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THE DEWARTISTS....A New Paradigm of Music!!!!

2012-02-01T07:20:00.000-08:00

The Dewarists is a musical television series on Star World India. The series is part music documentary and part travelogue. The show casts musicians from various parts of the world, collaborating to create original music while traveling across India. The first season featured total ten episodes. It featured musicians Imogen Heap, Vishal-Shekhar, Zeb and Haniya, Shantanu Moitra, Swanand Kirkire, Indian Ocean, Mohit Chauhan, Parikrama, Agnee, Shilpa Rao, Shri, Monica Dogra, Rajasthan Roots, Papon, Rabbi Shergill, Shubha Mudgal, Swarathma, Midival Punditz, Karsh Kale, Baiju Dharmajan, Njeralathu Harigovindan, Raghu Dixit and Rewben Mashangva.

The series is directed by Vishwesh Krishnamoorthy, ad-filmmaker and frontman of Mumbai Hardcore band, Scribe. The first five episodes also involved UK filmmakers Fred and Nick. The show is hosted by actor-singer Monica Dogra. The Theme music of The Dewarists was given by Raghu Dixit.

Philosophy

Dewarists believe in passion and things worth doing. They cast musicians from different genres from different places. By the end of the journey they record a song that will reflect each of their genres and also it reflects the sounds and culture of the place they belong and travel. It is a movement to identify Dewarists in the realm of music, who follow their passion. The show aims to inspire audiences to follow their dreams and do what they believe in. The music program started in India with a digital series with international artists Dub FX and Susheela Raman in November, 2010. They collaborated with other artists and performed in different cities. Then the idea developed for this program.

Episode 1

‘Minds Without Fear’

Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Imogen Heap teams up with prolific composer duo Vishal-Shekhar for a track inspired by the Tagore poem, ‘Where The Mind Is Without Fear’. This episode was filmed at the luxurious, 475-year-old Samode Palace on the outskirts of Jaipur in Rajasthan.

Episode 2

‘Kya Khayaal Hai’

Set against the frenetic pace of the city of Mumbai, this episode features a cross-border collaboration between Pakistani singer-songwriter duo Zeb & Haniya, and two veterans of Bollywood – composer Shantanu Moitra, and lyricist Swanand Kirkire.

Episode 3

‘Maaya’

An intimate visit to Delhi with Indian Ocean, folk rock giants and perhaps the biggest band in India today. Joining them is Mohit Chauhan, celebrated playback singer and balladeer extraordinaire.

Episode 4

‘I Believe’

From the lush green hills of Panshet, to the bustle of Pune, this episode sees the union of two of India’s long-standing classic rock icons – Parikrama and Agnee. Adding flavor to the collaboration is the lilting voice of acclaimed playback singer Shilpa Rao.

Episode 5

‘Changing World’

The desert landscapes of Jaisalmer and its surrounding villages provide the backdrop for the eclectic combination of U.K.-based breakbeat pop performer and producer Shri, singer-songwriter Monica Dogra, and folk collective Rajasthan Roots.

Episode 6

‘Khule Da Rabb’

The verdant landscapes of Kaziranga set the stage for Angaraag ‘Papon’ Mahanta and Rabbi Shergill. The former is a native of the state, and revered within it for introducing an entire generation to ancient folk melodies that would otherwise have been lost forever. The latter introduces his Sufi-tinged, intrinsically Punjabi sound for a memorable collaboration.

Episode 7

‘Duur Kinara’

Preeminent Hindustani classical singer Shubha Mudgal joins forces with folk rock band Swarathma, one of the most exciting independent acts to emerge from the country in the past few years. Together, they explore the city of Mysore – historic capital, and the city in which the Bangalore band was born.

Episode 8

‘No I.D. Required’

Pioneers of Indian electronica Midival Punditz meet Sikh-Canadian rapper Humble The Poet for this unique collaboration by the scenic shorelines of Goa. Singer-songwriter and our host Monica Dogra also features on the track, marking her second appearance as an artist on the series.

Episode 9

‘Sacred Science’

Acclaimed producer, percussionist and composer Karsh Kale travels with guitar virtuoso Baiju Dharmajan to the sleepy town of Angadipurram in the southern state of Kerala. There, they write and perform ‘Sacred Science’ with Harigovindan, a master of the edakka drum who runs the world’s only temple devoted to percussion.

Season Finale

‘Masti Ki Basti’

Fittingly, our season finale takes place in Shillong, Meghalaya – also known as the Scotland of the East. The episode features The Raghu Dixit Project, an act that has truly pushed boundaries to make dramatic strides both in Indian and in international markets. Joining them is Guru Rewben Mashangva, a performer, songwriter, and music researcher who is hailed in the Northeast as ‘The King of Naga Folk Blues’.

My Views: Excellent Concept, Wonderful Cinematography of Documentary and MusicVideos, Magical Music, Amazing Artists, Superb Hosting by Monica Dogra. Over All…It deserves Great Applause!!!.... This is a next level of Indian music industry!!..Kudos to whole Dewartists Team!!

5 Stars & 100 Cheers! For The Dewartists J

Content Source: www.Wikipedia.com, http://thedewarists.com/

Official Website: http://thedewarists.com/

On FB: http://www.facebook.com/DewarsIndia

On Twitter: http://twitter.com/dewarists

On Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/dewarsindia

Refreshing MADHURANI...Malika-E-Ghazal

2011-05-14T04:52:00.001-07:00

I have no words to write about this living legend but why I am writing about her because her music is divulged in the roots of my musical mind. Seeing the current musicians and the listeners, I am really sad and forced to remind them these kind of golden singers. She is still followed by only those people who are very good listeners and great musicians.

I still remember that in early 90's my uncle, A Great Musicologist, late Pt. R. C. Bhatt (Ex-Deputy Director General-AIR) introduced me to this great artist’s music. He was gifted few cassettes of her ghazal album "INTEZAAR" by Madhurani ji herself. One day seeing my great passion for ghazals, uncle gave me the cassette to listen it. My uncle was big fan of her singing and used to say “MADHURANI JI’ S MUSIC IS AN ADDICTION TO A GOOD LISTENER OF GHAZALS.” After listening her first time, I was totally lost in her singing and became a huge fan of her. Seriously she is incomparable.

Madhurani ji is truly a living legend and known as the MALIKA-E-GHAZAL. She is most versatile and unique ghazal singer of India.

Among a few of her great fans, she was highly admired by India’s former PM Late Mrs. Indira Gandhi ji. She has received so many awards from Former president of India Lt. Dr, Zakir Hussain and Former PM Lt. Pandit Jawahar lal Nehru.

Cine Superstar Dilip Kumar sahab is also a great fan of her and says “SHE IS UNTOUCHABLE IN GHAZAL GAYAKI”

On 21^st September 1996, The living legend, The thespian himself, Mr. Dilip Kumar took pride to launch Madhurani ji’s ghazal music CD and cassette “INTEZAAR” release on the label of HMV. And here what Dilip Kumar Sahab said “URDU GHAZAL! HINDUSTANI TEZEEB KA MUNNAVAR CHAND HAI AUR AZEEZI MADHURANI NE APNE KAMAL-E-FUN SE US TEZEEB KE MAYAR KO ZINDA RAKHA HAI. AGAR MADHURANI JI KO IS DAUR KI MALIKA_E_GHAZAL KAHA JAAYE TO BEJA NA HOGA. ITNI PURASAR AWAZ HAI KI MERI ROOH SE DUAA NIKALTI HAI KE SURON KE NOOR KI YE FAWWARE SADAA TUN HI JAARI RAHEIN!!..JEETI RAHI MADHURANI!!!”

Please listen what dilip sahab says in the album Intezaar

One of the most popular and best known ghazal of madhurani ji- "Mera Dard Nagma-E-Besada" from my collection...

Ghazal King Jagjit Singh is also big fan of her and said “Madhurani ji and her style of Ghazal is truly a treasure for our Indian music that not just generations to come but every school of music will take benefit of this treasure and will cherish this till time counts exists.”

Popular singer Peenaz Masani is her disciple and she says that “She can never stop learning from her.”

Ustad Kausar Ali is also motivated and inspired by her to sing and compose ghazals and sufi kalam.

Her ghazal gayaki is influenced with the expression of Bade Ghulam Ali Khan sahab and relaxation of Amir Khan sahab’s style of renditions. Her style of singing is always melodiously decorated with the rich flavor of the classical singing which makes every good music lover so addictive in it’s own way.

Dil Lazzat-e-niag karam paake reh gaya

Great Ghazal-"Ye Daag"

Unfortunately in present scenario very few people know about this great singer. She never promoted herself commercially in this greedy world. By nature she is known as very moody singer and only sings when her soul allows. That’s the only reason that she has sung only very few ghazals commercially on records. Her quality of singing is so unique and outstanding that India’s one of the Greatest Poet said about MadhuRani ji during one of her recordings “MADHURANIJI KI GAYAKI MEIN AUR KHAAS TAUR SE INKI AWAAZ MEIN ITNA MUQADDAS ASAR HAI KE CHALTE QADAM RUK JAATE HAI HAI”

At last I would like to say that her singing and music is like a remedy, a treatment for all musical souls. It's connects hearts to hearts. I don't know where she is now and what she is doing!!!...but I am sure that She is still remembered and will always be remembered for her classic singing and great compositions. Always thanks to my uncle also who blessed me with this kind of music...Ma'am god bless you always!!

The New Prince of Soul and Pop!!..ANDREW ALLEN

2011-04-08T07:17:00.000-07:00

I heard Andrew Allen recently on radio in my car and at a first time of listening his melodies love songs was enough to make myself a fan of him. He looks very soft looking lover guy!!.I found great potential in his singing and magnetic voice in his music only one thing he requires to work on his promotion well but I am sure about this guy that he is gonna take lead on his genre. He recently signed to EPIC Records, and will be touring in support of his lead off single""Loving you Tonight"

Few months back, Video of the song was released for "Loving you tonight". Excellent singing and love song forever!!!

Creating more than just a show, Andrew embraces and revels in the experience. He feeds off the audience and returns every ounce of energy back in melody form. From his fun loving 2009 Top 10 single ‘I Wanna Be Your Christmas’ to the smash hit ‘Loving You Tonight’ which was catapulted into the Top 10 on Radio and the Top 100 in iTunes, courtesy of CHUM Radio’s Emerging Artist Initiative, all the way to his soulful ballads like 'Amazing', which he performed in Whistler BC at the 2010 Closing Ceremonies of the Paralympic Winter Games, he somehow knows just how to conduct a show that has you laughing, dancing and most importantly…remembering.

