Street Musicians Across The World

"If music be the food of love (life), play on..." - using a part of the famous lines of Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare... music transcends all boundaries and brings people together.

Here's my tribute to the wonderful street musicians all over the world who perform in public squares, gardens and markets to enthrall different sets of tourists and locals everyday for a paltry reward.

1. At a local market in Bangkok here is a blind guitarist playing his music to the passerby. He has a microphone and an amplifier to be heard around!

2. An elderly couple performs almost non-stop at the Plaza Mayor, Madrid, belting out popular Spanish songs like Besame Mucho.

3. One of my favourites... Sitting on a chair at Miradouro in the Alfama region of Lisbon this old man can give many trained classical guitar professionals a run for their money... his playing was effortless and soulful!

3. An accordian player with hi-tech gadgets plays different genre of music seated under a lamp post outside the Royal Palace of Madrid.

4. At the Kapellbrücke, Lucerne, this old man played his small accordion while people walked on...

5. This performance was one of a kind... alphorn players at a square in Lucerne.

My tribute to a genius called Jagjit Singh

Last year on September 24 I heard on the television that Jagjit Singh was hospitalised after suffering brain haemmorage, and in the next few days the news only got gloomier. On October 10 he passed away. He created a void in the music world, especially in the ghazal singing fraternity; he also created a void in my life. I haven't had the privilege of knowing him, nor even meeting him, yet I felt a huge loss in my heart. I guess that's what the 'greats' do. Through their works they become a part of your life, your world!

I was introduced to Jagjit Singh's music at home. I was about 7, when there used be endless small, informal parties at my place. There was always good food and drinks, and a lot of music. In most of those sessions Jagjit and Chitra Singh's music was played as their music was everyone's favourite! This was life for me and my family and friends and it went on. One day we heard about the death of Jagjit and Chitra Singh's son, and soon we realised that Chitra Singh would no longer sing. Like typical Bengalis, who like to discuss everything (almost), they discussed the tragic death, Chitra Singh's absence from singing etc. 

Many years passed and I had moved on to listening to more western music than Indian. It was just by chance that  I met a few people while I lived in Hyderabad, who quite unknowingly and unintentionally got me back into the world of Jagjit Singh's ghazals; and, this time I guess I became a more intense fan.

I've had the privilege of attending two of his concerts in Hyderabad, and what musical treats they were! The man was a genius! I remember the second concert that I went for, he was not well, but one couldn't tell! He was at his best throughout! We refer to him as a singer, a ghazal maestro, but what is hardly spoken about him is that of his performance style. It is rare that a singer from a serious genre of music entertaining the crowd while performing at the highest level. Most Indian classical and semi classical artists sit with a tanpura or a harmonium and sing and talk about the songs or the ragas only. Jagjit Singh would crack a joke and get back to singing some of the most difficult notes without any effort, leaving the audience spellbound!

Today, on his first death anniversary, I pray to the almighty that He keeps our dear Jagjit Singhji safe and happy. His genius is irreplaceable, but I do hope that there will be enough talent to keep his legacy going.

These 2 tickets are a part of my most treasured possessions! In fact, I went to Viceroy (now Marriott) in Hyderabad all by myself to watch this concert! It was a bit awkward to sit all alone amidst so many people around, but as the evening progressed with one gem after another I became one with the music around me. "Badi nashili raat thi..."

It was a lovely evening of music, dance and poetry at the Lokhandwala Garden to celebrate Poila Baishakh and Rabindra Jayanti; two very special days for Bengalis. Many Bengalis from Andheri to Kandivali gathered here to be a part of this 'Bonghomie'!

It's been 16 years since I last performed Rabindrasangeet on stage, and I thoroughly enjoyed singing. Also, I wore a Dhakai saree, a first-time ever! This evening was special as I have missed not singing all these years, plus I performed with my father  for the first time! 

My father, Ranjan Mitra, was the first Bengali, if not the first Indian, to have cut western music albums (in 33 rpm) with HMV back in the early 70's. He was a regular performer back in the day, and sang with many prominent musicians including Louiz Banks! Besides singing he loves playing the harmonica. It was wonderful accompanying him on stage today!

Another high this evening - my daughter Anushka sang 'tata-tata' the moment she heard 'Mamo Chitte Niti Nritte'! We were pleasantly surprised as to how she instantly recognised the song that she occasionally heard at home, and she is only 20 months! 

 One of the youngest in the audience!

It'll be great if all 3 of us perform together one day. It's not very common to see 3 generations performing together!

