Listen Up!

Slide into this concert...

  The Small World Music group has an amazing knack of bringing together wonderful musicians for unbelievable collaborations. Artists from remote corners of the world come together to create music that is rich, original and an experience unto itself.

  And they've done it once again. Doug Cox, one of Canada's leading slide guitarists teams up with India's famous slide instrumentalist, Salil Bhatt at a concert that will bring together the Blues and Indian music. The concert is aptly called Slide to Freedom and is on Monday, April 14, at 8:30 p.m. at Hugh's Room. It is part of the South Asian Music Series organised by Small World Music.

 

SALIL BHATT: If Bhatt's name sounds familiar, that could be because of his impressive lineage which includes over five centuries of musical legacy. He is the son of Grammy Award winner Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, who is more famously known for his contribution to music, through the Mohan Veena - a musical instrument that has been often called 'revolutionary' in musical circles. Salil Bhatt is an artist in his own right, and has performed on various occasions, showing off his in-depth understanding and knowledge of the Mohan Veena.

 

DOUG COX: Doug Cox on the other hand is extremely talented musician based in Vancouver. He's travelled all over the world performing at various venues, and is known for his improvisations that surprise his audience for sheer brilliance.  He is more famously known as a Dobro player, even though he plays Guitar, Mandolin amongst other string and "slidey" instruments! He has primarily been associated with Blues and Bluegrass genre of music but his musical albums involve collaborations with other artists from different regions of the world.

  Last year, the album "Slide to Freedom" was released, featuring a fusion between Blues and Classical Indian music, represented by Salil Bhatt, Ramkumar Mishra and Vishwa Mohan Bhatt in a guest's role.

  So treat yourself to some wonderful music and go out and support these unique artists. LISTEN UP! to some great slide musicians.

For more information contact 416 531 6604, Hugh's Room is located at 2261 Dundas St. W.

Lindi Ortega

The James Blunt concert last month was a great experience. Apart from dispelling all rumors about a supposedly "dull" performance, it gave me a fantastic opportunity to witness the talent of a wonderful young artist called Lindi Ortega.

Ortega opened the show, accompanied by a pianist while she played guitar. A shy, quirky young performer turned into an artist to be reckoned with right before my eyes. Don't be fooled by her slim silhouette, that girl has a powerhouse voice! Simply enigmatic for the lack of any other word. Her musical inspiration is drawn from country and folk music, and you can tell that she's learned her lessons well. Rock-meets-country-meets-blues is the best way to describe her sound. Her lyrics are deceptively simple but you can see the thoughts behind them run deep and beyond.

She sang a few songs that had the crowd riveted. I have to admit I haven't heard her before but I was blown away. She is fabulous! Her website calls her "Toronto's best-kept secret." It's true!!! I'll try not to gush too much but her voice is magical as are her lyrics. I particularly liked a track called "Dying of Another Broken Heart" which is a track that sounds like a country track, if it were to be categorized. There's another great song (my favorite I have to add!) called "Black Fly" which has great lyrics that belie her age. Both these songs are on her 2008 EP which has been released recently.

Apart from being a great vocalist, she came off as someone who can have a good laugh, including times when it's self-directed. Throughout her brief performance, she enjoyed in banter with the crowd and encouraged people to buy her CD, very humbly requesting them that she'd be around in the foyer later in case they want to say hello! I hope that her humility stays intact after she hits big time internationally (which I'm sure she will!) It's remarkable that she got a standing ovation at the end of a track and had the crowd clapping and cheering all the way through. It's not many young artists who can boast of such appreciation. Whoever picked Ortega to open for James Blunt did a smart job at picking out an artist who can get the crowd going, ready for the main act. Although at times, I almost forgot that Blunt was to follow!

After much digging around, I realized this "young" artist that I keep referring to isn't that young musically! Her website has snapshots of her previous work and now my mission will be to track the albums down and have a good listen. Do LISTEN UP! to Lindi Ortega.

It's 'Sun'day!!

We had a nice bright sunny day after the dark, bleary snowy days that we've had for weeks. The temperature...well, let's not talk numbers! Anyway, it made me wonder about all the songs that have the word "sun" in their title! Inspiration comes from the weirdest places, I guess. So staring out the window as I watch the sun setting, I put down a few titles at the top of my head that come to mind...

Here comes the Sun: Made immortal by The Beatles, there's also another version by Nina Simone that gets a lot of airplay every time the Sun pops out from underneath the clouds. It's a nice, Sixties pop ditty that will always remain associated with The Beatles in mind.