I love this number.....Very Nice!!.."Not Loving you"

Hailing from the sunny Okanagan, Andrew guides his listeners through a musical journey, with stops everywhere from BC’s West Coast to the vibrant tropical influence he acquired while working thru out the Caribbean. Andrew masterfully combines his fresh and original acoustic beach grooves with some mainstream pop overtones, creating an absolutely ear pleasing adventure! It almost seems as if the West Coast vibe feels at home in his tunes.

Hosting musical similarities to pop icons like Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson and John Mayer, Andrew proves he may be cut from a similar cloth, but with a completely different pattern. And not unlike the above mentioned, the name Andrew Allen is starting to become more and more known. His debut single from his follow up EP ‘Not Loving You’ was released in 2009 to international acclaim, a spot on the Canadian charts in the Top 50 and a handful of awards:

“Best New Artist of 2008” – BCIMA’s
“2009 Singer/Songwriter Award” – We Are Listening
2009 Finalist in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition
“Single of the Year” – BCIMA’s - 2009
“Pop Recording of the Year” – BCIMA’s - 2009
“People’s Choice Award” – BCIMA’s – 2009

Andrew Allen isn’t just another musician. He’s got that something else, that limitless energy, that infectious smile, that ‘star quality’ that will inevitably take him to the top. He’s authentic, he’s determined and he’s just plain good. His self worth is not defined by the response to the music he creates, but instead it’s demonstrated through the music that he shares.

When the room goes quiet and the music begins, just enjoy the ride.

Some of the Content Source: http://www.andrewallenlive.com/fr_aahome.cfm

His Official Youtube account: http://www.youtube.com/user/andrewallenlive

My Space: http://www.myspace.com/andrewallenlive

Twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewallenlive

At the end....My view

I always feel good music in my heart and soul and that is the remedy for all my pain and memories. The vibrant young artist like Andrew make people alive by their good music...Thanks Andrew :)

GINO BANKS..The Indian king of Drums!!

2011-02-27T06:19:00.000-08:00

In the last few years, Gino Banks has proved himself one of the best drummer of india. He has made his own place among the masters. Being a part of amazing band Sitar Funk, he broken all the boundaries of drum beats and exploded his versatility in Fusion-Rock-Jazz genres the best. Although he doesn't require any recognition in his field yet if someone has been missed out of his magical and rocking beats...then let them explore this post for sure!!

Gino has been fooling around with the drums since he was 8 years old and took it up seriously at the age of 15. He is the son of Louiz Banks, India 's legendary jazz pianist and composer. He toured Australia and China with his fathers' indo-jazz fusion band SANGAM playing percussion (roland octopad and shakers) when he was just 9 years old. His interest in drums began at an early age when he use to watch his father perform on stage with his various groups with drummers like Ranjit Barot, Lester Godinho, Benny Soanes, Sivamani, Adrian D'souza, TauFique Qureshiand many others.

Gino is a versatile player, this trait leads him to performing with artists and bands of all types of genres, artists like his father Louiz Banks, Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, Ustad Rashid Khan and Pt. Ronu Majumdar; to Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Hariharan and Sandeep Chowta; to fusion groups SILK andSitar Funk; to rock bands likeHelga's Fun Castle, Skinny Alley, Vayu and Zero. He has performed with international musicians likeGeorge Brooks, Leni Stern, Jay Oliver, Angela Hagenbach and Carl Clements . As well as with Dance Troupes like Pt. Birju Maharaj's Kathak Group, Aditi Bhagwat, Shila Mehta Kathak Group and Terence Lewis Contemporary Dance Companyand many more.

few of his videos....

This is super fantastic!!!...truly stunning !!

I met Gino recently after his Delhi concert with Foreigner band at Talkatora Stadium. He looks very decent and charming guy. He truly rocked the show with his band Sitar Funk!!..I can assume that how much hard-work he is doing with his passion ..I wish him all the very best for his great future and want to see him on top of the world very soon :)

Check out his official website: www.ginobanks.com

http://www.myspace.com/ginobanks

Keith Urban "The Country Rocker"

2011-02-06T05:51:00.000-08:00

I really believe that Keith Urban is one of the finest and best country singer among all the contemporaries. He is the fusion of haunting voice with great melody which best suits to the country genre. His every song make me force to feel something inside. One word for him...he is an amazing country rocker!!

Keith Lionel Urban (born October 26, 1967) is a New Zealand born, Australian, country music singer, songwriter and guitarist whose commercial success has been mainly in the United States and Australia. Urban was born in New Zealand and began his career in Brisbane having moved to Caboolture, Australia at an early age. In 1991, he released a self-titled debut album, and charted four singles in Australia before moving to the United States in 1992. Eventually, Urban found work as a session guitarist before starting a band known as The Ranch, which recorded one studio album on Capitol Records and charted two singles on the Billboard country charts.

Still signed to Capitol, he made his solo American debut in 1999 with the album Keith Urban. Certified platinum in the U.S., it also produced his first American Number One in "But for the Grace of God". His breakthrough hit was the Number One "Somebody Like You", from his second Capitol album Golden Road (2002). This album also earned Urban his first Grammy Award win for "You'll Think of Me", its fourth single and the third Billboard Number One of his career. 2004's Be Here, his third American album, produced three more Number Ones, and became his highest-selling album, earning 4× Multi-Platinum certification. Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy Thing was released in 2006, producing the record-setting #17 country chart debut of "Once in a Lifetime", as well as Urban's second Grammy for the song "Stupid Boy", while a Greatest Hits package entitled Greatest Hits: 18 Kids followed in late 2007. This album was re-released a year later as Greatest Hits: 19 Kids with one track added: the number one "You Look Good in My Shirt", which he had previously recorded onGolden Road. Additional albums Defying Gravity and Get Closer were released on March 31, 2009 and November 16, 2010, respectively.

For Keith Urban’s sixth studio album, Get Closer, the singer-songwriter dives even deeper into the explorations of love and relationships that have established him as one of the world's biggest country music stars—while also extending his rock & roll side, as his hard-charging guitar work reaches new heights. The album is the follow-up to 2009's Grammy-winning and platinum selling Defying Gravity, which entered Billboard's pop and country charts at Number One, and spun off five Top Ten hits, including the chart-toppers "Sweet Thing" and "Only You Can Love Me This Way."

For Urban, the songs on the new album build on ideas that he introduced the last time around. "On Defying Gravity I started touching upon the theme of the courage to love," he says. "It’s all well and good to say, 'I can’t find anybody to love, I wish I could find someone to love.' But do I have the courage to love? Am I willing to open my heart and give the sword to my partner and go, 'All right, I trust you, absolutely and completely?' ”

The ambition for Get Closer is made explicit right on the cover. "The title is multifaceted," says Urban, "because my instincts have always been to run from things that are good for me, to run from love. I have always run from intimacy, and marriage has been a real awakening for me in looking at that very differently. That’s what the title really refers to."

New Zealand-born and Australia-raised, Keith Urban moved to Nashville in 1992. His first American album came as a member of The Ranch (1997), followed by an increasingly accomplished series of multi Platinum-selling solo albums: Keith Urban (1999), Golden Road (2002), Be Here (2004), and Love, Pain & the whole crazy thing (2006). The compilation Greatest Hits: 19 Kids (2008) included such Number One hits as “But For The Grace Of God,” “Somebody Like You” (which was named the top country song of the decade), “Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me,” “You’ll Think Of Me,” “Days Go By,” “Making Memories Of Us,” “Better Life,” and “You Look Good In My Shirt.”

Urban has been honored with Grammy Awards, Country Music Association Awards, Academy of County Music Awards, a People’s Choice Award, American Music Award and Australia’s coveted Aria Award. His remarkable musical gifts have also brought him to places where country superstars have rarely gone before, including such very recent appearances as a blazing rendition of the Rolling Stones' classic "Tumblin' Dice" on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, a powerful rendition of "Lean on Me" alongside Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow on the Hope for Haiti telethon and a CMT Crossroads taping with John Mayer.

Yet as Get Closer illustrates, rather than rely on formula, Urban continues to innovate with his music. The sound of the album expands the contrast between old and new styles that has underpinned much of his previous work. "I love using drum machines when I write," he says, " and I love the juxtaposition of a great, funky '80s drum machine with a banjo. Merging those instruments together was something I was really drawn to—we got to a certain point on the record, but I’d like to keep exploring it more."

Some of the sonic experimentation, though, was the result of more than just creative ambition. "I used a lot of new guitars this time, because all of mine got lost in the (middle Tennessee) flood," says Urban. "It was a real blessing in the end, because it got me out of my comfort zone, and I was really focused on making music, and not what we were making it with. I borrowed a few guitars, bought a couple of amps on eBay, and just sort of embraced it—that whatever we’ve got to work with, we’re gonna make it work."

Produced with long-time collaborator Dann Huff, Get Closer blends such chugging rockers as "Long Hot Summer" or the first single, "Put You in a Song," with more emotionally complex and nuanced compositions like "Right on Back to You" and “Luxury of Knowing.”* Urban considers "Luxury," written by Lori McKenna, an especially rich selection. "I love that song, because it’s written from such a unique, open-ended, unsettling place," he says. "I look for songs that people are going to feel something towards—like, 'I’m not in that place now, but I’ve very much been in that place.' I’m trying to find those songs that connect with people."

Urban worked with such previous co-writers as Sarah Buxton, Darryl Brown and Richard Marx on Get Closer. But it was a song by two Nashville writers that captured Urban's own experiences with remarkable precision. "'Without You' really is my life story," he says, with some disbelief. "It's crazy—the fast cars and the guitars and the little girl coming along. It's just an amazing song, and I never would have allowed myself to write it."

As the happy accident of that song indicates, the album's creation was less a matter of Urban chasing a theme than it was staying open to songs that revealed where he is in his own life. "This wasn’t a conscious sort of journey for me," he says. "It was just writing and writing and finding songs that speak to me at this time. I looked for songs that represented all different facets of relationships, but the end result is always stay together, get closer, don’t run. The guy in “Right On Back To You” has driven off—but he’s pulled over and gone, 'I always do this. This is ridiculous because I love this girl, what am I doing?' So he turns around and he goes back. They’re all just reconciling with the need to get closer to intimacy."

The magic of Get Closer, then, isn’t a result of what happened when Keith Urban was in the recording studio; it's about all the other hours of the day. "I just think there’s more love in this album, and that permeated everything and made the music deeper," he says. "I loved making this record. I felt a tremendous sense of balance in my life, as a husband and a father and a musician who gets to go and try to capture all that and harness it and create something."