Karaoke and me!

I love singing and I just need a small audience to get started! I haven't been singing professionally for many years though, but I have always enjoyed karaoke sessions. While I was in Hyderabad I was quite a regular at 10 Downing Street and Bottles and Chimneys (BnC). In fact, I was karaoke jockey (KJ) at 10D for a few weeks.

My first karaoke experience was at an event at the Ice Skating Rink in Calcutta back in the mid 90's when most people didn't even know what karaoke was! I was the host cum emcee. It was a lot of fun and through the 5 days of the event I made quite a few friends. This networking helped me get some more shows later, though back in the day I sang with bands mostly.

Here's a pic of one of the karaoke nights at the Saturday Club in Calcutta.

Singing at the Karaoke Superstar Competition at 10 Downing Street in Hyderabad

I was runners up and I won a lot of goodies which included a blackberry phone!

One of the events at BnC... I won here too!

At BnC with friends!

In Mumbai I have been to Not Just Jazz By The Bay and Soul Fry a couple of times, but Hyderabad joints were fun; probably because of the familiar setting. Though I wish to go out a little more in Mumbai to get familiar with the people here I just don't manage to do so, thanks to the little wonder I have at home! 

It's exactly a month today, Whitney Houston passed away. It's still so hard to accept such a loss. During this period I read so much more about her, listened to some of my favourite songs, and kept lamenting that my dream of meeting her in person will never happen.

Last night Joy gifted an online copy of the Now magazine which has the entire edition on Whitney. It was so lovely to see the amount of love and admiration she got in her life! It's sad that in India people hardly knew her; even the newspapers and a few news channels just did their bare minimum to pay tribute to her. I don't remember if the Indian media took much interest in her in the last 10 years or so, but suddenly after her death there were suddenly waves of information coming out about her! One journalist in his tribute wrote that Whitney popularised classic and gospel music! Her death was compared to Guru Dutt's by a very popular site; I didn't understand the connection!

Why am I even getting into this! There are just too many jokers in this world, and they need not be given a lot of importance. The fact remains and will always remain, I loved Whitney Houston's voice, her songs, and yes, I loved her for the lovely person she was. One doesn't need to know a person to love. She may have left the earth, but her legacy will carry on. The only diva, a true icon, Whitney Houston... you will always be missed...

10 years away from Kolkata...

I relocated to Hyderabad on this day 10 years ago. Not out of choice, but the fact that Joy moved there. While leaving Calcutta (the renaming of the city happened after I left) I was sure that I will be back in 2 to 3 years. 10 years have gone by, I moved from Hyderabad to Mumbai, and I see no sign of moving back to Kolkata any time soon.

Working at All India radio, compering shows, teaching music in an international school, getting into Voice and Accent training, later advancing to soft skills and various other aspects of corporate training... I had a good variety of things to do. I also sang and played with a band called 'A Band With No Name'! 

Hyderabad gave me a lot, but took away a lot more. I could never connect with that city. I never loved that city. But I have to admit that most of my friends live in Hyderabad. And, it's for them I will visit the city whenever I can.

Things to do before I die... a random list!

See Whitney Houston in action... live on stage, wherever it is!
Concert (s) at the Royal Albert Hall
Cats, Phantom of the Opera (musicals) in London
Visit country side in England... see Anne Hathaway's cottage
Visit Trinity College
See Niagra from both sides
Ride a gondola in Venice
Visit Monaco, Casablanca and a thousand places more...
See the Statue of Liberty
Go to Times Square, casinos in Vegas (and lose all my money!)
Greece, Bahamas, does the wish list end anywhere... NO!

I'll get this list organised someday, for sure! :D

Happy Birthday Ms. Anushka Roy!

There are different ways by which one can interpret the essence of songs. Songs can set different moods  for different people. When I was thirteen I learnt Top of the World by The Carpenters, and I had categorised it as a love song; I never thought it could represent anything else. 

Today, as I sit down to write something for my daughter who turned 1 today, the song is ringing in my mind, and I feel the words are so apt to describe what I feel!

Aanya darling, this song is for you! 

