Colors of Rajasthan

Here by I am trying to portray about Colors of Rajasthan by making an attempt to describe Ustad Taufiq Qureshi's album in sort of words.

If I could I would describe Taufiq Ji as An Ace Percussionist of India.Taufiq has learned Tabla from his Dad; Ustad Allarakha and widened his realms from Indian Classical to World Music  & He is the brother of Ustad Zakir Hussain. Moving forward about his 1st album, which was released on 1st January 1995, where he tried to capture the essence of Rajasthan through his mesmerizing music.

Whether one has been to Rajasthan or not but this album can actually make you live within the essence of Rajasthan, Indeed musical tour to Rajasthan! Its rich culture and the colorful lives of people are very well woven into this album.

Well proceeding further with the details of album; It has multiple degree compilations of ample of musical instruments and varied combinations thereof, 

Starting with the very interesting instrument named “RAVANHATHA”, made at Jaisalmer, rather especially at Jaisalmer, As the name conveys - Birth of a Warrior and a Lullaby. Lullaby is sung by a renowned singer and Taufiq’s wife -

Geetika Varde. Whose voice texture is so silvery that it may actually make you sleep. Her voice is beautifully accompanied by Acoustic Guitar and warm pads. 

Moving forward to very interesting song which is about a warrior leaving for the war, courage of a warrior is well expressed through Tabla Rela along with Folk Vocals which can actually create  a visual picture of War & listens without any doubt could feel every essential of it, moreover typical instrument named RANSINGA is used to enhance feel, followed by Geetikas Vocal again depicting the aftermath of a battle. After getting royal victory warrior is returning back & gets a grand welcome at Royal court.   The song that follows has been given a kind of commercial touch with Tabla and Classical Vocals auxiliary element was male and female chorus singing Indian classical parts. Sitar and flute plays a very interesting part in this song giving a complete virtual tour of Royal Court where the Prince is welcomed by all with great affection and respect. 

Now since the Prince is grownup and is adolescent, he has fallen in love and the song is profoundly sung by USTAD SULTAN KHAN along with his SARANGI which creates and gives the touch of Love. But as An Ace percussionist's quality Taufiq Qureshi added a piano along with the tabla pattern giving a complete feel of love and romance. Even the lyrics are traditional and uses a local Rajasthani language, which is a cherry on the cake!

A lot more to convey, it's not over yet, about absolute clueless night in dessert, 

Twist in album, Campfire song, 

An integral part of Rajasthan's culture all will be soon conveyed to you shortly in next blog update.

Let music embrace you with knowledge! -  Nadeem Parmar