celebrating the release of their 4th album Viva La Vida or Death and All his Friends.

It all started back in April/May when they announced their free shows, we signed up immediately.
Imagine our disappointment when we didn't win, even then we were ready to travel to see them. So we were looking at shows in surrounding cities, when they postponed them. (They needed more time to be ready for the tour). That was devastating as I would be in Bangladesh by then.

The day of the show, me and my sister were wary of whether we would get tickets, but still, we dressed our best and went. There was a group of people selling tickets discreetly, but at extremely high prices for bad seats, and I was really dodged about whether they were real or not. After waiting around for almost 2 hours, we decided to haggle and just go for it. The ticket was a birthday gift from my sister, and it was my decision, to take the risk of loosing our fortnight's food money on Coldplay. After all it's my most favourite band in the world. Our hearts were beating as they scanned in our "not so free" ticket to the free concert, and... YES they were real, we were IN!

We loaded up on goodies and headed in to our seats. Guess what they were, the furthest sections' last row's seats of the whole venue! But we had a great direct view of the stage. So we watched the opening band and another DJ (opening Man, we call him), but not concentrating at all. The Hall light came on to set the stage for Coldplay.

Then suddenly everything went dark. And we could hear "Life in Technicolour."

We stood up in awe watching the light boom on as the incredible band started the journey. I bet with my sister that the next would be Violet Hill, and I was right! As before the 2 times I've seen them live, (Jan'03 -Ottawa- Rush of Blood to the Head Tour and August 03- Cheltenham- V Festival- yes I know lucky lucky me!)
I could not speak, could not sing- was in the state of speechlessness. Even in the front row at the V Festival in 03 amongst the headbangers, I had just stood there like a statue taking them in.

This time was slightly different, as I watched in absolute awe and disbelief that I was in the same room as Coldplay and they were playing for us, I was far away enough to sway like a madman.

Imagine our surprise when they played "Clocks" next. They had a lovely set, playing songs from Parachutes, Rush of Blood to the Head, X&Y and the new one. I was delighted! I had never heard the X&Y album live before, it was Splendid. I guess I connected to them slightly better as I had been listening for a year (Fix you and Square One.)

Then came my first favourite "Trouble"- I guess you never really get over the first song you fell in love with. I was 15/16 when I heard it and listened to it on repeat before exploring the rest of Parachutes.

For Viva La Vida, that song is "Lost" -the lyrics of which have really called out to me, which they played right after Trouble and it was Amazing!

Although I don't like to judge the artists themselves too much, who could not be absolutely in love with the band's down to earth but lovely way of speaking to the audience. Very sharply dressed, no airs, but like friends, or maybe even nervous performers they chatted away with the audience. And their little stunts were Stunning. They had 3 stages, 1st being the main stage, 2nd being a small one in the Front rows.

And the 3rd was past of the GREAT stunt they pulled. Apparently it was the first time they did this: they just walked up the floors to the 2md last section (just 1 section below us) in the passageway and started singing! ( we obviously jumped out of seats and ran down to see them)

Their drummer sang a cute little song in the passageway, different to their usual style, but I liked the stunt!

The show didn't get the best of reviews, and I admit they were a tad shaky with the new material, but that's live music! It's the mess ups and human error that makes it alive.

I guess words won't really describe how I felt, but it was great: all the songs, Strawberry Swing, Viva La Vida, Lovers in Japan ending the show with Reign of Love.

They didn't encore which was quite sad, and a bunch of us fans were just clapping and clapping till we realised that the equipment was being packed up!

I read later, not to my surprise, many stars were in the audience, Kirsten Dunst, Charlize Theron etc. What did surprise me was how polite the American crowd was (of all ages, ethnicities etc!) Me and A were amazed at their calm and self control, others shows we've seen always have a Huge mosh pit and crazed screaming fans, but the NYC crowd I assume were stunned and speechless like me :-)

Song list:
Life in technicolor
Violet hill
Clocks
In my place
Viva la vida
Chinese Sleep Chant
god put a smile upon your face
42
square one
trouble
lost!
strawberry swing
yellow
Death Will Never Conquer
fix you
lovers in japan
reign of love

They really are breathtaking and inspiring, with so much energy in their songs and their movement. I'm already bidding on tickets for next year!
Thanks to my sister for the incredible early birthday gift!!

Peace and Love,
Armeen

(Photos of the Stage by me, rest- collected from the Internet)

Notun Kore Pabo Bole

2008-06-23T07:55:00.010-04:00

Here's an old review of one of my most favourite albums to be released in Bangladesh, wrote this last year:

Sahana’ke notun kore peye: A personal review of Sahana Bajpaie’s album “Notun kore pabo bole”

This album, being by a very dear friend and fellow music lover Sahana Bajpaie, was one of my most awaited. Singing bits and pieces myself, the vocalist is who I scrutinise the most in a song, thereby having very rare favourites. But I remember the first few times I heard Sahana sing, I didn’t want it to end, maybe it was due to the fact that she had a flavour of the Rabindra Sangeets that I had grown up listening to, or maybe the opposite, that her way of singing them was more her own.

