Listen Up!

Irshad Khan at the ROM

New sounds resonated at the ROM last weekend, thanks to Irshad Khan and his talented ensemble. Fusion was its very best with the coming together of traditional Hindustani classical music and a new age, modern sound. This talented artist has played in over 30 countries and Toronto was fortunate to experience his exquisite artistry.

"Gypsy in red" set the tone for the night. This composition from Irshad Khan's album "Awakenings," featured the sitar accompanied by keyboards (Noman Siddiqui), tabla (Harpaal Singh) and guitar (Brian).

Following this melodic track was "Joy of Life" - another track from the "Awakenings" album. Bringing together the finer nuances of traditional music, in its modern avatar, this track embodied the very spirit of new age sounds. 

To mark the end of a mersmerising performance, Irshad Khan presented his brand new composition "Call of the Dervish." This particular track is inspired by 13th century Sufi Sage, Jellaluddin Rumi. As the title suggests, the track was a mystical experience unto itself. It was also the first time a classical Hindustani musician played and sang a Sufi (Persian) poem in English.

For more details on Irshad Khan, check out the following websites:

www.irshadkhan.net or www.nomanslandpromotions.com

Music Collector Extraordinaire

  I came across an article earlier today that simply blew my mind. According to The Toronto Star, a man in Pittsburgh owned over three million vinyl records and close to 300,000 CDs in his personal collection. And he put the entire collection up for sale on eBay! I can't even begin to imagine what 300,000 CDs all stacked up in a row would look like, never mind the fact that I don't think I could ever part with all that music in the first place.

  The article goes on to say that the man has tried to sell his entire collection to various organisations interested in preserving popular music in the past. But somehow, the deals always fell through. Finally he decided to put the collection up on eBay and hopes that the bid will find takers. If not anything else, his post has received unbelievable attention and many people have logged on to eBay just to see if this offer is for real! The collection was offered at USD 3 million, quoted as the starting bid.

  The proud owner of this collection, Mr Paul Mawhinney stated that he wanted to spend more time with his family and look after his own health. He owns Record Rama Sound Archive store in Pittsburgh, the place where he stores his musical treasures. He has been quoted as saying that he has spent umpteen hours in the store just organising and indexing his music. As part of his bid online, he has offered the new owners of this collection, his services to catalogue and index the music for up to six months.

  At first I though this story was just hype but type in "ebay, world's greatest music collection" in your search box and you'll see what I mean when I say that this story made news all over the world. As for me, I don't think I'd ever be able to part with my music. I don't own a cassette player any more but still find it almost impossible to let go of my old tapes, each with a different tale to tell.

  I don't know if I'd be able to remember every record if I had close to 300,000 but there's nothing like revisiting some old CDs or tapes that you haven't heard for a while. There's something wonderful about listening to some of your classics and discovering new nuances and aspects that you didn't observe before. It's like reading a good book that you've read a million times before but there's always something new to discover within its pages. While I'm pretty sure I won't be able to afford 300,000 records any time soon, the 300-odd that I do have, deserve a visit soon.

Matchbox 20: Live in Toronto

I've been a big fan of Rob Thomas for the longest time. And it goes without saying that I also love listening to Matchbox Twenty. Why this sudden declaration of loyalty? Well, they are set to play at the Air Canada CentreToronto on Friday, February 22.

Match box 20 are on tour promoting their album "Exile on Mainstream" - their only album in five years. The band had earlier parted ways but returned to join hands once again a few years back.

According to the stats on the Air Canada Centre website, "The band's new album, ""EXILE ON MAINSTREAM,"" debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200, while also premiering at #1 on SoundScan's Current Alternative Albums chart."

The band have had several huge albums like Yourself or Someone like you, Mad Season and More than you think you are, which was released in 2002. The latest album has already received rave reviews and the track How Far We’ve Come has been on the airwaves for a while now.

When it comes to awards, the band has received several as a group, and lead vocalist Rob Thomas has won many for his song writing abilities. He is often counted as one of the best songwriters that the industry has today. And it’s no wonder. Take a listen to any of their albums, or his solo album, and you’ll be blown away with his lyrical depth and the sweet sounds of a guitar. LISTEN UP! to Matchbox Twenty!

Boys, boys, boys

  "Step by step (do a cool dance move), ooooooo babaaaay (pout, pout, pout), gonna get to you gurrrrrrl."

  "Quit playing games with my heart... (pout into camera), with my heart (gaze sexily with bedroom eyes please!)"

