An artiste unique in so many ways is Kishori Amonkar. First, as a woman vocalist of the Hindustani classical tradition, it is her double distinction to enjoy pre-eminence, singly, as the Numero Uno in the field. Secondly, she is the present-day pioneer of the avant garde movement in the wider sphere of traditional music as a whole. In this latter achievement, she shares the honours with Kumar Gandharva and, after his death in 1992; she remains the lone crusader of the movement. Thirdly, she has relentlessly continued to propagate its tenets through her countless concert performances and also her active participation in major seminars, symposia, lectures and interviews. Needles to say, reviewing a Kishori Amonkar concert becomes a rather challenging and even ticklish task.
I have been listening to her music since the mid-fifties of the last century, and I have found her an artiste who would evoke diverse reactions from her audience. Some connoisseurs extol her as a rebel genius, while some others simply remain content to call her an Enigma. In fact, she is both, and that is why she compels attention.
Now a grandma, Kishori looks deceptively youthful. Frail of physique, she is buoyant in spirit, agile and active. And something much more. She leaves her listeners unfailingly dazzled by her monumental voice. The expressive quality of her music makes a mesmeric impact on most. Equally astounding are her imaginative gifts, and with a total involvement with her music, she pureys them to her listeners in a manner few else can.
This album is a humble and sincere effort to unravel the Enigma that is Kishori Amonkar. It contains a recording of a recent live concert of Kishori Amonkar. Sampradaya is Kishori Tai’s personal tribute to her Mother and Guru, the Late Smt. Mogubai Kurdikar.
Volume 1
Raga Alhaiya Bilawal (69:39) Alaap, Vilambit Khayal in Teentaal Drut Khayal in Teentall- Sitarkhani
Volume 2
Raga Jeevanpuri (61:36) Alaap, Vilambit Khayal in Teentaal Madhya-laya Khayal in Teentaal Raga Bhairavi (15:24) Aba Ratiya Kidhar Gavai Re- Dadra Taal
Accompanists Harmonium- Purushottam Walawalkar Tabla-Balkrishna Iyer
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