"Such a feelin’s comin’ over me

There is wonder in most everything I see

Not a cloud in the sky

Got the sun in my eyes

And I won’t be surprised if it’s a dream

Everything I want the world to be

Is now coming true especially for me

And the reason is clear

It’s because you are here

You’re the nearest thing to heaven that I’ve seen

I’m on the top of the world lookin’ down on creation

And the only explanation I can find

Is the love that I’ve found ever since you’ve been around

Your love’s put me at the top of the world

Something in the wind has learned my name

And it’s tellin’ me that things are not the same

In the leaves on the trees and the touch of the breeze

There’s a pleasin’ sense of happiness for me

There is only one wish on my mind

When this day is through I hope that I will find

That tomorrow will be just the same for you and me

All I need will be mine if you are here"

Happy Birthday my love! All my love and blessings for you. This is your 1st birthday gift! Baba (Joy) you can sing along (in the right key please!)  ... Mama :)

Yet another surprise from Joy! A great way to begin my autobiography/biography collection of musicians!

Rare Concert Video of Eva Cassidy - endless joy of music from Joy!

Last night Joy mentioned that he is downloading something for me and that is going to be something special. This morning I find a rare live concert video of Eva Cassidy and a few other live recordings! No matter how hard I try I will never be able to find these videos; and Joy gets away with a lot of nonsense because of these rare little gifts that he gives me every now and then!

Eva Cassidy was one of those rare talents who died very early and the world did not get to hear enough of her. Unfortunately, her genius did not get her as much popularity as Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison among others  who died around that age. The major difference in music between the 3 names mentioned above and Eva was that the 3 of them wrote their own music and performed too, while Eva sang covers mainly, but giving each song  a different flavour. Eva rearranged each song and made them sound like her own while keeping the basic structure and feel of the songs intact. According to me, she was a genius in arranging music, and she deserved  a much bigger place in peoples' hearts. 

I have recommended her music to a few of my friends and they have become huge fans. I want to share this video with the world, but it is so large that I cannot put it up on YouTube. I am on the case now, and I am sure I will find a way!

As time goes by...

Today is the day of social networking, online dating, modern thinking, progressing etc, etc. However, when I listen to this song from the 1931 broadway musical 'Everybody's Welcome' I feel that the very essence of life hasn't really changed much. Read it if you please...

You must remember this

A kiss is still a kiss

A sigh is still (just) a sigh

The fundamental things apply

As time goes by

And when two lovers woo

They still say: "I love you"

On that you can rely

No matter what the future brings

As time goes by

Moonlight and love songs - never out of date

Hearts full of passion - jealousy and hate

Woman needs man - and man must have his mate

That no one can deny

It’s still the same old story

A fight for love and glory

A case of do or die

The world will always welcome lovers

As time goes by 

Remembering music of Mary Poppins!

Today was just another day when I wanted to spend some time watching music videos on YouTube. I started with some jazz standards, then moved on to some lighter music and then suddenly out of nowhere I wanted to listen to 'Chim Chim Cheree' from the musical film 'Mary Poppins'. While watching the video and getting soaked in childhood memories I noticed the side bar that displayed suggestions of other related songs. And, to my surprise I found 'Let's Go Fly A Kite' besides 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious', the latter one I remembered was part of the film. Over the years, I completely forgot that'Let's Go Fly A Kite' was also a part of the same film.

In school, and later in college too, my friends  and I have performed songs from 'The Sound Of Music' several times, and even today many parents and teachers ensure that the kids know some songs from this film. But, do people, especially in India, (can't say about the rest of the world) remember much about 'Mary Poppins' or the beautiful songs that were composed for the musical? I learnt 3 songs when I was about 7 years old (the names I have already mentioned). Well, I haven't known many people who know these songs! And, I wonder why is there a difference? The genre was the same, both films had the charming Julie Andrews, yet both have been treated so differently.

Most people these days can't relate to quality music. My statement holds good in the Indian context. Be it Indian (all forms) or any other genre, Bollywood music is the only form of music people connect with.  There is such dearth for western music education here in India. I know hundreds of people who have learnt western classical music and some of them even went on to do the diploma courses as well, but I know only a handful who have taken up music as their profession. 

I hope someday there will be enough enthusiasts who will do all that is necessary to preserve the wonderful treasure of music and films that may just get lost in time. I am doing my bit by leaving this video that I found on YouTube. Sing along with it, it'll be a great way to get transported back to childhood!

I am back to teaching music!

Till a couple of years ago I believed that my music career is finished and it'll never come back, and I wrote this. But today, things are a little different. I am back to teaching piano and keyboard again! I cannot say that I have got back everything I had, that I don't think is practically possible. It is a small start considering that I am living in Mumbai for just 3 years and I have a little daughter. The good thing is that I have been receiving calls from reputed institutions to join them. I am just waiting for my daughter to grow a little more before I say yes to one of the institutions. 