Walking on Sunshine: This one is always reserved for bright sunny days where you feel you can conquer all. Created by Katrina and the Waves in the Eighties, this track reminds of big hair (you know we're talking about BIG hair when we are thinking about the Eighties!!) and big shoulder pads, bright make up... the list goes on. Incidentally there a few versions of the same track and there's even one track by Eddy Grant that sounds nothing like Katrina's version. How's that for trivia!

Ain't no sunshine: This one is by far my favourite. A motown track that has been part of several movie soundtracks, most famously "Notting Hill," featuring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. It's such a lovely romantic track and it's the distinctive vocals that make it special for me. Originally sung by Bill Withers in 1971, this song has lived on through the decades. PS: I found a cool version by Sting on Youtube which I didn't know existed! Check it out sometime... Below is the original in all its glory, taken from a live show in 1971.

Sun is shining: I'm a huge Bob Marley fan! And I love this song. I loved it even more once I heard the coolest club remix a couple of years back that was played at hotspots all around the world. The first appearance of this track was on the 1971 Marley album "Soul Revolution."

Staring at the Sun: Made famous by the lads from Ireland - U2, this song has an amazing video which I'll never forget. Staring at the Sun was taken from the 1991 album "Pop" and attained top rankings on most major charts around the world. The track has seen two versions by U2 themselves: the first was on the original album, while the second album appeared on the Best of collection released around 2000.

You are the Sunshine of my life: Sung by the very talented Stevie Wonder, this one is as mushy as they get. An icon in popular culture, Wonder has several award-winning tracks to his credit, most famously I just called to say I love you. There's an acoustic version by Babyface on a live album that is simply mersmerising. Interestingly Babyface and Wonder have collaborated on another great track "Gone too soon" which features on Babyface's MTV Unplugged album in the early Nineties.

Don't let the Sun go down on me: The flamboyant Elton John made this song famous as did his live collaboration with George Michael for the Queen concert in the early Nineties. I'm not a huge Elton John fan but I don't think this one gets as much airplay as Sacrifice and some other more sentimental numbers. Then again, maybe I'm wrong!

Third stone from the Sun: This one if I remember correctly is by the legendary Jimi Hendrix taken from the album "Are you experienced?" Man, did he know how to play the guitar! He's arguably the best rock musician in history - dead or alive. He lived a relatively short life and one can only imagine what his body of work would look like, had he been living today. His life was marked with drug abuse and that allegedly was the cause of his premature death. Not quite a bright, sunny life but his sheer genius is undisputed.

Counting down the days

They finally arrived in the mail last week. After much anticipation and excitement, my tickets to the Zakir Hussain concert made their appearance and are now safely nestled in my desk drawer. Woohoo! Scheduled to play on May 9, 2008 at the Roy Thompson Hall, the Masters of Percussion promise to take the audience on an exhilarating ride in the world of rhythm. And then you have Zakir Hussain headlining the event. What more can one ask for!

Every month I promise myself that I'll save some money and will not splurge on music - concerts, CDs or any other events. But I fail. And funnily enough, my guilt lasts for a few seconds, if at all! Buying the Zakir Hussain concert tickets didn't even cross my mind as an indulgence. His concerts are electrifying, his witty repartee often has his crowd laughing all the way through. And despite all that, the music reigns supreme. His improvisations are simply outstanding and his interaction with fellow musicians onstage is magnetic. Having attended a benefit concert a while back, I have to admit that his energy levels on stage are remarkable!

My earliest image of Zakir Hussain was thanks to my father who is a great fan of Ustad Allahrakha Khan. I only learnt about Zakir Hussain because my father proudly stated that the son of a legend would also be a star in his own right. And turns out, Zakir Hussain has created a niche for himself in world music. He has been often credited for being India's first representative at the world music stage. Some even consider him to be the father of the world music scene altogether. His collaboration on Shakti is something that every world music fan should listen to at some time in their life. I know I have, several times over!

Currently Zakir Hussain tours the world playing at world-renowed concert halls, with illustrious musicians. When not at the concert hall, he trades his tabla for a teacher's pen as he gives lectures at universities in the US. Luckily enough for us, he will be playing live on May 9 and this concert should be interesting as I'm told it involves drummers from Manipur, a northern state of India. For all those interested in a crash course in raga and tala, LISTEN UP! to the Masters of Percussion.

Photo: Susana Millma

A classical touch

With summer around the corner, there's bound to be plenty of entertainment for music afficionados. And to kick start the festivities on the classical route will be a concert by Sitar Maestro Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan. The concert is being organised by some young Canadians whose main focus is to raise awareness about South Asian heritage, more specifically about classical music.

