Taraana Playlist: April 12, 2006

Tonight we explore some excellent pieces in Indian Classical Music, besides our usual dose of main stream music. We explore how a handful of very talented artists have succesfully experimented with different Western instruments and created magic! Also learn about the 'Three Generation Concert'- a Mother's Day special event.

Classical Music on Guitar:
Guitarist Prasanna has single-handedly brought the Electric Guitar into prominence in Indian Classical Music with his authentic and explosive performances around the world. He was trained by Masters like S Balasubramaniam and Violinist A Kanyakumari. Check out his latest album. [Link]

1. Shakthi Sahitha Ganapathim:: Composer- Muthuswami Dikshitar
2. Bhajan
3. Karimuga Varada:: Raga- Nattai:: Tala- Adi:: Composer- GN Balasubramaniam

Spiritual Compositions:
Aradhna- Satsang
Chris Hale and Peter Hicks came together in London in August 1999, and formed this group called Aradhna (means worship in Hindi). They travelled across India and Nepal and were inspired by the culture and music of the sub continent. This album(Satsang) consists of songs sung in praise of Yeshu (Jesus) and represents modern evangelical compositions in Hindi. [Link]

4. Gaao Re (Sing with me)
5. Naam Leo Re (Take His name)

Krishna Das- Breath of the Heart
Krishna Das has been chanting on a regular basis in yoga centers all over the world. He has taught with Ram Dass and sung for many saints and yogis here and in India. [Link]

6. Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya (I bow to the Lord who lives in the Hearts of All)

Classical Music on the keyboard:
Abhijit Pohankar (keyboard), Ajay Pohankar (vocals)
Pandit Ajay Pohankar is a vocalist who has been in the Indian classical scene for almost four decades, throughout which he has experienced a magical... and musical journey he will never forget.
Abhijit Pohankar, son of Ajay Pohankar is probably the only Indian to play Hindustani classical music on the keyboard. He also has had the good fortune of training in various styles of music. [Link]
Check out his tour schedule here.

7. Gaathi
8. Bechain

Classical Music on Violin:
Padma Bhushan Dr. Smt N Rajam
Legendary violinist, Dr. Rajam is one of the foremost hindustani violinists. Born to a musical family, she is well versed with both Hindustani and Carnatic traditions. Her brother is the well known carnatic violinists T N Krishnan. In recognition of her service to music, she was awarded the Padmashree in1984. [Link]

9. Narwar Krishna
10. Ghey Chand
11. Nath Aa Majha

Dr. Rajam's daughter- Sangeeta Shankar began her musical training at the tender age of four. Initiated and trained by her illustrious mother Dr. N. Rajam, she quickly mastered the intricacies of playing the violin and started performing concerts when she was only thirteen.

Dr. Rajam's grand-daughters- Ragini and Nandini Shankar are also following the path of the last two generations and have proved themselves to be budding artists.

Watch the Three Generations in concert at the Jones Hall, St Thomas University, in Houston, TX. On the eve of Mother's Day Sunday May 7th, 2006. Contact 713-522-7911 or 713-789-4653 for more information [Link].

See their complete itenerary here. [will be linked here soon!]

And now a taste of Bollywood before we wrap up for the night-
From the film Monsoon Wedding,
12. Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo:: Farida Khanum
13. Aaj Mausam Bara Beimaan Hai:: Md. Rafi
14. Aaj Mera Jee Karda: Sukhwinder Singh

15. Unbreakable Theme: Bianca & Ranjit Barot:: Aryan (2006)