* “Luxury of Knowing” only appears on the Target® enhanced version

Source of the content: www.Keithurban.net

JOSS STONE....THE SUPERB SOUL SINGER!!!

2010-07-31T03:49:00.000-07:00

Joss Stone (born Joscelyn Eve Stoker; 11 April 1987) is an English soul and R&B singer–songwriter and actress. Stone emerged to fame in late 2003 with her multi-platinum debut album, The Soul Sessions, which made the 2004 Mercury Prize shortlist. Her second album, the equally multi platinum Mind, Body & Soul, topped the UK Albums Chart for one week and spawned the top ten hit "You Had Me", Stone's most successful single on the UK Singles Chart to date. Both album and single each received one nomination at the 2005 Grammy Awards, while Stone herself was nominated for Best New Artist, and in an annual BBC poll of music critics, Sound of 2004 was ranked fifth as a predicted breakthrough act of 2004. She became the youngest British female singer to top the UK Albums Chart in history to have her first album at number one. Stone's third album, Introducing Joss Stone, released in March 2007, achieved gold record status by the RIAA and yielded the second-ever highest debut for a British female solo artist on the Billboard 200. Stone released her fourth album, Colour Me Free, on 20 October 2009.

Latest Superb Single!! "Free Me"

Lovely Song!!..Tell Me What We_re Gonna Do Now

Awesome video and Awesome song!!..."Super Duper Love"

Throughout her career, Stone has sold over 11,000,000 albums worldwide. Her first three albums have sold over 2,722,000 copies in the United States, while her first two albums have sold over 2,000,000 copies in United Kingdom. Stone has won two BRIT Awards and one Grammy Award. She also made her film acting debut in late 2006 with the fantasy adventure film Eragon, and made her television debut portraying Anne of Cleves in the Show time series The Tudors in 2009

One of the very popular awesome song of 2005 "Right to be wrong"

Mind blowing performance with the Jazz king James Brown

Joss Stone performing Dusty Springfield's 'Son of a Preacher Man' at the UK Music Hall of Fame on 14/11/06.

My View:

Jose is really mind blowing singer and performer in R&B, Soul, Blues and Jazz genres. I will recommend her latest album "Color me free" to all. She has haunting, sensuous juicy voice with the melt of emotional ice. Her music gives light rock feel as well as jazz n blues....I love Jose Stone!!! One of the best singer among all the contemporary. Great singer!!!...2 thumbs up!!

To listen more music:

http://www.myspace.com/jossstone

for more info:

http://www.jossstone.com/

An unexpected pair of dazzling New Star Dancer.."Ma Li and Zhai Xiaowei" Teaching to the World "Strength and Perseverance"

2010-05-08T23:40:00.000-07:00

Li-Without Arm Zhai-Without Leg

The girl (Ma, Li) was a beautiful promising professional ballerina when she lost her right arm in a car accident in 1996. She was only 19. Her handsome boy friend walked away from her. She tried to kill herself only to be saved by her parents. Her love for her parents gave her the strength to live.

She learned how to live her life independently. She learned how to write Chinese beautifully and how to do many things including combing her hair, which she had to cut short from the waist-length to shoulder-length. She learned to cook and to wash clothes ... In a few months she opened her small bookstore.

Five years later in 2001, she was invited to compete at the 5th national special performing art competition for handicaps and won the gold medal. That success gave her the hope to return to her beloved stage.

In 2002, a handsome 20-year-old young man (Li, Tao) madly fell in love with her. She ran a way from him for fear of being hurt again. After she disappeared in Beijing, Tao searched her up and down despite his parents' strong objection and ridicule. He finally found her dancing in a bar. They have never been separated since. They were very broke when SARS was spreading because all theaters were closed. In 2004, he got a license to be her legitimate agent and was trying to help her develop a unique performance. In a cold snowy night, when the two huddled in an underpass to wait for the sunrise in order to catch a bus after a long day at a movie shooting site working as extras, she suddenly had the urge to dance in the snow with him. She had used her dance to tell him her story so many times before and this time, after their "dance" ended, he suddenly realized that THIS should be her unique performance.

In September 2005, she ran into a 21-year-old young man (Zhai, Xiaowei). He was being trained to be a cyclist for the national special olympics. He had never danced before. He climbed on a tractor when he was 4 years old and fell off it and lost his left leg. His dad asked him, "The doctor will have to amputate your leg. Are you afraid?" He couldn't comprehend what would be so different so he said no. His dad said, "You are going to face many challenges and difficulties in life, are you afraid?" He asked, "What are 'challenges and difficulties?' Do they taste good?" His dad laughed with tears, "Yes, they're like your favorite candies. You just need to eat them one piece at a time!" (Then his dad ran out of the room in tears.) So he's always very optimistic and athletic with a great sense of humor. He had tried high-jump, long-jump, diving, swimming, and just settled on cycling. His coach believed that he would be able to get 2-3 gold medals in the national special Olympics games. (In the video interview, you can see him doing a bridge with great ease!) He initially didn't understand how he could "dance," so Li invited him to see her performing "Hand in Hand" with another male actor. He felt that he saw a perfect soul dancing on the stage and agreed to give it a try.

Li & Tao treated him like their younger brother and they stayed under the same roof during the more than 1 year of intensive training and practice. One would not be able to imagine the kind of challenges and difficulties they faced. He had NO dancing background and she is a perfectionist. There are so many touching stories. Much determination has gone into the making of this performance. Just for that one "drop" move at 3:41 of the clip, he landed her on the hard floor more than 1000 times!!! To get the move right, they started at 8 a.m. and got the first successful move shortly after 8 pm! All they did was to train and to practice from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. day-in and day-out until the three of them ran out of money in early 2007 ... The rest is history. In April they were one of the finalists among 7000 competitors in the 4th CCTV national dance competition. It is the first time a handicapped couple ever entered the competition. They won the Silver medal with the 99.17 high score and not to mention the highest audience popular votes. They became an instant national hit.

Inspiring Ballet- "Hand in Hand" (It will make you cry)...Tears in my eyes...

Incredible Ballet- Heart touching...Hitting my soul..NO Words!!

Nothing is left to say about these wonderful couple which is a big inspiration to the world....At last i would like to tell everyone that "Strength doesn't come from physical capacity. It comes from indomitable will". Hat's off and salute to this incredible couple..The best example of this quote..." Great works are not performed by strength but by perseverance"....GOD BLESS THEM ALWAYS!!!

Emily Bear!! A Child Prodigy on Piano!!..Unbelievable!!

2010-03-21T12:46:00.000-07:00

Emily Bear is 8 years old and began piano studies at the age of five with Emilio del Rosario at The Music Institute of Chicago. She currently studies classical piano with Mary Sauer,Principal Keyboardist for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and jazz improvisation with Alan Swain. Additional mentors include Yoheved Kaplinsky, head of the Juilliard Piano Department. Emily is equally comfortable playing jazz, classical, or her own compositions.

Emily made her professional debut performing a solo concert at the Ravinia Music Festival in July of 2007, when she was five years old. She played a solo 40 minute program mixing classical, jazz, and her own pieces. She is the youngest performer in Ravinia’s more than 100 year history. She was asked back to perform solo concerts in 2008 and 2009 as well.

On March 24th, 2008, Emily was invited to perform at The White House for the President and Mrs. Bush and 400 guests.

She performed a 30 minute solo concert mixing jazz and her original compositions.

WGN News channel covers her story..check it out!!

At age six, Emily was a recipient of the 2008 ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Competition Award for her original song “Northern Lights.” She was asked to perform at the awards ceremony in New York City and was invited to perform her winning song again for a performance at Lincoln Center.

Emily received national attention when she was a featured guest on The Ellen Degeneres Show. She has appeared on the show six times in two years, performing an original song at each appearance.

Emily made her classical orchestral debut at age seven, performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto, no. 23, k488 with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra and then again with the Champaign-Urbana Symphony.

Emily Bear practicing at the Coronado Theatre in Rockford, IL before supporting the Ramsey Lewis Trio later in the day. This song is an original composition, written for Ellen on occasion of Emily's appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show.

This summer, Emily will make her international debut, performing 2 solo recitals at the Asissi of The World Festival in Umbria, Italy. Upcoming concerts include Taiwan and Prague, Czechoslavakia and an appearance on Voices of America radio.

Emily Bear "Journey to my heart"

Emily made her orchestral debut in front of a capacity audience performing her original song, “The Love in Us” with members of the Orlando Symphony Orchestra. She also performed at Noche de Ninos, a gala for Los Angeles Children’s Hospital, hosted by Jennifer Lopez, Warren Beatty, Annette Benning, Arnold Schwarzengger, and Jewel, honoring Jamie Lee Curtis.

Emily recently was featured at The Noble Awards at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, a new awards show honoring 15 charities, produced by Michael Seligman, honoring Morgan Freeman.

Emily was personally invited by Lang Lang to perform for him at a Master Class hosted by The Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She was asked to become a video disc artist for the Piano Disc System and just taped an episode for a new children’s television show for PBS titled, “All You Need Is Music”. Emily was also recently featured on the WFMT Radio Show, Introductions, performing a solo 45 minute live concert.

Performs with Jazz legend...

Emily was asked by Steinway and Sons to perform a solo concert at the Chicago film premier of the new documentary film "Note by Note: the Making of Steinway L1037". She performed the concert on the actual piano built in the movie.

She was recently featured at The Children’s Ball, a black-tie gala for the Children’s Memorial Hospital of Chicago. Emily has performed at many charity events and fundraisers. Other concerts include: Steinway Young Artist Concert Series, Music In The Loft , Raue Center for the Performing Arts, WTTW Chicago Tonight’s 25th Anniversary Concert, Kohl Children’s Music in the Museum Concert Series, 2007 and 2008 Chicago Thanksgiving Parade on WGN, American Girl Place – Chicago and New York City,

Plays at Noche de Ninos

When Emily was six, she opened for Ramsey Lewis and his Trio with a 30 minute solo concert. She is the youngest student ever to be invited to study at The Aspen Music Festival.

Emily has been featured in stories on: ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox News, WTTW, Chicago Tonight, and WGN and was recently featured in a story for Sunday Night, Channel 7, Australia, titled “Beautiful Minds.” She was a guest on Good Morning America this past June and performed her original songs, jazz and a classical selection.