Her way of allowing the lyrics to have their space but swaying them in her own passionate way with the melodies is what made me fall in love with this beautiful voice, and it was the day she sang Majhe Majhe at 1am at a home jam session was where the tears in my eyes announced her my favourite female singer.

Amar Nishitho Raate’r Baadol Dhara was a single that got released a couple of years ago, a song with one of the highest plays one many people’s playlist including my younger sister, my metalhead drummer friend and my mother’s. It gave off that vibe that I loved, of making the song her own with harmonies, guitars, percussion, (as opposed to the traditional instruments used in such songs), but keeping Tagore’s shorolipi intact.

The more I followed her voice around I discovered many sides to her rewaz, the “alladi” placing of words, the passionate meditation of her singing, and also her raw approach to keep in absolute tune. This album is a mesh of these, showing off her different approaches to singing, adorning the beautiful lyrics and playing side by side with Arnob’s new approach to Rabindra Sangeet production.

The album opens with my favourite sound, of chords on a piano introducing Arnob on his esraj, which I later find out will play a dominant role with Sahana’s voice on the tracks. Oije Jhor’er Meghe, the first song sets the mood for the album to rest on the playlist. The song bounces of the piano track, with a notable little solo on the esraj.

The 2^nd track Mor Bhabonare, bringing in the more traditional tabla, as well as the more western classical string elements.

In such a manner Arnob treads around the melodies and words of Tagore with various sounds from all parts of the world. With little electronic intros, fading in and out harmonies at the perfect but random places, vinyl strings, a light beat enriching the vocals (Eto din je boshe chilam), funky harmonium use (Tomar khola hawa) and very traditional flute, esraj and tabla movements meshed with many other elements in Tumi Kon Pothe Je ele, Kon Puraton (a duet with Arnob) ,he sets the audience for a new ride in Rabindra Sangeet listening.

Phoole phoole, was the song I felt was the sweetest and most naturally done, with Arnob slowly placing instrument after instrument throughout the track and Sahana’s soft placing of the words onto the melody.

The tiny flaws my scrutinising ear caught aside, my criticism to the album initially was that the music was slightly subtle with its display; ironically Tomare Koriyachi Jibone’r Dhrubotaara the song which gave Arnob the least space and Sahana the full spotlight was the one which struck me the most. It may be Tagore’s loving words or Sahana’s loving way of singing them or the moving esraj solo, but this song brought me closest to tears.

One of my favourite musicians from the group Frou frou once said “Music is useless unless it make’s a total stranger break down and cry”, and although I do agree to that statement, I think it means a lot more when it does that to a friend.

Tagore’s genius is not wasted in this generation with the talents of Arnob and Sahana, respecting and loving his songs. To put it simply, this album is a keeper, which will immerse old Tagore fan’s into his world with a new perspective, and bring new listeners to appreciate his beauty from where they stand.

Sahana's Myspace;

Driving slow on Sunday morning

2008-06-19T11:29:00.013-04:00

In February, earlier this year, my sister and I went to see Maroon 5's "Won't be soon After Long" tour. They were touring UK, and to my great joy, they had a show down the road from me at the Nottingham Arena, Nottingham's biggest venue.

We showed up early to see their opening band- Dashboard Confessionals. They're pretty good, still with the amateur rocker attitude. But their mixing wasn't good, and I'd forgotten my earplugs (which I'm supposed to wear amidst loud noise), so only really enjoyed my favourite track of theirs: "Vindicated."

Then came the band we had been anticipating for months: Maroon 5!
I can't really recall the order of their set. But they mainly played from the 2nd album, which had just released a few weeks before.

The crowd was going crazy during "Makes me Wonder." We were missing out on the excitement on the floor, but I think we'd learnt our lesson headbanging at the V Festival, and had swapped our tickets for seats on the bleachers. But I think it was a good trade for my poor ears!

It was pretty happening back at the bleachers, all of us dancing away to "Sunday Morning", "This Love" and swaying and waving phones at the all time favourite "She Will be Loved."

Their mixing was a tad better, although not great. But their Lighting was Amazing. They had a big M on the stage and mad lights changing throughout. I took a couple of shots from the bleachers. All in all though, was a rush to see them Live!

Welcome to my Thoughts

2008-06-17T02:23:00.004-04:00

Dear those who can be bothered to read this,

Now that the site is up, the album has released, my university term has ended, and I feel less crowded than I have the past 2 years, so in accordance to my site manager's wishes of armeenmusa.com, I start this blog.

Haven't yet figured out what I'm going to write, but I'm thinking gaan, gaan, gaan as I've already made a blog (archive rather) of the poems I used to write (and some recent ones), so anyone interested, give it a go: moondizzy-poems

Have had a rather silent day today, only ended up listening to 2 songs of Nitin Sawhney's Broken Skin while making lunch. One of my favourite producers, hats off to him for being one of the few to create his own unique sound.

A group of friends and I, performed a song from this album at one of our uni shows. We melted it down, to make it simpler (was a hard song!) Here is our version of Homelands:

Comments are most welcome :-)

Peace and love
Armeen