Radio Indiana

Friday, May 16, 2008

Gems of A R Rehman

This week I'm gonna share with you some spectacular tracks composed by A R Rehman.

Allah Rakha Rahman , born on January 6, 1966 as A. S. Dileep Kumar in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, is a critically acclaimed award-winning composer, record producer and musician. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest Indian film composers ever, and his career is considered a turning point in the history of Indian film music. Many credit him with having single-handedly revolutionized the standards of film music composition in India. He is also credited with re-energizing the popularity of Indian film music the world over.

A. R. Rahman was born to R. K. Shekhar, a composer, arranger and conductor for Malayalam-language films. His father died when Rahman was nine years old, and his family rented out musical equipment as a source of income. Rahman is a adherent of Sufism. He converted to Islam from Hinduism.
During these early years, Rahman served as a keyboard player and an arranger in bands such as "Roots" and "Nemesis Avenue" with friends including Sivamani, embracing numerous music genres. He played the keyboard and piano, in addition to, among others, the synthesizer, the harmonium and the guitar. His curiosity in the synthesizer in particular increased because, he says, it was the “ideal combination of music and technology.”He began early training in music under Master Dhanraj. At the age of 11, he joined, as a keyboardist, the troupe of Ilaiyaraaja,one of many composers to whom musical instruments belonging to Rahman's father were rented to. Rahman later played in the orchestra of M. S. Viswanathan and Ramesh Naidu, accompanied Zakir Hussain, Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan and L. Shankar on world tours and obtained a scholarship to Trinity College of Music in London, where he graduated with a degree in Western classical music.

He started his career in film music from a South-Indian film directed by Mani Ratnam. And now the name A.R.Rahman needs no introduction. The man who redefined contemporary Indian music and is the pride of the entire nation and an idol for millions all over the world needs no preamble.

Monday, December 3, 2007

Shaam-E-Ghazal.....

This time I am going to share some of my favourite ghazals, by some of my favourite ghazal artists.....

Sunday, September 30, 2007

Saadgi - The newest Ghazal Album by Lata Mangeshkar.

Lata Mangeshkar, the Queen of Melody has come out of her cocoon to engage us in conversation in the language she knows best - the Language of Music. Lataji has released an album after nearly 17 years on the most suitable day – World Music Day. This album 'Saadgi', which is a T-Series presentation, is a reflection of the great persona that is Lata Mangeshkar. It guilelessly serenades from one geet to another, reflecting the tranquil depths of the singer. Most of these Ghazal-like compositions have mostly been penned by Javed Akhtar while the music has been composed by Mayuresh Pai.

The Music Launch of 'Saadgi ' that was a short and sweet affair where the Chief Guest was Shri. Jagjit Singh, with whom Lataji had last released an album 17 years back. With the event held late in the afternoon, followed by hi-tea, it was a relaxed atmosphere where Lataji expressed her feelings on the album and her plans for the future.

The name 'Saadgi' derives its origin from Lata Didi's conviction that it's the simple things in life that touch our heart. The songs talk about such circumstances that have touched everyone's life at some point or the other. Lataji believes its destiny that played a role in this album. In her own words Lataji says, 'There is no reason why the album happened, but it just happened. Nothing was pre-planned. Everything just fell into place. The lyrics appealed to me and I could identify with it. Music is my life. As long as I am, so will my music.'

The album includes tracks :

1.Mujhe Khabar Thi

2.Ishq Ki Baatien

3.Raat Hai

4.Chand Ke Pyale Se

5.Andhe Khwabon Ko

6.Jo Itne Khabar Thi

7.Main Kahan Ab Jism Hun

8.Phir Kahin Door Se

Monday, September 24, 2007

TRIBUTE - The album by YANNI, With the live performances at The Taj Mahal, India and The Forbidden city, China.

A remarkable, unpreceedented project and a PBS special, TRIBUTE was produced during the first concert staged at the Taj Mahal and a first performance by a western artist at the Forbidden city, China.By becoming the first major Western Artist ever to perform and record at India's Taj Mahal and China's Forbidden City, resulting in the multi-platinum album Tribute. This is an artist who invested millions of dollars into the project before a single sound was recorded, whose organization mounted a near biblical effort with the regional of Uttar Pradesh to improve roads and build two bridges in order that the flood plains surrounding the Taj Mahal could be transformed for three historic concerts beneath one of the world's greatest wonders.

While allowing India's citizens to see a musical performance in front of the country's signature structure, Tribute ultimately led to three million dollars in donations to a Taj preservation fund. The recording of Tribute proceeded to China, where Yanni staged a new historic feat at another of the world's great architectural achievements, The Forbidden City. Between India and China, Yanni played to a collective audience of 250 million people.

The album includes Tracks:

1. Deliverance
2. Adagio In C Minor
3. Renegade
4. Waltz in 7/8
5. Tribute
6. Dance With A Stranger
7. Nightingale
8. Southern Exposure
9. Prelude
10. Love Is All
11. Niki Nana (We're One)
12. Santorini
13. No Borders, No Boundaries

Thursday, June 7, 2007

This Week Features - Yanni

This week I'm gonna share with you some spectacular tracks composed by Yanni.

About Yanni - he was born in a picturesque village that no one ever gave thought to leaving, and he's now known in every corner of the globe. Yanni is, without a doubt, a musical phenomenon, one of those rare artists whose music defies borders and boundaries - whose music speaks to people of all races, all nations. And there is more than ample evidence to support such statements.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

This Week Features - Ustad Ali Akbar Khan

This week I am going to share some of the memorable renditions by the reknowned Indian Classical Sarod player Ustad Ali Akbar Khan.

Monday, May 21, 2007

This week features - Joan Baez

This week i want to share with you some of the beutiful songs sung by Joan Baez.