Emily has recorded four CD’s of original music: Five Years Wise, The Love in Us, Once Upon a Wish, and most recently, Always True. Profits from each of her CD’s are donated to the following charities: Susan G. Komen for The Cure, UNICEF, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and The Children’s Hospitals of Los Angeles and Chicago. She is a member of ASCAP, SAG, and AFTRA.

Comments about Emily Bear by Steve Larson director of the RSO

Content Source: http://www.emilybear.com/

Jason René Castro.... Acoustic/folk-pop singer-songwriter...Very Promising!!

2010-02-28T09:51:00.000-08:00

Jason René Castro (born March 25, 1987) is an American acoustic/folk-pop singer-songwriter who was the fourth place finalist on the seventh season of American Idol. After Idol, he signed a recording contract with Atlantic Records and his self-titled debut album will be released in early 2010.

Castro grew up playing drums. He taught himself to play the guitar in college. He had no formal voice training before auditioning for American Idol and had previously sung only 5 times in public, mostly during church services.Castro performed as a drummer with the rock band Charlemagne, which later became Keeping Lions. He has stated that his musical influences include Ray LaMontagne, Ben Harper, Bob Marley, Carlos Vives and Kirk Baxley.

Castro auditioned for American Idol in Dallas, Texas, singing the Ray LaMontagne version of the song "Crazy". He was not shown on the television series until the final 24 due to legal restrictions on the songs he chose to perform. During a March 17, 2008 appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, judge Simon Cowell chose Castro early as one of his four favorites in the competition, along with David Cook, David Archuleta, and Brooke White. On April 12, Ryan Seacrest and the three judges appeared in Larry King Live, Larry King revealed the results of his website poll which asked "Whom do you want to win American Idol?" and said that Castro was in the lead.

Castro is the first contestant in the history of American Idol to ever play an instrument on the American Idol stage. He played the guitar during the Top 24 performance night when he sang "(What A Day For A) Daydream". He is also the only contestant so far to have played the ukulele on the show. He played the instrument while singing Over The Rainbow, after learning to play it in less than a week. Castro also sang in three languages on American Idol, supplementing English songs with Spanish (a combination of Sting's "Fragile" and "Fragilidad" on March 25, 2008) and French (Paul McCartney's "Michelle" on March 12, 2008). Before he was eliminated, Castro was in the bottom three only once. He was voted off the competition on May 7, 2008.

Debut album and single

On August 18, 2009, Castro performed his new single "Let's Just Fall In Love Again" on a live video webchat from his website, as well another song titled "It Matters to Me". Castro's label, Atlantic Records, released presales of the album and offered the single as a free download to buyers.[48]Castro's album was to be released in November of 2009 but was pushed back for a early 2010 release date. "Let's Just Fall In Love Again" entered Billboard's Heatseekers Songs chart at No. 15 and Hot Digital Songs at No. 57. A music video for the single premiered on October 14, 2009. Castro released a debut EP in January of 2010 titled The Love Uncompromised EP. The EP has sold over 7,000 copies to date.Castro is currently on tour with Matt Hires and Caitlin Crosby in support of his EP and upcoming self titled release. "Let's Just Fall In Love Again" was used by Overstock.com for a television commercial.

Upon returning to his hometown of Rockwall, TX, Thursday, May 29, 2008 was declared "Jason Castro Day". Castro was honored with a parade and a ceremony/concert. He was presented with a key to the city by the mayor of Rockwall and a US flag that flew over the nation's capital by Texas congressman Ralph Hall. Castro also performed 4 songs for the crowd, including an original song that he had written. The parade and concert was estimated to have attracted close to 15,000 fans and was the largest event in the city's history.

Castro completed the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2008 with his fellow contestants during the summer. The tour ran from July 1, 2008 to September 13, 2008.

Castro announced to Billboard Magazine that he is signed to Atlantic Records and the album is scheduled for an early 2010 release. He is working with songwriter, producer and Idol judge, Kara DioGuardi and producer John Fields. It was confirmed by the label on April 13 that Castro was, indeed, signed by them and is working on an album with Fields, DioGuardi, Guy Chambers, Martin Terefe, Dave Lichens (a member of The Heavy Steadies), Jason Reeves, Sacha Skarbek and Espionage. Fellow Atlantic Records artist Serena Ryder appears with Castro on a duet titled "You Can Always Come Home", which Castro debuted at the Texas State Fair in a live performance, his sister Jackie in Ryder's place.

"Child Guitar Prodigy" The Little Guitar Maestro-The Genius "SUNGHA JUNG"

2009-11-06T10:34:00.000-08:00

Hey Guys!! This little kid is Sungha Jung from South Korea. His dream is to become a professional acoustic finger style guitarist. He is wonderful guitarist with agile fingers with the deep understanding of cords, rhythm and beats. His all performances are unbelievable sounds like an Complete orchestra. All big musicians are astonished to see his skills and want to perform with him.

Now he is only 12 years old. Only after 3 years since he started playing guitar just for fun, This boy surprised Thomas Leeb from Ostria, Martin Taylor from England, Yoko Ono who is the widow of the late John Lennon. Though it was through streaming video, all who saw his playing shouted 'awesome' without exception.

The name of the boy, who is fascinating the eyes and ears of the world-famous musicians with the guitar as big as his body, is Sungha Jung   While it becomes natural that such adjectives as "Guitar prodigy" or "Korean August Rush" proceed before his name, in fact, he is a shy boy of 6th grade in primary school, who even hesitates long to say "I'm Sungha Jung".

PLEASE CHECKOUT ALL HIS VIDOES...I AM SURE EVERYONE WILL BE SPEECHLESS!!!

Stunning performance of "More Than Words" (Extreme) by Sungha (2007)

Superb performance of "With or without you" (U2) by Sungha (2007)

Mind Blowing performance of "Hotel California" (Eagles) by Sungha (2007)

Breathtaking performance of "Kiss From A Rose" (Seal) by Sungha (2007)

Heart touching performance of "Tears In Heaven" (Eric Clapton) by Sungha (2007)

Rocking and shocking performance of "Mission impossible Theme"

Jumping performance of "Jump"(Van Helen)

Amazing performance of "Black Bird" by Sungha (2006)

Super cool performance of "Wake me when september ends" by Sungha (2006)

Currently, He is taking drum lessons and teaching himself finger style guitar. He used to not have tabs for the music that he played in his videos. He just listens and picks them up directly from the sound source in videos available on the Internet.

However, recently, he has started playing with original tabs whenever they are available to him by courtesy of the authors. His old guitar is custom made by Selma to fit his body size, and on it, Thomas Leeb wrote, "Keep on grooving to my friend."

As of Jan. 1st, 2009 Lakewood acts as sponsor for his guitar officially. He is very grateful to those prominent guitarists who have had a great influence on my guitar playing. He’ll continue to study them and learn more about interpretation of music and various playing techniques. His daily practice routine lasts for one to two hours when school is open, but he play up to three hours a day during the school breaks. It usually takes me two to three days to practice and videotape a new piece but sometimes up to a week for more difficult ones.

Last, but certainly not least, he can't thank Ulli Bogershausen enough for being my musical inspiration.

Sungha Jung's Guitar   

Sungha Jung's guitar is made and sponsored by Lakewood (a German acoustic guitar manufacturer) from January 1, 2009. Model: Lakewood A48CP Custom Its top is made of AAAA European Spruce and back & sides of Macassar Ebony. It's one of the best models of Lakewood and the same configuration of Ulli Boegershausen's but custom-made for Sungha's body with A-body and 14-frets.

Latest News..."Sungha with Mr. Big"

The world famous rock band Mr. Big gave a love call to guitar prodigy Sungha Jung (13, CSIA) after seeing his play video ‘To be with you’. Mr. Big who will have a concert in Oct. 24 & 25 at Olympic Gymnastic Gymnasium in Korea saw his video delivered by an agent in Korea and will meet him with the interest in his skill.It is known as only 3 years since Sungha Jung started learning the guitar. He is almost self-taught but already famous in Internet.

Lovely performance of "To be with you" (Mr. big)

Completely MIND BLOWING Live show perfromnace of "Canon in D" with World's leading guitarist Trace Bundy

Mr. Big’s ‘To be with you’ was a platinum hit and hit the #1 billboard single chart for 3 weeks with about 75 millions sold. It also hit the #1 in more than 20 countries including Korea, German and Japan and is one of favorite songs over the world.

My Views......

The truth is that I was charmed by how he plays the guitar. It is the admiration of somebody knowing that what he sees is out of his reach, and so it is. He plays at age of 11 the best guitar like an complete professional guitar maestro. I am really impressed, surprised and fascinated with his playing of the pure and intuitive understanding and full of emotion that cannot be believed from a boy. I have been listening his all number for the last two days and He is super amazing, divine exponent of acoustic guitar. He is gonna be a big Rock Star!!...Now I have become a huge fan of this boy!!

He is Fu$#@N Amazing! The Genius! I love him...GOD BLESS HIM ALWAYS!!

For more details, Please check out his official website: http://www.sunghajung.com

"Shafqat Salamat Ali Khan" A Phenomenal Artist of Indian Classical, Ghazal and Sufi Music!!....A Great Musician!!

2009-10-15T07:17:00.000-07:00

The Ali Khan family represents a 500 year lineage of musicians of the Shamcharasi Gharana, descendants of two famed court musicians to the artistically-devoted Akbar the Great: Chand Khan and Suraj Khan. Chand Khan used to sing morning ragas to this most famous Indian ruler of the Moghul Age of the India empire. Now Salamat a legendary vocalist throughout the Indian subcontinent, is joined by his two sons for these ragas of blessings, invocations, romantic and sad moods. Michos plays guitars, synthesizers, percussion and samples, with additional Santur, violin, piano, wind chimes, harmonium, and even Stephen Kent on didgeridoo and Alan Kushan on Santur.

Ustad Salamat Ali Khan (Born in 1934 in the Hoshiarpur district of Punjab), father of an entire family of vocalist-musicians, performed (at the age of nine), with his brother Nazakat Ali Khan, as the famed Ali Brothers. They were internationally renowned as superstars in the 60's and 70's for their immense talent and artistry in the classical form. Now the next generation is becoming increasingly recognized for their great talents. The children are Sharafat Ali Khan, Shafqat Ali Khan, Sukhawat Ali Khan and Riffat Salamat.

Shafqat Ali Khan (Born June 17, 1972 Lahore Pakistan) belongs to the Sham Churasi school from East Punjab. This school of music has a long tradition that dates to the Mughul times of Emperor Akbar. This school was established by the two brothers Chand Khan and Suraj Khan. His uncle Ustad Nazakat Ali Khan and father Ustad Salamat Ali Khan, the internationally acclaimed classical singers, from the 10th generation of the Sham Churasi school.

