In India, the voice has been considered the major intstrument since time immemorial, and virtually all music genres have originated in the realm of vocal music. This collection presents three renowned Indian vocalists: Sulochana Brahaspati; Girija Devi, and Shruti Sadolikar. All three female artists had a thorough training in traditional vocal music which required immense dedication and sacrifice. They developed careers which took them to the zenith of their art. Today, they are admired and loved by a wide audience, both internationally as well as in their home country. This CD is absolutely wonderful. Shruti’s voice, vocal technique, and range of emotions are so perfect, it is like the earth herself is singing. Recorded with the natural sound common to the Nimbus label, the music nonetheless soars to stratospheric heights while being firmly rooted in nature and humanity.

01 Raga Miyan Ki Todi - Khyal - Baju Re Muhammad Shah - Vilambit Teental

02 Raga Miyan Ki Todi - Khyal - Langara Kankariya Ji Na Maro - Drut Teental

03 Raga Bibas - Khyal - He Shyam - Rupak

04 Raga Bharavi -Thumri - Baju Band Khul Khul Jan - Deepchandi

Album: http://www.amazon.com/Hindustani-Classical-Vocal-Sulochana-Brahaspati/dp/B00004TJXI

The three-CD set Hindustani Classical Vocal features three prominent north Indian vocalists: Sulochana Brahaspati, Girija Devi, and Shruti Sadolikar. Each one of the set’s CDs is dedicated to one of these particular Hindustani divas. On disc number one, Sulochana Brahaspati presents “Raga Bilaskhani Todi” and “Raga Mishra Bhairavi.” Accompanied by the legendary Sultan Khan on sarangi (lute) and the tabla player’s tabla player Anindo Chatterjee, Sulochana Brahaspati performs “Mishra Bhairavi” with rhythmic sophistication and “Bilaskhani Todi” with solemnity and sobriety. The second disc features a relative newcomer in the khyal style of singing, Shruti Sdolikar, accompanied by Anand Krishna Kunte on sarangi, Uma Mehta, Kamaljit Kaur on tamburas, and — once again — the highly respected Anindo Chatterjee on tabla. Shruti Sdolikar and her ensemble deftly recite the late morning “Raga Miyan-ki-Todi,” the seven-beat morning “Raga Bibhas,” and what may be the most popular raga, “Raga Bhairavi.” The third and final disc in this set features the eminent vocalist Girija Devi. Backing Devi up is the widely known Ramesh Misra on sarangi, the charismatic Subhen Chatterjee on tabla, and Sudha Datta on tambura. Devi and her group perform three ragas: the nocturnal “Maru Bihag,” “Desh,” and the religio-erotic “Pilu.” The final cut on the disc is not a raga, strictly speaking. Rather, Devi’s fourth piece is performed in the dandra style of light classical music. Though no CD set could ever do complete justice to the variety and richness that exists in the Hindustani vocal scene, this CD set comes pretty close. With stellar performances by Sulochana Brahaspati, Girija Devi, and Shruti Sadolikar, Hindustani Classical Vocal should be heard by Indian music experts and neophytes alike. Source: http://www.cduniverse.com/