If you've been tuning into the Asian music scene, you'd notice that many off-beat and unconventional musicians and composers are finding a niche of their own. Earlier divisions in musical genres such as classical, popular, western, traditional, no longer hold true as many artists are effortlessly blending cultures and sounds from the world over. World music is now creating a following of its own and names like Karunesh are not alien to listeners. I'd define his sound as very soothing, very mellow.. well, Lounge seems the best genre to slot his sound in. His track "Punjab" has found itself on various international lounge and world music albums including the infamous Buddha Bar series.
In the same league as Karunesh is the young, talented composer Abhijit Pohankar. His first World Music album "Piya Bavari" (check the youtube.com link below) received rave reviews from listeners and critics although many classical purists disapprove of such a blending of the Indian classical sound with a more Western set up and sound. His music has a strong Asian feel with Western undertones in structure. Added to this is his father, Pandit Ajay Pohankar's vocals in a very raag-based style. The result is a very unique sound that is mesmerising.
After the first album, Pohankar released a follow-up album titled "Piya Bavari Again" (Not the most creative title, wouldn't you agree?) It didn't quite match the success received by the previous album. But he has certainly left his mark on the music industry. Since then, he has collaborated with UK underground music guru Talvin Singh and also is working on the soundtrack of the film "Boom" featuring Amitabh Bachchan.
Even if you don't really listen to Indian classical as much, I'd highly recommend taking a listen to Pohankar's own modern take, based on some traditional classics. It's the perfect kind of mellow music to detox with...So, LISTEN UP to Abhijit Pohankar.
Not much into the classical stuff but I agree that Piya Bavari is one of the best relaxing tunes I have heard.
Posted by: Raj | August 13, 2007 at 08:18 AM
I agree Raj... You might to check out Karunesh's other tracks too if you liked Abhijit Pohankar.
Posted by: Savia | August 13, 2007 at 11:53 AM