Check ou the live performance.."Mai Mera Ranjha kyun nahi aya"...Superb Performance!!

"Kis tarah ayega quarar mujhe" Soulful rendition of ghazal...amazing!!

Part-2

Shafqat began performing at the age of seven. His first performance was at the Lahore Music Festival in 1979. Shafqat has performed throughout Europe with several important concerts in France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Holland, Spain, and Switzerland Geneva Festival. He is a well established performer throughout India, Pakistan, and Bangla Desh. He has performed as well throughout Canada and the United States with some key performances at the Smithsonian Institute in the 1988 and 1996, and for the World Music Institute at the New York's Metropolitan Museum in 1988 and Merkin Concert Hall in 1991.

Taaron bhari hai rat.......Beautiful composition and phenomenal performance head's off to this great guy!!

Part-2

Part-3

Shafqat in the recipient of a number of awards, in 1986 in Lahore he received the Amir Khusro Award as the best young classical singer. In 1987, he received the Gold Medal from Faislabad University, Pakistan. In 1995 he received the Ghanda Award from New Deli University. He has appeared on recordings from Nimbus(UK), EMI(India), HMV(UK), WaterLily Acoustics(USA), Westron(India), MegaSound(India), Keytune Productiona(Holland), Plus Music(India) (forthcoming), and Folk Heritage(Pakistan).

"Wo Sanam Humse Ashina kum" beautiful ghazal by shafqat sahab

Live at BBC Urdu.."Saiyaan bina Ghar Soona"

Few years back, There was one album came callled "Kamli Hoi" in india which became very popular in punjab..specially the two numbers..."Kamli hoi" and "Mai mera ranjha kyun nahi aya". He was approached by music director Anand Raj Anand and recorded two songs for bollywood film "Dus Kahanniyan" which became massive hit..1. Kala peela and 2. Vichodiya ne both the songs were composed by Shafqat shahab.

You can listen "Kamli hoi" album from the below mentioned link...

http://www.dishant.com/album/Kamli_Hoi_-_Shafqat_Ali_Khan.html

For Dus Kahaniyan" Songs...

http://www.songs.pk/dus_kahaniyaan.html

I am a big fan of him. He is truly the genius, inborn master and the only person who is preserving the indian classical music tradition in pakistan. I really love his style of singing and the in-depth magical presentation which are incredible and unbeatable! He is above all the ratings..head's off to Shafqat Salamat Sahab....God bless him always!

"Motherjane" A Different New Rock Sensation In The Indian Music World!!!

2009-10-08T10:18:00.000-07:00

Motherjane - Asia's No.1 Rock Act in 2009 at the AVIMA Awards is a five piece progressive rock band from Cochin, India formed in 1996. The band consists of Suraj Mani (Vocalist), Baiju Dharmajan (Lead Guitar), John Thomas (Drums), Clyde Rozario (Bass) and Deepu Sasidharan (Rhythm Guitar). Motherjane is one of the only Indian rock bands to have their music played in American, Japanese and Mexican radio stations and has a cult following all around India. Both motherjane albums, "Insane Biography" '02-03' & "Maktub" '08-09' won numerous awards including No.1 Status by Rolling Stone Magazine, Rock Street Journal, Unwind Center Live Awards.

Motherjane's Rockumentary...

Best song among all..Soulful and touching rendition...Great!!

Cool composition! Ultimate guitar! with good spiritual experience....

Very Creative song with nice video!!

The band was formed on Jan 24th, 1996 to fill in at the 'Pro Nite' at the College Festival of St.Albert's College, Cochin, as the professional band due to play dropped out.Drummer John Thomas, who was the Arts Club Secretary of the college, put together the first line-up of motherjane consisting of Laji on vocals, Mithun on guitars, Clyde Rozario on bass and himself on drums.

The band's name originates from a variant of maryjane, and voices their belief that music, is by far the purest drug in existence.This was a smart strategy by the band to draw attention to the fact that none of the band members believe in drugs, and are against drug consumption.

After a few gigs, Laji quit the band to pursue higher studies abroad and Mithun followed suit soon.It was somewhere in 1997 that the mercurial Baiju Dharmajan was invited by John to fill in as the guitarist for a gig.John immediately took a liking to Baiju and asked him to join motherjane. Baiju accepted his offer and the trio of Baiju,Clyde and John immediately started practising even though they were without a vocalist.A vocalist filled temporarily and motherjane were able to do a few gigs.Soon the rhythm guitar section was filled by an extremely talented Rex Vijayan, who later on became an integral part of the genre-blending band Avial.

Overall it's a very nice indian ethnic rock band with their own style and worth to listen.

For more info, logon to their official website http://www.motherjane.in/

Jaswinder Singh!! A Young Ghazal Maestro!! The best among all contemporaries!!

2009-09-13T03:23:00.000-07:00

Jaswinder singh is the most promising and dedicated ghazal singer of the contemporary music world. He has done lot of hard work on his singing, style and silky melodies voice to standout among the ghazal maestros. It’s always said that someone has been blessed with gifted voice but I never do agree with this approach because it shows that someone is been blessed with gifted talent only and he doesn’t work hard. I believe that if one has god gifted talent then one needs to do more polish on it and it requires pure hard work, true passion and dedication, which can be felt in jawinder’s singing undoubtedly. Currently we could find the most untrained voices in the industry and they all are surviving because of the good money and jack. But in Jaswinder’s case it’s not like that he proved himself with his own unique style and presentations. He won mega finals of the most popular zee's musical programme TVS Sa-Re-Ga-Ma in 1999 (he was with a unanimous decision awarded the trophy of an outstanding singer by eminent maestros like Pt Vilayat khan Saheb, Pt Shiv Kumar Sharma, Smt Girja devi, Pt Ramnarayan, Shri Anil Biswas & Ustad Zakir Hussain).

Though his father is very famous music director Kuldeep Singh of “Saath Saath” and “Ankush” movie and gave the finest compositions…”Tumko dekha to ye khayal aya” and “Itni Shakti humein de na data” to the indian film industry yet he has made his own reorganization and presence in the Indian music world.

Please check out few of his videos...

What a melodies and beautiful rendition with soulful singing……I give 5 stars

Amazing ghazal with soft magical voice…..Superb!!!

This is wonderful composition and singing!!!……No words for it…Head’s off !!!

Awesome!!!.....Ultimate!!

Brilliant performance at doordarshan program “Idea Jalsa 2008-09”

Recently his third ghazal album Ishq Nahin Asaan’ launched. It contains seven ghazals and one nazm. The subject of the album is romance and all the ghazals/nazms are written by the master shayars/poets like Mirza Ghalib, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Jigar Muradabadi, etc. The music has been composed by Shri Kuldip Singhji.

Few days back, Jaswinder briefed about his new album in an interview….

“We have tried to give a new contemporary sound to the album, which is being released by the SAREGAMA- HMV label worldwide.

We have also shot a music video, which is directed by Raajeev Walia, and will soon be on the air. The poetry is very simple and the music very modern. We are hoping that this album will be enjoyed by not only the classes but also the masses. I really feel honored that the great Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar saheb did the honours of releasing my album. Kailash Kher who is a Sufi maestro also was there to support me and the ghazal genre!

An exclusive interview on his new album

A Brief Journey…

Jaswinder, a postgraduate in philosophy, primarily learnt music under the watchful and selfless guidance of his father. And obtained training in classical vocals from Dr. Sushila Pohankar & Pt Ajay Pohankar. The ghazal maestro Shri Jagjit Singh has also extended a lot of encouragement and has inspired and appreciated Jasvinder’s performances and his command on vocal skills.

His performance was well appreciated at the very prestigious Khazana Ghazal festival in mumbai along with Shri Pankaj Udhas, Anup Jalota, Talat Aziz and many more.

He has sung for various TV Serial and films. His forthcoming film in which he has sung is “ Chanchal “ which is going to be released soon. Tips Music released his solo Ghazal albums "Yours Truly" and "Dilkash" in India and abroad, which has further proven his talent and skills beyond doubt

Jaswinder Singh has also formed a novel concept on Urdu poetry called "Ghalibnaama" based on Ghalib's interesting letters and ghazals.

Jaswinder has his own unique style of performing and has mesmerized the audience in his International Concerts in USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Muscat etc and has won encomiums from both young and old. He has also mastered the art of singing some foot-tapping Punjabi songs, which he likes to sing in his concert for the finale

Jaswinder’s new musical presentation titled “ Sheeshon ka Masiha “ is a superhit theatrical concert based on the life sketch and poetry of the legendry poet “ Faiz Ahmed Faiz” in which the great artists like Shabana Azmi & Javed Akhtar do the narration and Jaswinder sings Faiz’s ghazals and Nazms.

Currently. Jaswinder is working on the release of his next album and forthcoming International tours and concerts and has many offers from leading film directors which he is currently working on and promises the ghazal lovers rhythmic, syntax-soothing sentimental soulful ghazals on romance, love, intoxication, separation and longing blended perfectly with his mellifluous, suave and dulcet voice.

At the end I would request to all ghazal listeners that please listen, encourage and promote our new young ghazal artists like jaswinder singh who truly deserves the success, rewards and praise by the audience. If you are a good listener, go and buy his albums…..Once you will listen him, I am sure that you will become a great fan of him. Forget about mehndi hasan, ghulam ali and jagjit singh for the time being because they are legend and they would be but now the time needs some change and it's demanding the young masters. I am also a big fan of these legends but I have no hesitation to write that for the last 10 years jagjit singh and ghulam ali have been making same kind of compositions with same treatment. They have been successful, established and now encashing their name only.

Why ghazal is out of the trend now days because the successful ghazal singers follow the same compositions, style and poetry but in this case jaswinder’s fresh voice and new compositions are not disappointing us. His soothing style and sheer music could be the best remedy for any patient. By the true effort of Jaswinder Singh, The genre of ghazal will again take place on top where it's deserved. I wish all the best to him!!! God Bless!!