The Sitar itself is famous for being associated with Ravi Shankar, Sixties legends The Beatles as well as more recently, with Anoushka Shankar. The Shankars performed here last year and the concert was breath-taking, and made me look at the Sitar with renewed respect. This concert is another opportunity to listen to the sheer majesty of the Sitar. Whether you listen to classical  music on a regular basis or not, this concert with Ustad Shahid Parvez should be a fascinating experience, on account of his vast musical knowledge and his natural ability to connect with his audience.

Having been actively involved in training young Canadians in this ancient and revered art form, Ustad Shahid Parvez is a wonderful representative for this cause. He will be performing with Toronto-based artist Vineet Vyas and Montreal-based Shubhojyoti Guha on April 5th, 2008 at the Medical Sciences Auditorium at the University of Toronto. The concert is part of Ustad Parvez's North American tour which boasts of over 20 concerts.

It is important that concerts like these are supported because they give the audience a glimpse of the arts that our community is known for. It is a great opportunity to learn more about the Sitar itself, apart from merely knowing about Ravi or Anoushka Shankar. Despite popular notion, classical music has many takers in this city and I know of several talented musicians who take great pride in being a proponent of classical music - vocal or instrumental.

Apart from the concert itself, there is a free lecture-demonstration on the basics of Indian Classical Music. This will be held at 5.30 PM before the concert. To participate in the workshop, please contact Ipshi Kamal at ipshi.kamal@gmail.com or call her on 613.255.3557 to book your spot. Thanks to events like this, classical music is alive and kicking in Toronto. LISTEN UP! to Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan.

Repeat loop anyone?

There are times when I love listening to the radio and long weekends are a great excuse to crank up the radio. And with the sunshine we had, I pretended we were already into summer and ignored the mounds of snow outside my door.

Funny thing is that every station had some tracks playing over and over and over again! It's almost like some big conspiracy to black out all other artists and force the listeners to listen to the same tracks over and over and over again! (Repeat over for emphasis! ;)

"For the nights I can't remember" by Hedley is one such song. If the title doesn't strike you as familiar then this will: "I do wanna love youuuuuuu. I do wannnaaaaaa tryyyyy." Now I'm sure you know which one I mean! Initially I though it was the lead guy from the yesteryear brotherly trio Hansen brothers who sang it 'cos they sound remarkably similar but it's good ol' Canadian rock at work here.

"Like a tattoo, I'll always have you" sang Jordin Sparks over and over again. Let's see. She sang that when I ate breakfast. She sang that while I cleaned my closet. And just to make my day complete, she sang it while I was just about to sleep! Whether I like it or not, the song is tattood in my head for sure!

Chris Brown, "With you," I've had enough!!!! Really! I started out liking this song and I liked it a whole lot better when I didn't hear it every two songs! Sheesh! A very talented guy who acts, dances a la Usher, and sings well too. Interesting all the way around including his Michael Jackson special at a recent music award show.

Please don't write him a love song! Sara Bareilles makes a splash with this guitar-folksy number on love and heartbreak. Taken from the album "Little Voice," she is getting monster plays on all radio stations. As to me, I'm not writing any love songs any time soon! But this musician will find takers all over the world with her easy-going, something serious tone. Great stuff here!

Race to the finish!

"Race" is the title of the newest multi-star film that's set to hit theatres soon. Anil Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif, Sameera Reddy play central roles in this caper. I'm not sure how the film will do at the box office but here's a rundown on the soundtrack created by Pritam, responsible for monster hits like Dhoom amongst others. He has the notorious reputation for making songs "inspired" by international songs. Anyway, moving swiftly along...

Dekho Nashe Mein is a fast-paced track, vaguely reminiscent of the Latino-inspired track in "Dhoom." There's another remixed Latin fiesta version, which didn't quite hit the spot. The track by itself is stuck in a middle ground - it's not extremely exciting that I'd want a replay but it's not terribly boring that I'd forget it altogether. All in all, average would describe it best.

Mujhe Pe To Jadoo features Apache Indian after a very long time. Accompanying him are Taz (from the erstwhile Stereo Nation) and Sunidhi Chauhan. The song is a easy, laidback reggae-bhangra song. I have always liked Taz's voice and think he is a highly under-rated singer. This song has a typical Stereo Nation feel to it. Sunidhi doesn't have much scope to belt out her thunderous vocals. Apache is dependable as he ever was.

Pehli Nazar Mein is possibly the highlight of the album, featuring the ever-so-talented Atif Aslam. His voice has this mersmerising quality, in the same league as his other blockbusters such as Tere bin, Woh Lamhe. The song is already on its way to being a chart-topper back in India and Pakistan. Definitely something I'll be adding onto my faves list.