Performing does not interest me that much anymore, unless it is for a really prestigious project. What I am interested in is to teach music in a more serious form. I know western music in India is still not treated  that seriously, but I can see little changes in various quarters. I am willing to wait and do my bit, and I am hopeful that I will be among the very few who tried to make a difference! 

Down memory lane, it's music once more!

A friend came over day before, and as usual our conversation was mainly on different aspects of music. While talking about different artists, albums etc. he asked me to get a copy of The Hitman Returns: David Foster and Friends and listen to it. He said, I will love it! My husband promptly downloaded the video yesterday and brought it for me. These are some of the nicest things Joy does for me, even before I ask!

This afternoon I got some time and played the DVD. My memories came alive! Kenny Loggins, Chaka Khan, Natalie Cole, Donna Summer, All-4-One, Michael Bolton, Seal, and many more belting out 1 hit after another. I don’t remember when was the last time I heard 'I Can't Love You Like That’ or ‘I Swear’, but today, when I heard All-4-One singing the songs I had goose bumps and I was transported back to 1994. The year of 1994 was a very special one in my life for a variety of reasons; hundreds of memories are etched on my mind. Getting back to the band, after 17 years they sound as good if not more mature! Michael Bolton still sings ‘When A Man Loves A Woman’ as passionately and beautifully as he did almost 20 years ago!

I have known David Foster’s name mainly because of Whitney Houston’s album Bodyguard.  It was only when I started watching the video that I realized what a great and accomplished musician and producer he has been, and what great artists he has been working with!

To watch a concert like this is so rare these days with the way music has changed over the years. Any concert I watch on DVDs etc. are at least 10 years old; hence, this 2011 concert is a treat for music lovers like me. I was so ecstatic watching it on a DVD, wonder how it would’ve felt live!

The backup band was amazing, the string section, the brass section - in short, a very well organised and an extremely well-rehearsed band! Usually, these musicians are studio musicians; therefore, you can‘t expect anything but the best! If I am not mistaken Nathan East was playing the bass, but Joy kept saying it had to be someone else and not him. I googled to check but I did not get an answer. I will check again at a later time. Kenny G made a surprise appearance from amongst the audience in one of songs and he played just as well.

The concert had a very large audience and most of them seemed to be above the age of 35, some may have been in their 50’s! It was wonderful to see the excitement in their eyes, and it was even more wonderful to see how the well-dressed, sophisticated ladies were on their toes dancing to their favourite songs; probably they were trying to relive their past. Chaka Khan even made the men dance when she sang one of Whitney Houston’s biggest hits ‘I’m Every Woman’! That’s the power of music I guess.

I end my little write up here as I think I cannot share my excitement and happiness anymore by means of writing. In the next few days I know I will watch this concert over and over again, and celebrate the moments I left behind!

Alo Amar Alo and Anushka!

'Alo Amar Alo' is a very popular Tagore song which almost every Bengali has heard once in their life for sure. I learnt it when I was two and a half, probably this was the second song I learnt after 'Tomari Gehe Palichho Snehe'. Thanks to the school I went to, my orientation in Rabindrasangeet happened at a very early age, and the sixteen years of constant learning and practice in school left such an everlasting impact on me that no matter how many different genres of music I enjoy listening to, singing or playing, Rabindrasangeet is closest to my heart.

The point of writing today is not about my immense love for Tagore's poetry and music, but it is about my little Anushka's love for Alo Amar Alo. I have been terrible all these months as far as singing lullabies are concerned because I find them, well hmmm, not so good. So, I started playing music either on the ipod and put it on the dock or playing music on the computer. She enjoys Whitney Houston, earlier songs of Mariah Carey and a variety of other music. Then came a stage, when she was about 3 months, that she chose to sleep in my arms and I needed to hum a tune to make her sleep. And, without consciously choosing any particular song, I started humming and later singing Alo Amar Alo. 

Well, the consequence, even after 2 months, I need to sing this song for almost everything, when she is hungry or she is cranky or when she just wants to go to sleep. I sing at noon, at midnight, sometimes even at 6 in the morning, and it's the same song, Alo Amar Alo! She doesn't like it if I stop for a moment to catch a breath, such is her immense love for the song, and trust me when I say that my renditions are nothing less than croaking, but my daughter loves it! I have sung this song more number of times in the past 2 months than I have in my entire life; I'm a one-song jukebox!