Introducing "LAL MERI"....A Techno Pop Fusion Band

2009-09-08T10:15:00.000-07:00

If you split up Lal Meri into Nancy Kaye, Ireesh Lal, and Carmen Rizzo, you get 3 different artists with a range of styles that don't really need proper introductions. There talent has been combined to make a fantastic new electronic pop group with lots of promise. Their self-titled debut album highly recommended for those of you who dig loungey pop, good synthy vibes and beats. It's a hint of Zero 7, positivity, Brazilian girls etc. Satnam Ramgotra on the Tabla behind Nancy on the videos. So Dope ;)

Lal Meri takes its name from an ancient Sufi folk song, part of a mystical tradition that helped to expand the reach of Islam around the world in centuries past. Ecstatic, transcendental Sufi art forms were used to draw people in through direct experience, bypassing dogma and authoritarianism. And, in a sense, that's just what this unusual trio is all about — unifying listeners of different cultures, beliefs and aesthetics with an irresistibly seductive sound.

They produce a seductive mix of music meant to heal the human spirit. The LA-based trio based their name on a Hindi term that encourages people to smile through good times and bad and will bring those positive vibes to Morning Becomes Eclectic.

Very soulful and spiritual track “Dreams of 18” moves one to different world.

Lal Meri Bad Things Grand Performances at LA, CA

Lal Meri feat. Carmen Rizzo - Bad Things (Morgan Page Clean Remix) Amazing Remix!!

“Give your Light”…Beautiful song with great sync and tune.

Very Nice track “Take me as I am” good experiment of sounds with instrumentation.

Eastern mysticism and pop music have been cross-pollinating since at least The classic band Beatles. In recent years, dance-friendly club mixes rich with sounds from India, Iran and the Arab world have become a cottage industry. Lal Meri certainly draws from globalista techno-pop, but Nancy Kaye's languid vocals, mostly in English, become a powerful focus. Poetry and form are as important here as atmosphere and groove.

Lal Meri is the work of three self-described "headstrong producers," who come together under the potentially insipid banner of, "Why can't we be together as one?" It's an endeavor that risks dissolving into a well-meaning muddle. Layers of droning vocals and jangling strings swirl together within grooves that range from a lazy lope to lashing club beats. But the best songs always coalesce around Kaye's charismatic vocals.

For all the high concept and technical finesse here, these are essentially pop songs, with verses, choruses and elegant vocal hooks — not so far from The Beatles after all.

For more details checkout their official website: http://www.lalmeri.com/

"Utsav Lal" The Young Piano Maestro!!. The INDIAN RAGA PIANIST"

2009-09-05T09:42:00.000-07:00

Achievements: National Records Limca Book Of Records '07 Grade 8 Certificate, Trinity School of Music, London. Indian Prodigy Raga Pianist.
Utsav Lal is one of India's youngest concert pianists.

Oft referred to as a music child prodigy, born on 18th August, 1992, in New Delhi, India, Utsav’s passion for the piano began at the age of 7, when he learned to play nursery rhymes on the piano. With no formal training, in the initial years and no backing of a reputed musical heritage, it was an irrepressible enthusiasm and drive that prompted young Utsav to pursue his passion, strive to master the hugely challenging instrument and today be well known in India & Internationally as a Concert Pianist of repute. With the first time ever rendition of Ragas on Piano, Utsav has earned himself the title of "RAGA PIANIST" in music circles.

Brief video about Utsav!! (April 2007)

A tribute to Raj Kapoor Ji. SOng "Jane Kahan gaye wo din" Superb performance!!

National irish audiences on the talent hunt show-Class Act. Performing his original composition based on Raga Hamsdhwani.

Having a head start on his musical sojourn today at a tender age, Utsav has achieved what many musicians spend a lifetime striving for. Plucking at keyboards of the piano he gave his debut solo concert for the International Cultural Centre Trust in Feb 2003. A spell bound audience listened incredulously.

The journey from then has been one of a quick succession of performances with Utsav impressing the Delhi cultural circuit and there-onwards moving to showcase his expertise first across India with Indian melodies on the piano and then very soon moving onto the International arena with his unique piano playing style & original rendition of Ragas, creating a new genre of "Raga Piano Music. "

As an established Indian Pianist of repute, Utsav has presented over 70piano concerts in India & abroad...at Delhi, Gurgaon, Jullundhar, Ludhiana, Kolkata, and Mumbai and at prestigious venues for Indian & International audiences in Dublin, Canada , Berlin & in London, Manchester, Wolverhamprton in UK .

In the last year, Utsav has performed at The One World Music Evening, World Refugee Day, Festival of World Cultures '07 & '08 in Ireland , Asia Pacific week '07 in Berlin , National Concert Hall in Dublin, The Taj Festival in Manchester, Music Amongst Mosaic Concert series,RTE, Irish National television, India Habitat Centre at New Delhi, Bahaar Utsav by Surdhwani in Wolverhampton & a unique rednition of Ragas in a 19th century Church in Cork, Ireland.

Many of Utsav's concerts have been to support various causes like Make-A Wish Foundation, Spastics Society, National Association for Blind, World Mercy Fund , Bridge Foundation Kolkata, Telethon people in Need, Rotary Club etc.

PIANO PASSION:

The power of Indian music in the soulful sound of piano, a totally western music instrument is mesmerising.

Indian Classical Music

Utsav drew his inspiration at an early age from Indian Classical Music, and reveled in tickling the ivories to be one of the first Indian musicians to draw on the “Power of Ragas on the Piano”. Utsav is oft referred to as “ Raga Pianist”.

18th Sept 2008, Mumbai. Utsav Lal on Piano and Tabla wizard-Aditya Kalyanpur on tabla. Raga Yaman Kalyan.

"Raga Madhuvanti" dedicated to Daniel Pearl World Music Days & the theme Harmony for Humanity. This is AWESOME!!!

at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi in Nov 2007.Clip of Raga Hamsdhwani.

Indian classical Piano Album "Piano Moods of Indian Ragas" by Times Music on Sept 18th,2008.Release by silver screen icon Shri Randhir Kapoor.

Utsav’s creative expressions of the emotions & moods of Indian Classical Ragas have left spellbound audiences both in India & Internationally. Utsav has presented Ragas in his original & unique style of playing the Piano and some of his concerts have incorporated fascinating Jugalnbandi between the Violin & Piano or the Tabla / Mridangam & the Piano.

Indian Film Compositions

Famed for his recreation of the magic of Indian Film music compositions on the Piano, many critics have reviewed him as a pianist, who makes the Piano sing ! Utsav can effectively transport you from the nostalgia of Mohd. Rafi,Hemant Kumar and Mukesh to the unparalled sweetness of Lata ji; take you down the oodling ages of Kishore Kumar to the superstar voice of Sonu Nigam and Abhijeet; the freshness of Shreya Ghoshal to the romantics of Adnan Sami.

Covered extensively by Indian press and media, the young Pianist is a delight to watch, as he loses himself to his music, fingers follow the pace of the mind, with no scores in front of him, weaves magic with his fingers, slowly unfolding notes of the Raga, following it up with a rhythm accompaniment to present complex permutations & combinations of Raga notes & creates a mesmerizing musical experience!

Tribute to the memorial erected by Maharajah of Gwalior,Shri Madha Rao Scindia for his personal physician-Dr Martin Alymers Croft at Church of Ascension, Timoleague, West Cork, ireland.
Clip is excerpt from rendition of age old classic Piya Tose Naina Lage which is improvised based on Raga Khamaj.

CROWD PULL:

Utsav’s fans comprise of people from all age groups. Silver haired crowds that are mesmerized by the old favorites, teenagers drawn to the glamour of the piano, the corporate hi-flier who finds solace and enjoyment in going down the nostalgic memory lane, as well as the tiny boppers who love to dance to latest peppy numbers.

A darling of the media as much for his piano expertise as his boyish good looking charm, Utsav has been extensively covered by Television channels like NDTV 24/7,Zee News,Channel7,Sahara NCR, Sahara Samay, DD Metro, DD News, IndiaTV, Total T.V etc.

Accredited with fabulous reviews by the press for his concerts, Utsav has been written about by leading National & International dailies like Times of India, Hindustan Times, The Telegraph, The Hindu, The Kolkata Age, The Asian Age, Gurgaon Explorer, Today- the afternoon newspaper, Mid Day, Navbharat Times, and Rashtriya Sahara etc.

THE INSPIRING FORCES:

Currently training under Padhraic O Cunneigain, reputed Irish Concert Pianist at DIT Conservatory of Music,Dublin, Utsav is also learning Jazz under Argentinian Pianist Germann Lema.Groomed as a professional pianist, under the aegis of noted Indian pianist, John Raphael (western classical pianist) Utsav underwent his early training on playing by ear, with the reputed Indian pianist Brian Silas. Utsav also owes his training and understanding of the nuances, depth and meaning of the phenomenal compositions of Indian Film music and recreating Indian melodies on the piano, to his guiding force-Jaideep Lakhtakia, a highly experienced musician who is a virtual encyclopedia on Indian film songs. Utsav's first steps into Indian classical Music were guided by Shri Vinod Shakiya, noted vocalist based in Jhansi,India & Late Shanti sharma Ji. Currently, Utsav is being mentored for Classical training by noted Violinist Sharat Chandra Srivastava & by well known Sitarist Gaurav Majumdar.Utsav holds all his teachers in great respect & credits them with being the inspiring and driving force behind his music passion.

Content Source: http://www.utsavlal.com/

COKE STUDIO-2 Concert....5 stars to all the musicians!!

2009-09-02T08:23:00.000-07:00

Coke Studio embodies a musical fusion of exciting elements and diverse influences, ranging from traditional eastern, modern western and regionally inspired music. Bringing alive the magic of live recordings and performances, Coke Studio prides itself on providing a musical platform which bridges barriers, celebrates diversity, encourages unity and instils a sense of Pakistani pride. Coke Studio is an inspired step by Coca-Cola for having created a platform where renowned as well as upcoming and less mainstream musicians from various genres can collaborate musically.

This year, after the unprecedented critical acclaim and huge popularity of Season 1, Coke Studio reignites our passion and returns to the heart of the live recording studio with a new artist line up, a different sound, an innovative house band and a brand new set of performances and episodes. This season, Rohail Hyatt’s musical genius draws together the fundamentals of collaborative music that will showcase Pakistan’s rich music culture by stitching into its fabric, traditional artists, folk music influences and regional instruments in collaboration with Pakistan’s contemporary mainstream artists.

At Coke Studio’s Season 2, expect electrifying performances, surprise collaborations between artists and be part of their interpretation of Pakistani music on a reinvented signature Coke Studio set. Season 2 demonstrates how creative boundaries can be defined, redefined and bridged through musical improvisation reflecting the vibrancy and artistic harmony of Pakistan’s artists. Listen to the plaintive sounds emanating from the mountains and valleys of the Frontier and Baluchistan, reverberating through the rivers of the Punjab and breaking out triumphantly into the sands of Sindh and out across the open seas.