Race is on my mind is another track that will be a popular pick. It has a rock-inspired feel. There's something about it that reminds me about Jackson's In the Closet (think it's the bassline that is vaguely familiar with In the Closet). Sung by the ever-reliable Sunidhi Chauhan, the video will probably see the ladies shaking their booty to this track. Why? Lyrics that say something about "shake your body like a snake!" ;) Neeraj from Bombay Vikings accompanies Sunidhi in singing this track in his inimitable style. That this is the title track is just as well because it has a rock-Bond influenced vibe to it, which I have a feeling will play at opportune times during the film! Race In Saanson ki is merely a hindi-version of the previous song. I couldn't tell much of a difference between the tracks! Even the hindi-version has a liberal smattering of English words! So I'm not entirely sure why this additional track made it to the final cut.

Zara Zara Touch Me is the track that's playing on promos at this time featuring Katrina Kaif. If it sounds familiar, it's because it is "inspired" by Stagga Lee's Rock your body, albeit a slowed down version of that club hit. There's a man singing on the track who is attempting a Shaggy-like vibe and it's an interesting attempt to say the very least. Monali does a pretty good job at sounding unique and holds her own well. Too bad, the song isn't the most original. However, I'm sure a million remixes will follow this song. There's another version called the Asian RnB version which I actually liked better than the original, simply because it has a more pronounced bass line. Apart from that, again, not sure why this track made it to the soundtrack.

All in all, the album is average with a couple of tracks that stand out. It's worth one listen, not sure how much repeat value it will have in the years to come. Somehow I don't think creating a classic was on the music director's mind ;)

Win or Defeat

Zameer Rizvi is no stranger to being in the spotlight. Popularly known as Zameer, this talented South Asian-Canadian musician has worked his way towards attaining mainstream acceptance on the basis of his talent and global appeal. I recall watching him on Much Music to promote a benefit concert called Sing for South Asia, which was aimed at creating awareness about the earthquake-stricken region of Kashmir. And it is his association with worthy causes that drew my attention to this talented artist, apart from the fact that he plays the guitar with ease.

Apart from being profiled on leading media channels, Zameer has performed alongside artists like John Mayer which adds to his credibility as a musician. Adding to his list of achievements is his being chosen as a showcasing artist for Rogers Music Store Canadian Music Week 2008, competing against 1300 applicants! He won the competition held by Canadian Music Week and OurStage.com which gave him a unique opportunity to showcase at this year's event.

He is now working with five-time award winning producer Steve Thompson who signed him up in 2007. His debut single Win or Defeat is being shot by Marc Andre Debrune and features gold medalist Paralympic Sledge Hockey Player Bradley Bowden.

Talking about his new single, Zameer says, "The goal of my video is to help drive home the message that everyone who works hard to pursue a dream is a star. At the end of it all, it doesn't matter whether society deems you successful or  not. It's all up to you."

Proceeds from the sales of his single will go to the Canadian Paralympic Athletes group, a cause he believes in. He says, "This song is especially dedicated to people that don't receive due recognition for following their dreams. We need to change our ideas of success. I don't understand why the Paralympic Games do not receive as much recognition and support as the Olympic Games, even though the athletes work just as hrd and have the same ambitions."

The single Win or Defeat will be available through all digital retailers as well as music stores like HMV and Chapters. You can also listen to it on his website, www.zameermusic.com.

When you don't feel like feeling...

I listen to music when I'm happy. It allows me to enjoy the simple things in life and makes my head bop to happy tunes. There's nothing like listening to a great song when you're happy.

But I also find refuge in music when I feel like I've been kicked in the gut. Music also usually helps to work my way through profound loss. But this time has been different. I lost someone very dear to me in late February. And somehow the music stopped.

We grew up together as childhood friends and saw each other through pigtails to the worst disastrous perm! Supporting each other throughout the years. And our friendship was fuelled by our love for music. I remember how she gravitated towards punk-rock while I preferred the mellower-vintage kinds. She loved the drums and a thumping bass line while my heart always prefers a soulful guitar anyday. Such different tastes and we'd spend hours debating the latest songs or music to hit the scene.

Music has an amazing way to create fond memories. Her first heartbreak and hating "Power of love" thereafter. Or the times she drove around playing "Encore" from Linkin Park" determined to prove that girls can drive fast too! Such bittersweet memories that leave so much unsaid.

The last couple of weeks have been tough. Toughest actually. And I don't quite know how to make things better. But I remember her pointing out that no matter who dies, the music never stops. She's right, I know that. Music is eternal and plays on much after we're gone. There's a great track from REM (listen below "Everybody hurts") that she and I both loved, reserved for days that didn't quite work out the way we wanted them to.

