Oct 10, 2004 09:23 PM
8078 Views
(Updated Oct 12, 2004 02:17 AM)
An album by Gulzar and Vishal Bhardwaj is automatically an assurance that it would be a commendable one. Gulzar has previously worked with Vishal on other non-film albums such a 'Boodhe Pahadon Par' and 'Sunset Point'. The two have collaborated once again for 'Ishqa-Ishqa', an album that served as launch pad for Rekha Bhardwaj.
'Ishqa-Ishqa' is an album with Sufi poetry by Gulzar. Sufi poems are not composed in the customary style of qawwalis and there's a modern feel to the music. A refreshing feature of the album is the jam sessions in the, songs with musicians Sivamani (percussion), Niladri Kumari (Sitar), Hitesh Sonik (guitar), Dominic Fernandes (Bass) and Ronu Majumdar (Flute).
Rekha Bhardwaj gets you into the groove with the captivating ?Tere Ishq Mein?. The controlled execution of this catchy number begs for repeat listening. The title track is upbeat. Certain lines make you feel deeply. 'Kab din gaya . . . shab kab gayee. . . . tere ishq mein'.
Rekha takes center stage with her ?Teri Raza?, a simple tune with lyrics that will pleasingly acquaint a lay listener with Sufism.
The finest moment of the 'Ishqa-Ishqa' is the breathtaking song ?Roshni?. This haunting number is augmented by Niladri Kumar, whose Sitar aptly compliments Rekha?s vocals, It also has an exciting jam session by Niladri and Sivamani, the percussionist.
On the dark-sounding ?Chingari?, Rekha Bhardwaj?s low octave rendition is welcome change. The lonely feeling is depicted exceptionally well in ?Raat ki Jogan?. The video, a very controversial one, was pulled off air because it depicted political intervention (itseems). Not many ever got to see this video.
My personal favourite is ?Rahu Rahu?. This is a masterpiece repeat listening song. With each session, you?ll like the song even more. Lyrics is spell bounding. ?Dastak deve aur koi na aavey'. The staidness of ?Rahu Rahu? is infectious, particularly the chorus of this unique song. The singer picks up the pace in ?Jogiya?, transcending to frenzy with ease.
The music of 'Ishqa-Ishqa' by Vishal has been carefully crafted, and Gulzar?s insightful verses form the core of the album. 'Ishqa-Ishqa' has showcased a singled with a unique voice quality. Rekha breathes passion in each song with her touch of improvisations. 'Ishqa-Ishqa' is definitely an album to be treasured.
The video was also neat. For the song, ?Tere Ishq Mein? they have a Sufi Kathak dancer, Manjeri swirling through while they show different painful scenarios. Wish we got to see more of such good quality videos.
Be sure to read the first write-up on this album, ?Come, fall in Love!? by Rekh. It?s technically closer than this write-up. You'll find a link to it at the bottom of this page.
Please note, there is a shortage of this album, especially CDs. I had to run around a lot to get a copy. Can you believe it, Music World ran out of copies! On questioning, they said that it had to something with Music Today?s decision to release lesser number of copies.
Nevertheless, if you would like to listen to WMA version (can play on a computer and on certain players), let me know. I can help you get a CD. If you are in Bangalore, even better! It's important to spread education, love and good music.
Tracks-------------------Duration
Tere Ishq Mein----->5:34
Ishqa Ishqa-------->4:47
Teri Razaa---------->6:56
Roshini-------------->5:55
Chingari------------->4:23
Raat Ki Jogan------->5:55
Rahoo Rahoo------->6:24
Jogiya---------------->5:30