This season was divided into 5 Episodes...1. Individuality 2. Harmony 3. Equality 4. Spirit 5. Unity

Featured Artists of Season 2:
Ali Zafar, Arieb Azhar, Atif Aslam, Javed Bashir, JoSH, Noori, Riaz Ali Khan, Saieen Zahoor, Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan, Strings, Zeb & Haniya

Coke Studio Team:

Rohail Hyatt, Assad Ahmed, Babar Khanna, Jaffer Zaidi, Javed Iqbal, Kamran 'Mannu' Zafar, Louis 'Gumby' Pinto, Natasha De Sousa, Omran 'Momo' Shafique, Saba Shabbir, Sikander, Waris Baloo, Zulfiq 'Shazee' Ahmed Khan, Baqir Abbas, Gurpreet Chana, Gul Mohammad, Rakae Jamil, Saddiq Sameer

NOORI:
As one of the leading names in Pakistan’s music industry, Noori is often credited for revitalising rock music for Pakistan’s youth with the release of their first album Suno Ke Mein Hoon Jawan in 2003.
Internationally, Noori also teamed up with Indian pop singer Anaida for the single Naya Jahaan in 2003 following which they released their much anticipated record Peel Patti aur Raja Jani ki Gol Dunya in Pakistan in 2005. After a creative hiatus of almost 2 years, the rock sensations released their latest single Do Dil and are currently planning another cross border collaboration, this time with acclaimed Indian act Euphoria.
Brothers Ali Noor and Ali Hamza are best known for staging riveting live performances with unmatched amounts of raw energy and they will be seen rocking Coke Studio’s platform for its brand new season this year.

"Saari Raat"....Amazing Number!!

Jo Mere...beautiful composition with blend of sitar and superb singing!!

Javed Bashir:
Javed Bashir is one of Pakistan’s most recognized and acclaimed classical singers, hailing from a family of renowned qawaals. Having studied extensively under the great Ustaad Mubarik Ali Khan, Javed’s command of the classical singing tradition can be heard and seen in his work with the internationally reputed Mekaal Hasan Band, with whom Javed has been since 2002.

Javed has also ventured into the realms of pop, dance, bhangra and cross-cultural folk by collaborating with celebrated artists including Bally Sagoo and Sondre Bratland, a Norwegian folk artist, with whom he released an album titled Dialogue in 2006.
Javed’s powerful, soulful and engaging voice can be heard in 2009’s rendition of Coke Studio.

Aaj lattha naeoo...one of the best performance of the season 2. This song was originally sung by Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Sahab

"Rona Chhod Diya" with Zeb n Haniya.....Very nice fusion!!

"Chal Diye" very nice rendition on Raga Aiman. Classical vocal mixed by Javed sahab and sung by zeb and Haniya.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY_LzIAG4gc&feature=related

Saieen Zahoor:
Saieen Zahoor is one of Pakistan’s most enigmatic musicians whose mystical music is steeped in Sufi spirituality and devotion. Revered equally for his haunting voice and for his renditions of Kalaams by saintly poets Baba Bulle Shah and Mian Muahmmad Buksh, Saieen Zahoor has been a definitive part of Pakistani music for over five decades.

Saieen was born and raised in a rural family and started singing at the age of five. In fact, his first Sufi Kalaam lessons were under the guidance of Ustad Sain Raunka of Patiala. It was in 2006 that Saieen Zahoor released his first record Awazay and was also awarded the coveted Voice of the Year honour by the prestigious BBC World Music Awards. In 2007 he released a contemporary version of his Sufi song Allah Hoo as part of the film Khuda Ke Liye’s soundtrack to much acclaim.

This year witnesses the Saieen grace the Coke Studio stage with his evocative vocals and Ektara in all his mystical glory.

Best Soulful Song of this season...One can connect to GOD without any interruption.

"Ek Alif" Saen Zahooor with Noori...Great fusion with folk!!

Strings:
Strings is one of Pakistan’s all time most popular pop bands comprising Bilal Maqsood and Faisal Kapadia. Formed almost two decades ago, the band has grown to be coveted for its music, lyrics and energetic live act. Strings won Best Artist and Most Favourite Band at the MTV Asia Awards in 2005 and Best Live Act at the Lux Style Music Awards last year.

The band originally debuted in 1990 with the release of their self-titled album which was followed by their second album, Strings-2 in 1992. After a band reshuffle and an eight year hiatus, Bilal and Faisal took the industry by storm with the release of critically acclaimed album Duur and 4 years later, Dhaani both of which enjoyed national and international popularity.

Titliyan....One could feel and see the pure dedication of strings on this song!!...very touching!! 5 stars!!

Shaqat Amanat Ali Khan:
Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan heralds the seventh generation of the renowned Patiala Gharana. Respected and appreciated for his ability to translate a classically trained voice over contemporary music, Shafqat was awarded the prestigious President’s Pride of Performance in 2007.

Shafqat has experimented with fusing the classical school with various music genres with bands such as Fuzon and also released his debut solo album, Tabeer in 2008 to much acclaim.

"Aankho ke sagar"

"Khamaj"

Zeb & Haniya:
Hailing from Kohat in Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province is the country’s most anticipated female duo, Zebunnisa Bangash and Haniya Aslam. The ladies skyrocketed into the music scene with their first hit single Chup some years back and have since collaborated with top industry musicians for their debut album, released in 2008.

Zeb & Haniya’s music seamlessly mixes folk inspired music with blues grooves and jazzy rhythms into complex melodies grounded in local tradition. This year they bring their smoky vocals and sultry guitar playing to Coke Studio’s Season two.

"Paimona" very creative composition!!! with Arabic and pashto touch!!

Atif Aslam:
Atif Aslam is one of Pakistan’s leading superstars who shot to fame with the release of his mega hit single Aadat, followed by the successful release of his debut album Jalpari. In 2008, he was awarded Pakistan’s highest civilian honour, the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz.

Atif released his second album Doorie in 2006 which was awarded the album of the year at 2007 LUX style awards, and released his third record Meri Kahani last year. He has collaborated internationally, specifically with Bollywood, a result of which is that he is now an icon and a household name with the Pak-Indo national, international and expatriate community across the globe.

"Jalpari"...Peaceful!!

Ali Zafar:
Ali Zafar is undoubtedly one of Pakistan’s most influential musicians. In addition to his work as a singer, this multifaceted personality is a youth icon, a songwriter, a composer, an artist and an actor and was seen and heard singing movingly at Coke Studio’s debut season last year.

"Yaar Daadi" originally sung by jumman Khan a sindhi-punjabi folk!!

Areib Azhar:
Best known for his resonant voice and Sufi inspired melodies, Arieb Azhar is fast becoming a star in Pakistan, having spent over a decade in Croatia where he produced two albums of purely Irish music.

It was Arieb’s desire to reconnect with his roots and heritage that led him back to the country and in 2006, he launched himself with the release of single Husn-e-Haqiqi (Beauty of truth) from his debut album Wajj. This record is heavily inspired by the poetry of Sarmad Sehbai, Khawaja Ghulam Farid and Bulleh Shah and Arieb’s genre has come to be recognized as spiritual lounge music.

"Husn-e-Haqiqi"

Who is Rohail Hyatt?

He is a executive producer of this event. A Pakistani legend in his own right, Rohail Hyatt is an award winning artist and producer par excellence whose art is in a state of constant dynamism, from his formative years on the 1980’s pop scene, to his leadership of the pioneering band Vital Signs, to his collaborations with icons ranging from Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Ustaad Saami to film-maker Shoaib Mansoor.

This visionary produced the definitive, critically acclaimed and now iconic music project ‘Coke Studio’ in 2008 which captured the essence and nature of the collaborative relationship between eastern and western music in Pakistan.

This year Rohail brings back Coke Studio for a second season with a passion, ambition and drive to promote pride in music and to celebrate what it is to be Pakistani.

For more information and to download high quality mp3 and videos log on to http://www.cokestudio.com.pk/

Niladri Kumar...."A complete master piece of Indian Classical Fusion".... Inventor of "ZITAR"

2009-05-04T03:23:00.000-07:00

NILADRI KUMAR, the son and disciple of Sitar Maestro Pandit Kartick Kumar, is a maverick musician. He started learning the sitar at the tender age of four and did his first public performance at the age of six. Hailed as one of the more serious young exponents of Indian Classical Music, Niladri's flashes of unparalleled brilliance is a result of years of learning and a lineage of five generation of sitar players. This has led to a profound understanding of the artistic aspects & nuances of diverse gharana styles and a mastery of technical skill.

An orthodox among the traditional and optimistically fearless among the creative, Niladri is a rare instrumentalist with an unique musical repertoire, innovative skills and the dexterity of swift, agile fingers. Be it at his Indian Classical Music Recitals or his World Music Concerts, he can almost immediately mesmerise the orthodox as well as progressive music lovers with an uncanny ability to strike an instant rapport with the audience that transcends all age barriers. He sincerely attempts to infuse interest and respect for Indian Classical Music in the younger generation.

In March 2007, Niladri won the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi's “Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar” for Instrumental Hindustani Music. “The Sanskriti Award”, “The Jadubhatta Puraskar” and “The MTV IMMIES for the Best Classical/Fusion Instrumental Album” for his album 'IF', are some of the other awards he has won besides having valued titles like “Shanmukha Shree” & “Surmani” to his credit.

Having received rave reviews for his magnificent performances at Concerts the world over, or his immense talent featured in 10 international music albums, Niladri, is considered one of his generations brightest stars with a career that promises to be illustrious and innovative

Electrifying performance.....truely Superb!!!!!

Recently he was invited to perform on a very popular TV show called "Jalsa" on doordarshan. As usual, He played magical and stunned everyone with his impeccable performance. Please check it out the live videos of it.

Playing amazing composition of "Miyan ki Todii" on Sitar....Ultimate!!

Playing beautiful composition of "Bhairavi" on Sitar....Awesome!! Sheer!!

Sitarfunk (ZITAR)

Deeply steeped in tradition through all his growing up years, it was a real eye opener, when during his college days he got exposure to what he calls ‘the new culture’, followed by ‘generation next’ and the music they appreciated. "The attempt to relate to the likings of this generation, literally changed my outlook towards music." says Niladri.

With this new perspective in mind, Niladri brought about the initiative of extending the boundaries of his musical realm. He combined his understanding of diverse Indian musical gharana styles with world music styles, through imaginative experiments.