While music won't point me towards any kind of solution, I know somewhere she's listening to something and bopping her head in unison :)

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...

U2 presents their 3D concert film

  Irish rock band U2 premiered their 3D Vertigo Tour concert film (http://www.u23dmovie.com/) at the highly anticipated Sundance Film Festival in Utah last weekend. Screened at the Eccles Center, the 80-minute long film was the talking point at a festival that usually showcases critically acclaimed films by talented moviemakers the world over.

  Shot in South America, the film is pegged as a real-live concert experience with viewers having to wear special 3D glasses. In an article reported by MTV, U2 guitarist, The Edge said this was the first time he has actually seen the band on stage.

  The film was shot in digital film entirely and aims to give viewers a taste of a real-live concert experience. With 5.1 Surround Sound and highly advanced digital imagery, the film is said to be at the cutting-edge of technology.

The band's frontman, Bono is quoted as having said, "U2 tickets can be a bit expensive. We fight to keep them reasonably priced, but you know how it goes. And people who are going to high school or college don't always have the cash. So my hope for people who are thinking, 'Well, I'm kind of into that band,' is that they'll give us a shot and see what we've got."

  For U2 loyalists like me, this might be as close as we can get to a live show till the next time they play live in Toronto. And I'm certainly not complaining! The film is set to release in February in Canada. LISTEN UP! to U2... in 3D.

The games we play

  It started off as an interesting venture that brought music and the gaming industry together. And its success has gone beyond popular expectations. An article in Reuters and Billboard, reports that "in the two months since MTV Networks and Harmonix released the music-based videogame "Rock band," players have purchased and downloaded more than 2.5 million additional songs made available after the game's initial distribution."

For the uninitiated, Rock Band is a video game that was created by Harmonix Music Systems, published by MTV Games and distributed by Electronic Arts Partners. This game is available in both XBox 360 and PS 3 versions. The game revolves around its players playing different instruments (virtually of course!). Wikipedia describes this by saying, "Rock Band allows players to perform in virtual "bands" by providing up to four players with the ability to play three different peripherals modeled after music instruments (a guitar peripheral for lead guitar and bass guitar gameplay, a drum peripheral, and a microphone). These peripherals are used to simulate the playing of rock music by hitting scrolling notes on-screen. "

  I read this article with great interest because the statistics are staggering. At a time where the music industry is suffering due to decreased CD sales, thanks to illegal downloading and online music piracy, it is quite remarkable that a video game can generate so much interest. And that is can actually get consumers to spend money the legal route.

  The MTV-released games Rock Band and Guitar Hero are a huge success and the fact that consumers are paying 99 cents per song or a $1.99 for bundles of three is an interesting trend. There are several bands that have participated in this venture by making their music available for the video games. Rumours have it that rockers Metallica are leading the way in terms of music downloads. MTV has been quoted as saying that the Metallica trio of "Ride the Lightning," "Blackened" and "Justice for All" is the best-selling "Rock Band" download.

  Encouraged by the response to their games, the bigwigs at MTV Networks are working on plans to include more artists under this venture, and even creating games around specific music genres!

  Apart from this, there is talk in the industry, of making new music available to gamers who can download it and replace the original soundtracks every so often. This option itself opens up so many new possibilities. Other video game producers are also focussing on sprucing up their soundtracks and offer their consumers other options, like those initiated by MTV and its collaborators.

Asha in Toronto

A little birdie tells me that the grand dame of Bollywood, the lovely Asha Bhonsle is set to perform at the Roy Thompson Hall later this year. To be exact, she is scheduled to stage a live performance on April 4, 2008 in downtown Toronto celebrating 75 years of music.

  Her fans pan across all possible age groups with my father recollecting her songs for Burman Junior and Senior as being his favourites. My teenage cousin on the other hand remembers her for Rangeela re. Such is the diversity of this extremely talented artist.

  To say that she's keep abreast with the times is an understatement. She was quick to catch on to the remix trend when it began and worked with Leslie "Lezz" Lewis to co-produce an album dedicated to Rahul Dev Burman way back in the mid-nineties. Since then, she has released several indipop albums and managed to stay in the memory of an audience that has short-term memory.

  Despite being the sibling of the illustrious Lata Mangeshkar, Asha has always been able to maintain an identity that is vastly different from her sister. Their legendary competition was rumoured to be the inspiration for the film Saaz which saw even Zakir Hussain in a special role! The sisters however claim there was never any ill will between them.

  To have an opportunity to watch Asha live in concert is a chance that not many in our generation have had. Whether you remember her for her classical treats or peppy A R Rahman numbers, there's no doubt that this living icon has a legacy of her own. Take some time out and have a listen to the lady in the flesh, LISTEN UP! to Asha Bhonsle live in Toronto!

