Another Truly Great Collection of Indian Folk Music

Readers of this blog will have noted over the years the frequent references to a Jaipur based record label by the name of DeKulture. And that for a short time I had a semi-commercial tie up with the company. Sadly, nothing much came of this collusion though I have no doubt at all that it is me feeling the more sad. DeKulture was probably glad to see the back of me.

You have also been unable to escape my regular ravings about a massive collection of Pakistani music issued in 2006 by Shalimar Recording Company of Islamabad known as Music Pakistan. I had no business links with the company but am lucky to be a friend of the former Managing Director of SRC, who was the one who gifted me the collection.

Both of these collections are worth their weight in gold and must be sought out by anyone who has even a casual interest in South Asian music. In terms of musical styles the DeKuture collection is focused exclusively on the capturing some of the many folk musics of Western India especially those found in the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Punjab. And the packaging of the DeKulture CDs is simply the best I’ve ever come across. Most come lovingly wrapped in an individual box wrapped in colourful cloth. In many, a thin booklet that documents some details about the performers and the style of music or the instruments being played is included. Each CD is not only full of authentic, passionately performed folk music but doubles as a gorgeous birthday or holiday gift for someone who still loves collecting physical media. I encourage you to go their website and buy as many as you.

In the spirit of this blog which is all about spreading the ‘love’ of music from South Asia and the diaspora, I am going to share this collection with you over the next several posts. It truly is something worth collecting and dipping into frequently. Who knows how long such music will be available? Or peformed?

Amreek Singh Zakhmi – Gurbani

The term Gurbani is derived from the two words ‘Guru’, meaning ‘Teacher’, and ‘Bani’, meaning ‘Message’. It refers to the writings and passages of Sikh holy scriptures which have been written and compiled by the ten Great Gurus of Sikhism. This genre of music has developed and evolved for more than five hundred years. Since the very beginning of the Sikh tradition, music has been an integral part of devotional practices, to the extent that each Gurbani has a prescribed Raag to which it must be sung. The Great Sikh Gurus were also musicians and each promoted a variety of styles, instruments, and techniques within the Gurmat Sangeet (Sikh musical tradition). Performed by Amreek Singh Zakhmi and group, this album is a sampling of this musical heritage. The Harmonium and Tabla are used as accompaniments for the soulful renditions.

Balvinder Mast – B Mast

The Hindi term ‘Mast’ translates to `cool` or `fun` and it is this essence that is truly embodied in the artist, Balvinder Mast. A singer/musician from Manjitha, Amritsar, he has been making heads turn, not just in Punjab (India), but also the worldwide. Proficient at playing both the Harmonium and the Tumbi, his open throated vocals add a rustic feel to his performances. He performs mainly in Majha and Doaba, (Punjabi dialects) and his repertoire ranges from traditional Punjabi folk songs at festivals to spiritual Sufi works when at Pir’s dargah (saints shrine). The ambiance of this album, ‘B. Mast’, is one of celebration and contains a number of excerpts from some of the most widely known legendary Punjabi love stories.

Dr. Gurnam Singh – Shabad

Shabads, or Holy texts, are sacred to the Sikh tradition. Written and compiled by the Great Sikh Gurus, the true meaning and impact of the Shabads are lost without the accompanying devotional music (Kirtan) to which they must be sung. The tradition of singing the Shabads with the Kirtan is referred to as the Gurmat Sangeet and it is this musical form which forms the base of most Sikh prayers. Dr. Gurnam Singh, an expert in the Gurmat Sangeet tradition has been working towards the revival of this genre through both, his performances and the innumerable initiatives he has begun. In this album ‘Shabad’, Dr. Gurnam Singh and his learned group of performers present a detailed and authentic rendition of the Gurmat Sangeet tradition.

Various Artists – Lounge in Punjab

The term ‘Lounge’ is not usually associated with Punjabi music, the general perception being that Punjabi music is loud, rhythmic and energetic. Indeed a majority of Punjabi genres such as Bhangra, Malwai Giddha, and others are based on loud drumming accompanied by an innumerable number of instruments; however, a number of other lesser known genres have a far gentler feel. Using fewer instruments the objective of these genres is to invoke emotion, create ambiance or aid a spiritual connection. This album presents lounge music of a completely different kind, ethnic in its origin, featuring instruments such as the dilruba, vanjali, taus and even the tumbi and harmonium.