THE COMPLETE BHUPEN HAZARIKA

It is difficult to find music with the ability to reflect the essence of the inspiration behind it. Most often, the complexity of the music becomes a wall, behind which the creator of the music stands, with his inspirations and expectations. In Bhupen Hazarika's case, this wall is clear as glass. One can clearly 'experience' the sounds and flavour of the North East, through his simple and elegant lyrics and folk-influenced music.

The complete Bhupen Hazarika, a new album, is 'old wine in new bottle'. Many of his classics have been subjected to new singers, varied singing styles and a new language too. Songs like Dola (Kavitha Krishnamurthy), Gun Gun (Shaan, Suneeta Rao and Chorus), Dug Dug (Ishaan and Aparna) are sung in Hindi, yet they convey Hazarika's original spirit, with flutes and traditional percussion. The perennial hit Ganga, originally composed in Assamese as a tribute to the river Brahmaputra, is sung by many stars of the present music scene.

Finally, Dil Hoon Hoon Kare is left to the master himself. Some songs feature introductions sung by Bhupen Hazarika himself. This album, more like a tribute to Bhupen Hazarika, makes for an interesting exercise for the new stars of Hindi pop.

A worthwhile buy for those open to new treatment of vintage Hazarika.

Tapes and CDs available at all music stores

Album courtesy: Virgin Records (India) Pvt. Ltd.

MANN KE MANJEERE

Produced by a human rights activist (with the music director and lyricists swearing that they have been sensitised towards women's problems by the album), this musical offering is worth listening to.

Subha Mudgal's electrifying vocals stand out in the album, with some folk songs working their own bit of charm. Mann ke Manjeere is clearly bait for youngsters. It is fast and catchy, with a fusion of keyboards, bass guitar and thumping beats. Maati, Jheel and Intizaar are out and out pop songs, redeemed by Shuba 's voice. Among the three, Intizaar has the better tune. Jheel, (with its loud cymbal ride and water dripping sound), could have done without the special effects.

Babul Jiya Mora, a Hindustani tune, is where Shuba excels with the depth of her voice. Kesariya Balam by Rukmabai, a folk song with bucolic flavour, is an excellent rendition. Avia Avia, a Gujarati folk tune by renowned singer Diwaliben Bhil, is also a superb perfomance.

One feels that the folk singers, with their rustic charm, are able to successfully convey their message, with great impact. Beeti Raina and Khawab Khawab are songs by young singers with voices groomed to catch the attention of the fifteen-year-old buyers. A good marketing approach to popularise folk tunes.

The album stands out among most recent releases in Indi-pop, because of its variety, its soulful lyrics and its concept.

Tapes available at all leading music stores.

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