 

Breaking the Jinx

The British music scene has been responsible for bringing many talented desi musicians to the fore. Manchester-based band Jinx fit right into that category of successful musicians in the bhangra-meets-RnB genre. The band is now set to wow the world with their brand new single Punjab Nachda off their second album Jus Jinx.

   With over 6 years of experience on the DJ circuit in the UK, Dubz and Jogi - the Jinx duo - have several hits to their credit. Gal Sun was a monster hit from their debut album. Following that success was the track Dil da Jaani, taken from their recently released, second album Jus Jinx.

  Their tracks have been smash hits on most Asian music charts across the UK. When asked to describe their sound, the guys from Rochdale, offer, "British Asian music, fused with urban and experimental, made for all ages and for everyone to enjoy." This straightforward, no-nonsense approach is what draws many to their music. I'm not a bhangra fan by a long shot but I genuinely liked the new track and can see it becoming a party favourite at clubs across the city.

  Last year saw them on massive tours all across the world including countries like India, Pakistan and European nations like Norway. This year their brand new single Punjab Nachda (take a sneak peek below) promises to set the mood for a rocking 2008. LISTEN UP! to Jinx.

All things new...

  The new year is here. Resolutions are part and parcel of the deal. And every year I promise myself that I will listen to more and more great music and that's the one (and ONLY!) resolution I actually manage to stick to. I wish I was as dedicated to the other causes in my life! ;)

  Without taking the cliched "flashback" route, I have to admit 2007 was sparkling in all aspects musical. Established artists breaking moulds or brand new artists taking the world by storm, 2007 saw it all. This year I'm looking forward to more of the same and more. I want to listen to great original music, not regurgitated notes that try to form some semblance of music. I want younger voices to be heard and the older ones to challenge themselves and offer something new to their loyal audiences. Whether or not, these demands will be met is a whole other story.

  Every year I set myself a rather strange target. Not to lose those extra pounds or save that extra money. Nopes, not for me those "normal" goals. I aim for greater things. All musical naturally! I want to listen to at least 5 artists I haven't heard before or genres of music I haven't been exposed to earlier. I hit that target in 2007 (and how!) and I can't complain about the money spent in that pursuit. Whether it was a blues-reggae band that played in Greek town in the middle of summer or whether it was The Hives who opened for Maroon 5 or closer to home, artists like Kidd Skilly whom I haven't heard too much of before, 2007 was fantastic in every way.

  2008 promises all this and more. I started off my year with listening to this wonderfully talented jazz artist called Jill Scott. The video below is a classic and was made famous more recently by Fantasia Barrino on American Idol. I loved this version of it for the simple vocal prowess displayed by Ms Scott and the ever reliable George Benson. LISTEN UP! for a good helping of some soul-enriching jazz!

Calling the child in you!

Taare zameen par marks the directorial debut of Aamir Khan. The film is an outstanding one that is not merely original in desi cinema but is also a sensitive story about an exceptional child. While I have to say that the film is a must-watch, the music score is a real surprise.
  Composed by the creative trio Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy, the soundtrack is refreshingly simple and does not take anything away from the film's theme and meaning. While item songs and catchy tracks are often the norm in most typical masala potboilers, I was absolutely delighted to hear a soundtrack that stayed true to the film's central idea. Whether it's the painful Maa or the exuberant Bum bum bole, the songs are appealing and fun. With lyrics from ad guru Prasoon Joshi, the music adds to the feel of the film.
  I walked into the film thinking it would be a serious film about a child, but I walked out with renewed respect for the music directors who have tackled a children's issue with utmost dedication. For those who enjoy a decent amount of rock and guitars, the songs showcase some elegant strumming and the bass lines are catchy. Don't expect melodramatic promises of love and life ever after and you won't be disappointed! The songs are purely expressions of the myriad moods and feelings of the lead character who after all is just a child. So discover the child in you, watch this film and LISTEN UP to this original soundtrack!

The Sound of Music

Don't be fooled by the name of this post. It certainly isn't about the Julie Andrews classic. It's about music and technology. As I listened to my mp3 player with its uber-cool noise reduction headphones, I have to say I am thankful technology has come such a long way. From vinyl records to nifty mp3 players to gigantic headphones to miniature earplugs - there's been a sea of change to the sound of music, quite literally.

When you ask musicians of yore about their recordings, many of them recount tales of having to get the recording right all at one go. Artists like Lata Mangeshkar, Hemant Kumar, Asha Bhonsle, Kishore Kumar all weaved their magic working within the constraints of their time. Every member of the live orchestra had to get their part right or it meant scrapping the entire afternoon's work if one note was out of sync. This is a far stretch from today where you can record bits and sections of a song and put them together. Sometimes duets are sung separately and put together by techno whizzes who work in nifty little studios.

