Kaushiki Chakrabarty

Pure (Sense World Music 047, 2004)

Kaushiki Chakrabarty's latest recording in Pure, on Sense World Music. The young Indian vocalist is regarded by many as one of the finest singers in the  Indian Classical music scene. Kaushiki Chakrabarty's performance was recorded live at the Queen's Theatre, Hornchurch, London on the 30th of August 2003.

The performance features  Kaushiki Chakrabarty on vocals, Yogesh Samsi on tabla, Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty and Sri Chiranjib Chakrabarty on harmonium, and Ranjana Ghatak on tanpura.

The piece selected is Raga Madhuvanti, divided into 4 sections: 1.Alap; 2.Khayal 'Shyam bhaee, Ghanashyam nahi aye more dware' in Ektaal (12 beats); 3.Khayal ''Kahe maan karo sakhiri ab' in Teental (16 beats); and 4.Thumri in Raga Misra Mand 'Morey Saiyan Bedardi' in Keherva (8 beats).

On the liner notes, John Ball and Ranjana Ghatak mention: "Kaushiki has already proved herself as a versatile artist. One of the central tenets of Kaushiki's music is voice culture. She doesn't like to be typecast into groves like classical or light musician, her flexible voice means that she is capable of adapting to any style. Kaushiki recently performed at Pandit Jasraj's celebration of his distinguished musical career in Kolkata. Jasrajji was so moved by her performance that he was prompted to make an announcement on stage that he found in Kaushiki the one who will keep the lamp burning as the worthiest successor of the classical vocal music tradition of India."