  I'm not sure how boy bands are created but most of them have standard requirements: Take a handful of handsome men (All right, maybe above-average, the make up and camera will do the rest), have one strong vocal in there somewhere, the others are for effect anyhow, great lips help (for all future pouting photo-op moments), a great bod (take off that shirt, man!). And yes, if they can sing, it would be a bonus! ;)

In my short life I've seen a fair share. It started with New Kids On The Block (remember them?) Jordan, Jonathan, Danny, Donnie and Joey. The boys from the late 80s, had a bunch of hits and had women (Well, the "women" were "girls" back then) drooling. They were a phenomenon back then. Shows, merchandise (they had special limited edition NKOTB dolls a la Barbie and Ken), a cartoon show too. Phew! They even had celebrity siblings. Mark Wahlberg's brother was a part of this band. Could they sing? Hmm! Jordan Knight decided to go the solo route as did Joey McIntyre. And yes, they're planning a reunion.

Then we had Take That. Gary, Mark, Jason, Howard and Robbie. I have to admit I had my favourite: Robbie. Sigh. They had the whole of England crooning along. Hordes and hordes of screaming adolescent women. They were everywhere. On the telly, chat shows, posters, magazines. There was no escape so you either gave in or got smothered anyway! They won a bagful of awards and always thanked their "Mums" for everything. Gary, Mark and Robbie all tried solo careers with the latter being the most successful. Reunion alert!

Backstreet Boys. The ones who made pouting a national sport. All worthy competitors within this group. Nick Carter with his flyaway blond hair and flailing arms. Brian, AJ (the man with tattoos), Kevin, Howie. It's funny when you think about it but every boy band worked on a stereotype: A serious intense guy, the fun guy, the joker, the sex-is-me guy, the tough guy. And this band personified these roles rather well! I loved the spoof on their video by a rock band and I don't think I'll ever be able to get over "Quit playing Games with my heart" replete with water, dripping bodies and boxer waistbands under low low jeans! Whoever said only women are objectified, please take a look at this vid. And yes, reunited. Albeit Kevin took a bow from his boy band days. The rest march on bravely.

They were the last big boy band to emerge out of the US. Justin,  Lance, JC, Joey, Chris. N 'Snyc - The Princes of Pop. And then you had Timberlake who dated Princess Britney in her Disney mode. Reels and reels of newsprint were dedicated to the love affair of this duo. Then they broke up and Justin Timberlake decided to go solo. As did JC. Joey turned to acting ("My Big Fat Greek Wedding"), Lance decided to go into space (seriously!). No reunion for this lot but they continue to "remain good friends."

I also remember boy band Boy Zone and West Life. Both of Irish origin. Boy Zone are probably remembered for Words. Both bands had a fair share of teeny bopper hits and some members set out to chart a road for themselves, the most successful being Ronan Keating.

Then there was EYC ("Put you in my Black boooooook") Code Red (probably the only Caucasian Brit group that can claim they worked with Asha Bhonsle. Just to jog your memory, the song was called "We can make it." Watch it below!)

If you think South Asians are far behind, think again. There are a bunch of Pakistani and Indian bands that are trying very hard to create ripples with their music. Now if only their music was as pretty as their collective faces, success would be theirs! :)

Grammys 2008 Highlights

  Take a bow, Amy Winehouse. She conquered the 2008 Grammy Awards in all major categories like Best New Artist, Record of the Year, Song of the Year. She beat some serious contendors and proved her detractors wrong who thought she belonged in "rehab." I guess she takes it seriously when she says "no, no, no" in her award-winning song! Rehab or not, Amy Winehouse was a winner last night.

  The biggest surprise for me was Herbie Hancock winning Album of The Year, a category usually won by popular or rap artists over the last few years. In his speech, he thanked the Academy for "breaking the mould." For those who haven't heard Hancock, he is a legend in his own right. Jazz music wouldn't be the same without him. As to me, I'm heading out to pick up this album soon.

  Alicia Keyes made sure that "No one, no one" could take her Grammy away with her monster hit of the same title. Her live performances were awesome as ever (even though I think she should reconsider her fashion/style statement at this Award ceremony) and John Mayer made a special appearance, joining her on stage.

  Not surprisingly, Kanye West with his big white shades, won Best Rap album for the year and his competitor 50 Cents didn't even make it to the final nominations. It's ironic considering both artists' albums were released at the same time and hyped up as a war between two greats. In any case, Mr. West had the last word by picking up four awards last night.

  Jay Z and Beyonce were a winning couple with both picking up awards. Rihanna also won Best Rap collaboration with Jay Z for "Umbrella."

  Foo Fighters won the Best Rock album of the year and it was a well-deserved win for a band that has consistently amazed its audience.

  For more Grammy winners, check out the Grammy website at: http://www.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/

A majestic soundtrack

He's done it again. Jodha Akbar is a soundtrack that is as majestic and royal as it gets. Keeping in tune with the overall theme and feel of the film, A R Rahman has created a wonderful soundtrack that resonates with class and depth.

  The album has a total of seven tracks - two instrumental pieces and five beautifully rendered songs. My first reaction on listening to this album was sheer awe. There are no doubts about Rahman's brilliance but after Guru, this album is a keeper. Javed Akhtar's lyrics are emotive and meaningful and I think I can now finally forgive him for his Strawberry aankhein from Sapnay. Irrespective of how the film fares at the box office, this soundtrack will definitely be a popular pick.