Some senior artists have suggested that because of the pressure to get things right the first time, skill and talent came into play. This however has been disputed and the way I see it, you cannot really draw comparisons across different situations and different factors at play. Something that Sunidhi Chauhan once pointed out in an interview came to mind when she suggested that today, there are days where artists record songs back to back, sometimes amounting to even 10 or 12 songs a day! So the circumstances are vastly different to yesteryears where an artist would have the luxury to learn a song for days and then go into a studio and record it. Even then, you have to admit that it is an admirable task that some of the best music ever emerged during those years where technology was still being developed.

Today old 45s are collector's items selling at high prices and you barely see the old gramophone unless you're displaying it in your house as an antique piece. Cassettes are almost redundant and God knows, I've had to let go (with lots of mourning and feelings of loss) so many tapes for the simple reason that I no longer own a cassette player! Compact Discs were the rage some decades ago and then once again technology caught up and said "Here's something better!" The MP3 made an appearance. Thereafter there's been no looking back. Music playing devices have been getting smaller and smaller and you can now walk around with over a 1000 songs if you choose to. It certainly beats lugging around heavy packs of cassettes and rewinding and forwarding (do we even remember that anymore?) to your favourite track.

Reality check

Like 'em or hate 'em, reality shows are here to stay. The genres are all out there - dating, geeks and beauty queens, adventure, survival and music. The last in particular gives me food for thought especially with relation to desi music. And our only representation beyond the desi stage was Sanjay Mayekar from American Idol whose hair styling excited me more than his vocal prowess but that topic deserves a whole other post.

Going back to reality shows, they are dime a dozen on every possible TV station. There are times where you have to hear insufferable people working their way through the preliminary rounds with no talent whatsoever. Then there are times where the sheer talent astounds you. The age group varies tremendously and it's always interesting to hear kids as young as five or six singing songs that were created decades before they were born. That to me is the most inspiring part of the whole reality show hoopla.

I'm not afraid to admit that I absolutely enjoy the oldies as much as I enjoy the new. But to hear such golden songs from old movies sung by children who probably have no recollection of the movie itself is something else. And there is no dearth of talent there. There is a renewed interest in older, classical based songs that show off a vocalist's range and skill. So many participants pick out songs created by legendary composers, sung by immortal artists and bring it forward to our times.

While skeptics might argue that the intentions may not always be the most noble, I beg to differ. Nothing comes without a price. There was a time where oldies were only recognised when they were remixed, rehashed and regurgitated over and over. For a change, we can actually listen to the original sound of a song and perhaps even go dig up the original soundtrack from somewhere.

Though I admit that my young cousin of six won't know that Lata Mangeshkar sang Tum Pukar Lo, she certainly will remember the song simply because of her favourite contestants on a show sang it. From there, curiousity is piqued and she has discovered there is more music to be heard. And that to me is a great sign.

Breathing Under Water - a great collaboration

She's created an identity for herself that extends beyond the shadow of her illustrious father. He is known for his own brand of electronica and is a leading name on the world music stage. Breathing Under Water brings together the very talented Anoushka Shankar and Karsh Kale in a unique collaboration.

  With a total of 13 tracks, this album is a true reflection of Shankar's talents that go well beyond only Indian classical music. After Rise which earned her a Grammy nomination, this collection will only bring her more recognition as a composer to reckon with. Listeners who are familiar with Kale's work won't be in for a surprise with this album as he continues to create sounds in his unparalleled, unique style.

  Several huge names are featured on this album ranging from the maestro himself, Ravi Shankar to his daughter (and Anoushka's sister) Norah Jones. Sting, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shankar Mahadevan are among the other guest artists on this album. Various genres and styles like jazz, electronica, pop are fused together to form a new age Indian sound. What makes this album stand out is its modern presentation and global appeal. Even with some lyrics in English, the overall impact is unmistakably Indian and the highlight is that the new sound is effortless and soulful.

  Burn, Easy and Ghost story were my favourite tracks on this album that offers a catalytic mix of classical and modern. LISTEN UP to Anoushka Shankar and Karsh Kale.

Unforgettable Hollywood signature tunes

  My earliest memory of a classic cowboy movie is from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. For the longest time, the star cast or storyline seemed inconsequential as I only recognised the movie by its signature tune that played every time a gunfight was around the corner. Created by legendary Italian composer Ennio Morricone, this tune has gone down in history for its association with a good ol' spaghetti Western. Have a listen below as the orchestra led by Morricone recreates this unforgettable tune...