The real magic in all this is that the song works every time. I don't know how to reason this or analyse this for an explanation. All I know is that such is the power of Tagore's music. Little did Tagore know that his songs will have such an impact not only on younger children but even on infants! What makes me very happy is that in the day and age of cheap sleazy bollywood music blaring away at top volumes, good pure music is still alive.

You gotta see this!

MorphWiz - Jordan Plays Somewhere Over the Rainbow

LeeDeWyze The New American Idol!

LeeDeWyze Wins!!! Yeah yeah... Sometimes the best wins too! :)

Grammy Awards - Then and Now!

Last week, while surfing the TV channels, I found that the Grammy Awards programme was about to start in a few minutes. I was mighty thrilled! In that moment of excitement I completely forgot that there weren't too many my kind of musicians who perform anymore. Nevertheless, I still wanted to watch. After watching the programme for a while I felt so dated; I hardly recognised any of the artistes. And, even if I did recognise some faces, I was clueless about their music. By the way, Beyonce Knowles was the star of the evening with her 6 Grammy awards! I still can't figure out what do people find in her music, she whines instead of singing most of the times, but gyrates very well; that sells I guess.

I still remember the times when Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston and their kind of musicians used to sizzle the Grammy stage with their heart warming renditions. Today, most of the singers cannot sing in pitch, which includes multiple Grammy winner Taylor Swift! The little relief was to see glimpses of a few of my favourite old time musicians such as Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen. Bon Jovi performed for the first time on the Grammy stage; they have also changed a little to keep pace with the present world.

I am a little confused about what is happening in the music scene around the world. Though there are still thousands of good musicians still performing, yet there is a huge dearth of good new music. Are we heading towards a time when good music will become history?

A Wonder Called YouTube!

YouTube is a fantastic technological feat which among other things has brought the world of music as close as it can get to music lovers. In other words, it is a wonder!

I was working at the computer when all of a sudden I remembered Danny Kaye's Popo The Puppet, a song I last heard 22 years ago. I typed 'Danny Kaye Popo The Puppet' on YouTube and there it was, the song I heard as a little girl! I have such wonderful memories of this song as we had performed this in one of our school annual functions; I did the little talking in between.

I don't know how many people today know about Danny Kaye; I really don't care. If people haven't heard enough music while growing up it is their loss! But for those who cherish music from the past and, especially their childhood, here is the song!

Enjoy! :)

A musical journey that ended abruptly...

"If music be the food of life, play on." I make this little alteration of Orsino's famous line from Shakespeare's Twelfth Night; music is indeed the food of life.

I grew up in an atmosphere of music and it was but natural for me to take interest in it. My father always said that I started listening to music while I was in my mother's womb. I guess that was true as my life revolved around music. My family still recounts the times when I could go on singing nonstop. I started singing at the age of 2 and a half, I give the credit to the school I went to!

While growing up I participated in numerous inter-school and inter-college music competitions. Later started singing professionally with various Rock bands. I have had the wonderful experience of performing with the best musicians in Kolkata.

Along with singing with the bands I was also actively involved in the marketing of the bands which included getting sponsors, organizing the venue, and managing logistics such as sound and so on.

Apart from singing I also play the Piano and the Electronic Keyboard and am qualified in Classical Music under Trinity College, London, and Royal School of Music, London. I started playing the piano when I was 8. I taught about 200 students how to play the piano and the electronic keyboard, and what was very exciting was that the age group of my students was 4 to 58!

Singing in a choir was always a dream, and that dream came to life in 1996 when I started singing with Funtastiques, a Jazz/Pop Choral Group in Calcutta. Later when I moved to Hyderabad in 2001, I joined Hyderabad Choral Society.

Besides singing and playing I have been on the panel of judges for numerous music competitions. I have been a part of All India Radio, Kolkata as a singer. Worked with All India Radio, Hyderabad as a Casual Compere. Work involved compering programmes live on AIR, scripting, recording and dubbing, and also making features.

Till 5 years ago I firmly believed that if there was no music in my life I wouldn't earn a living. I say till 5 years ago as life took a funny twist and I surprised myself immensely. I was forced to try out another source to survive. Incidentally, the latter option of becoming a communications trainer turned out to be rather lucrative and I guess I lost the ability to struggle to live for what I believed in.

Today, I am a forgotten musician or the piano teacher who I used to be. I was seen at choir concerts, rock concerts, piano recitals, club gigs. But today, all that is history and it hurts. A musical journey that was so thrilling, so fulfilling has ended abruptly and I have nowhere to go...