  Azeem 0 Shaan Shahenshah kickstarts this musical experience with drums and an elaborate arrangement that screams regal with every note. This track is the one you'll hear most with the movie promos and is instantly recognisable. In lamhon ke daaman mein is a soft, romantic song that is rendered by the soulful Sonu Nigam and Madhushree. The lyrics just blew me away and you have to give credit to Rahman and his singers who have done an outstanding job.

  Jashn e bahaare has a strong feel of stringed instruments to it and Jaaved Ali will definitely leave his mark with this song. Mark my words, this singer will go places. I would have to say that this is one of my favourite tracks on this album. It gives romance a whole new meaning. The same track in its instrumental version has a melodic flute interlude that is simply soothing.

Apart from being a brilliant composer, Rahman is a great singer to boot. And he displays his vocals on Khawaja Mera Khwaja that is a soulful Sufi track with a contemporary feel. You can hear his passion emerge through his voice as he hits the high notes without any trouble. That he is deeply spiritual is evident with this wonderful celebration of music and spirituality. The instrumental version of this song is a treat although Rahman's vocals add a zing of his own.

  Mann Mohana is sung by Bela Shende and is a devotional song. Although it is sung exquisitely, I have to say in all honesty that it pales in comparison to the rest of the album. It lacks the same intensity but nevertheless, there are those who love this track for its simplicity.

  All in all, this is one great album. LISTEN UP to Jodha Akbar and the master that is A R Rahman. 

Come Hell or High Water

It's been my biggest grouse for years that South Asians never make it to the mainstream rock music scene. And it used to bother me no end. After seeing guys like KK really rock it (believe it or not!) and Indus Creed and Pentagram live back in India, I'd wonder, "Why oh why don't South Asians make it big internationally?" Then came the Hindi/Urdu-rock explosion and I was pacified for a little while even though I can't come close to saying I'm over the moon. I love it but like all greedy souls I want more!

And more is here. Finally!!! Prize Fighter from Kitchener-Waterloo are a pop-rock quintet fronted by Zubin Thakkar, a 24-year-old South Asian Systems Design Engineer. Other members of the band include Mark Snyder, Darren Thomas, George Carothers and Justin Currie. These guys have supported mainstream Canadian acts like Jully Black, Hedley, Kalan Porter, The Trews amongst others. Their latest album called Come Hell or High Water was released in early 2007 and has received lots of airplay on local stations such as 91.5 The Beat FM apart from being featured on a host of other stations.

Although they have over 2000 copies in CD Sales via EPs released earlier, it's their latest album that I hope gets your attention. And I must warn those who expect desi trappings, there are none! This is just good ol' rock 'n roll! From start to finish. Great guitars, great synths, great bass - great stuff on the whole! Seven tracks are featured on this album and they explore every element of rock. Some tracks are edgier while there are some which are remarkable purely for the musical arrangements. The best part? Something that you could listen to over and over again. And you really can't complain about that! LISTEN UP! to PRIZE FIGHTER. Check them out at www.prizefighterrock.com/press to hear some of their music.

Upcoming shows in the GTA:

Feb 23 @ The Hardrock Cafe, Toronto

Mar 15 @ Chicopee Ski Resort, Kitchener

March 27th @ The Rivoli, Toronto

March 29th @ The Opera House, Toronto

April 4th @ The Underground, Hamilton
April 5th @ The Lost Lounge, Mississauga

Kamijee is back...

Kamijee (a.k.a Kamran Khan) is a multi-talented artist: Music composer/arranger, photographer, director and editor! When you bring that skill set to the table, you can be sure that there'll be something of note on offer. A quick search on Google lets you know that this is one serious musician who is quite a good photographer incidentally (his Myspace page lets you see how good!)

After listening to his promo (check it out at www.sibte.com/jeevan-promo.mp3), I have to admit I'm impressed. And I'm not surprised considering his enviable body of work in collaboration with artists like Shoaib Mansoor, Junaid Jamshed and Aaroh. With over 16 years of experience, Kamijee has also been associated with Bollywood via films like Rakht and Khuda Kay Liye.

  He's been working in North America for the last five years and now is back in the spotlight with his solo presentation"Jeevan" - an album that is quite interesting (and I say this just listening to his audio promo! Can't wait to hear the final cut!)

  The album is described as "an album that explores various themes. But mostly it is about our true companion that goes with us on the journey of life. This companion is Time. " The genres you'll hear are as varied as you get - rock to semi-classical to spiritual music. The album involves several creative partnerships with musicians from Jordan, India, Pakistan and North America lending their distinctive flavours to this album.

  Set to release in 2008, Kamijee's Jeevan should be a worthy addition to his reputation as an extraordinary musician. And a sneak peek of what's in store can be had on his website www.kamijee.com, set to be launched later this week. LISTEN UP! to Kamijee...