  Another instantly recognisable tune is that from the Bond series. While the actor playing Bond has been changed several times over, the Bond tune has remained the same over decades, barring some modernisation. The tune was first composed by John Barry for the film From Russia with Love and has made reappearances in several Bond movies that followed.

  How could I possibly leave out the Indiana Jones theme tune in a list of classics? John Williams is credited with composing this tune and it made its appearance in Raiders of the Lost Ark. Williams is a multi award-winning composer who is also responsible for memorable soundtracks such as those from ET, Star Wars and more recently, Harry Potter. Needless to say, this theme is now part of popular film culture.

  Quentin Tarantino is responsible for several blockbuster films and his soundtracks have also become a part of popular culture. Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction and the Kill Bill series all had tracks that added to Tarantino's visual imagery. Bang Bang from Kill bill (originally by Nancy Sinatra) and Jungle Boogie from Pulp Fiction are the more famous tunes from his films. Apart from the songs per se, this track seems stuck in my head as being part of Pulp Fiction.

  Closer to recent times, the main theme from Mission Impossible was the most downloaded ring tone showing mass appeal. The single from Limp Bizkit was a hit worldwide and being part of a movie blockbuster only added to its popularity. This super spy flick raked in the box office and the theme only added to its uber cool effect. Of course, having Tom Cruise in the film has its own added benefits!

Great soundtracks and terrible films...

  Have you ever noticed how sometimes a film that has a great soundtrack turns out to be one long nightmarish experience? There are so many instances I can think of where I've heard a superb soundtrack and hoped for a good movie and have been thoroughly disappointed. It's a syndrome that has affected many films all through the years and no stars have been spared. But it seems more obvious in recent years where a tremendous emphasis is placed on great music, with great visuals and nifty packaging. So you can definitely pique curiousity by selling a mind-blowing soundtrack and get people into a theatre to have an initial look. But after that, if the movie can't deliver then it's just doomsday for the producers and investors.

This Diwali was pegged as the battle between two big films: Saanwariya and Om Shanti Om. The former has a wonderful soundtrack in keeping with Bhansali's legacy as an avante-garde artist. But the movie lacked in several areas. Listening to the soundtrack, almost everyone expected another treat on their hands. Expectations were raised because of the reputation of the director as well as the soulfulness of the music.

The same applied to Om Shanti Om. The music was peppy, catchy (although I wouldn't call it my favourite soundtrack) and had a definite Farah Khan feel to it but again the movie was disappointing if you expected a cinematic thrill. A lesser known film Jab We Met has a really good soundtrack that is currently playing over and over on my iPod and the film was good in parts. This one is a is good example of how music can escalate a film from being completely non-descript. So whether it's the biggest blockbuster or a relatively unknown one, having a good soundtrack can really make a difference but can't really salvage a film on the whole. Audio sales profits? Well, that's a whole other story...

An ode to "her"

  There have been a few songs that have left a lasting impression on my mind. Sung by female singers whose voices are as different as they come, here's a selection of some songs that are slightly off the beaten track...

Ankhon main raho - Soumya Rao: A relatively unknown name, this talented singer sang this beautiful song in Company under the guidance of music director Sandeep Chowta. A second generation musician, Soumya has sung in a range of South Indian languages and has also been more actively heard in Bollywood of late. Her other credits include singing Nach Baliye from Bunty aur Babli, etc.

Sajna - Shibani Kashyap: She burst onto the scene with the very catchy Ho Gayi Hai Mohabbat that featured a very hunky model (who later made his film debut but that's a whole other story!) and her in the scenic backwater locale of Kerala. Since then, she has had several hits to her credits including the title track from Zinda. She's known for her improvisations and her distinctive voice. Sajna was one of her more popular tracks from Waisa bhi hota hai - part 2 (incidentally, there was never a part 1!!)

Aye Khuda Hafiz/Anjaani - Sunitha Sarathy: A regular in South Indian cinema, Sunitha made a splash with her vocals in Yuva, directed by none other than the Guru himself, A R Rahman. Her fresh voice coupled with Kareena's vibrance made this song a much requested one. She displayed a fantastic range with an interlude of jazz in the track apart from her uninhibited vocals.

Yeh kaisi chap - Rekha Vishal: Wife to music and film director, Vishal Bharadwaj, Rekha Bharadwaj is a talented singer who has worked on several films. I first heard in Jahan Tum le Chalo where she sang to legendary lyricist Gulzar, set to the music of Vishal Bharadwaj. Since then, she has worked with Gulzar on several occasions including Sufi-ghazal albums showcasing her melodic and soulful voice. She was also unheard on Omkara and Maqbool.