Niladri truly believes, “Music is meant to touch the soul of the listener and the driving force is to aspire to maintain a fine harmony between tradition and modernity that is in sync with the sensibilities of a global audience.” It was probably this very sentiment and his tremendous creative enthusiasm that led to him crafting a truly zany and zestful sound in the form of a ZITAR. This five stringed instrument, thereafter, helped give wings to Niladri’s flights of artistic expression.

Superb, phenomenal performance of Zitar at HARD ROCK CAFE, Mumbai..on the launch of Shivmani's album "Mahaleela"

Amazing composition and superb animated video from his latest album song called "Priority"

ALBUMS:

An orthodox among the traditional and optimistically fearless among the creative, Niladri is a rare instrumentalist with a unique musical repertoire. His immense talent is featured in innumerable number of albums.

Some of his Indian classical albums are ‘Where Innovation meets Tradition / Together’, ‘Dharohar’, ‘Revelation’ and ‘Saanjh Sur’. Where as ‘IF’ and ‘Sitar Gaze / Chillout Forever’ are some of his Fusion albums along with 10 other international albums. Besides this Niladri is a guest musician on the latest CD ‘Floating Point’ by jazz guitar legend John McLaughlin.

Awesome compositions "Lovers dream" which will surely make you refresh from his album called "Chillout Forever"

another track...."Forever"

FILMWORKS:

He started his Film music career as a musician sometime around 1991/92.

“Now a days the kind of music being used in films is slightly different, therefore it’s really exciting to work with Music Directors who are willing to experiment.” says Niladri, who has enjoyed playing for Laxmikant-Pyarelal, A R Rahman, Anu Malik, Pritam and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and many more. Chup Chup ke from Bunty and Babli has a prominent sleeve played by him on the sitar. While Bheeegi Bheegi si from Gangster, Alvida from Life In A Metro or Crazy Kiya Re from Dhoom 2 are accentuated by the distinct sounds of his inimitable zitar renditions.

RECITALS & CONCERTS:

Be it for his Indian Classical music recitals or his World Music Concerts, Niladri displays an uncanny ability to strike an instant rapport with audiences, young and old, with his unique musical repertoire. He has already travelled all over the world performing at numerous prestigious Festivals, Venues and Concert halls. Lately, he has been touring with non other than the legendary Ustad Zakir Hussain's ‘Masters of Percussion’ tour.

Incredible performance!!!!!.....

While tactfully maintaining his busy schedule of concerts, recitals and recordings, Niladri adds ‘zing’ to corporate events of reputed companies.

BANDS & SITARFUNK:

“Fusion music does not follow any guidelines, therefore it gives the artiste great liberty to experiment especially when performing with other talented musicians. Yet, a fusion concert is only truly able to transcend to an all time high, when each member performs the best of his individual, unique talent within the unity and oneness of the band to complement each other and I have been lucky to experience this magic!” Niladri remarks with a twinkle in his eyes.

‘Asia ElectriK’’ - Sivamani, Niladri Kumar and Louis Banks;

‘TaNi’’ - Taufiq Qureshi and Niladri Kumar;

‘SiTARFUNK’ - Niladri Kumar with fiery generation next musicians.

Niladri has the unmistakable Arien trait of being a firebrand, who believes in forging his way through life with daring, initiative and enterprise. Having received so many rave reviews the world over for his unparalleled performances and renditions, Niladri is considered one of his generations brightest stars with a career that promises to be illustrious and innovative. With so many accolades, one can say that this is only the beginning of the journey for Niladri, a person, who is blessed with a legacy and is crafting a talent to versatility.
Content source: www.niladrikumar.com

Northeast Indian MIZO ROCK BANDS....TRUELY AMAZING!!!!! Unbelievable!!!

2009-03-15T23:03:00.000-07:00

I am really surprised and got goose bumps after listening the Mizo Rock bands...heyy Guyss they are truely amazing!! Why we go outside of india in neighbouring countries to find the talent and promote in our country while we have great talent and potential in india itself....First we need to promote these hidden talents...nobody knows about it in North-West-South in india. I was just stunned and speechless after hearning and watching the compositions, lyrics, songs, Quality, sound....everyting is supererb ....They are doing a gr8 job. I am really happy to find this music talent but also disppointed that they guys are performing and broadcasted in their state and TV channels only.They have such kind of caliber and quality as they could compete even beat other country rock music. First listen and watch all the music videos which i am going to share with you all...Though there are lots of good bands are forming there but here i am introducing the few best ones...and i am sure u will be surprised and like them......and please promte them on your level........ROCK music in india is still alive by North East Indians....I am really proud of Mizorum to be part of india!! Lets cheer for them.....Check it out!!!!!

VEry very nice....Latest Video Released by BOOMARANG- Steller-Mizo

The Scavenger Project mizo 'Signs' (Awesome!!-ULTIMATE!!!)

Myth of fate-paradise

All that you are -Ninth Side

Chris - True Color - Mizo (Very close to Bryn Adams.....Very very nice!!!)

Take away by Drop Doubt!!Awesome singing and composition!!....
Embeddiing is disabled so giving you the link...for youtube......http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRQ3aQkeJvA

Another very creative and gr88 video by 9th side..."Blow"

Arms Of Silence-Like light to flies (Indian rock band)

Please share this blog link to all good music listeners....and don't forget to comment over it :) enjoy!!!!1

Jason Mraz An Ultimate Singer,Performer!!!!

2009-03-13T23:56:00.000-07:00

Mraz is of Czech descent through his grandfather who moved to the United States from what is now the Czech Republic in 1915. His surname is Czech for "frost."

He attended The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City, for a short time, studying musical theater before moving to San Diego.

Music Career
2002: Waiting For My Rocket to Come
In 2002, Mraz released his first major album, Waiting for My Rocket to Come.

2005-2007:Mr. A-Z and tours

In July 2005, Mraz opened for Alanis Morissette during her Jagged Little Pill Acoustic Tour. On July 26, 2005, he released his second major-label album, Mr. A-Z, for Atlantic Records. It entered the Billboard 200 album chart at number 5. In December, the album earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical, while its producer, the prolific Steve Lillywhite, received a nomination for Producer of the Year. His first single, "The Remedy (I Won't Worry)," was co-written by music production team The Matrix. Mraz's friend and former roommate Billy "Bushwalla" Galewood also collaborated on the album, co-writing "Curbside Prophet" and the album's third single, and "I'll Do Anything".

Mraz began his long-running tour in support of Mr. A-Z at the San Diego Music Awards on September 12. The tour featured a variety of opening acts, including Bushwalla and Tristan Prettyman, with whom he had co-written the duet "Shy That Way" in 2002. Mraz and Prettyman dated, ending their relationship in 2006. They also co-wrote the song "All I Want For Christmas is Us".

In November 2005, Mraz opened for the Rolling Stones on five dates during their 2005–2006 world tour. Also in 2005, Mraz was one of many singers featured in the fall advertisement campaign for The Gap entitled "Favorites". The music-themed campaign also featured other singers including Tristan Prettyman, Michelle Branch, Joss Stone, Keith Urban, Alanis Morissette, Brandon Boyd, and Michelle Williams. In December 2005, Mraz released the first part of his ongoing podcast.

In March 2006, Mraz also performed for the first time at a sold-out performance in Singapore with Toca Rivera as part of the annual Mosaic Music Festival.

In May 2006, Mraz toured mostly small venues and music festivals in the U.S., along with a few shows in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The tour included a May 6, 2006 acoustic show with P.O.D., Better Than Ezra, Live, and The Presidents of the United States of America. Mraz was featured as a headlining guest of St. Louis's annual Fair St. Louis and performed a free concert at the base of the Arch on July 1, 2006.

In December 2006, Selections for Friends, the live, online-only album recorded during the Songs for Friends Tour, was released. Selections for Friends features Jason's favorite songs from the Schubas Tavern and Villa Montalvo shows he played in July 2006.

Jason Mraz began 2007 by debuting his new single "The Beauty in Ugly", an earlier track penned by Mraz entitled "Plain Jane" that he rewrote for the ABC TV show Ugly Betty. The song was featured as a part of ABC's "Be Ugly in '07" campaign. He has since released a song in Spanish entitled "La Nueva Belleza (The New Beauty)".

In 2007, American Idol contestant Chris Richardson performed "Geek in the Pink", which subsequently garnered the song mass recognition and increased downloads at the American iTunes Store. It was also performed later that year by Canadian Idol contestant Greg Neufeld. "Geek in the Pink" peaked at #22 on the U.S. iTunes Store on March 10, 2007, but it was ineligible for the site's Hot 100.

The tape-recording of bootlegs during Mraz's shows is explicitly supported by him and his management.

2008-present:We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.

Jason is currently promoting his latest studio album, We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. which was released on May 13, 2008. The first single "I'm Yours" reached #1 on AAA radio charts in the US. The single was a B-side to Mr A-Z, and was made famous by recordings from his live shows. In September 2008, the song became Mraz's first Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking so far at #6. As of October 14, 2008, the album has been certified Gold by the RIAA, selling in excess of 500,000 copies in the US.

Mraz performed "A Beautiful Mess" with a full orchestra at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo, Norway on December 11, 2008.

Recently, Mraz's song "Details in the Fabric" from his We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. CD was featured in an episode of Without a Trace. The instrumental beginning of "I'm Yours" was also featured in an AIG commercial.

First check it out this official video.....

Also check his amazing live performance of "I m yours" at Korea.

This is another superb performance at TV TOATL show....( See the variation of instruments in all the performances..he is just amazing I can say!!! )

Jason Mraz "I'm Yours" The Ellen DeGeneres Show.....

Mraz and his song "I'm Yours" was nominated for Song of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 2009 51st Grammy Awards. The album We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical in 2009.

On January 31st, 2009, Mraz was the musical guest on Saturday Night Live, performing "I'm Yours" and "Lucky", the latter with Colbie Caillat. "Lucky" has peaked on the Hot 100 at 66.

What to say about this guy!!!!.....In contemporaries he is most competent singer....checkout his live performance.

Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan's new album "Tabeer" released on 9-09-2008

2008-10-09T22:33:00.000-07:00

Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan one of the melodious singer in Pakistani Pop Industry released his album named "Tabeer" featuring range of music from classical like Kartar, to pop songs like Naina and Pagalpan.
Based on Folk and sufi works the album "Tabeer" was commissioned and released by Music today world over mid September 2008. The album was released by Fire records in Pakistan last week of September 2008 as their Mega Eid release.

All songs except "Naina" and "Tu hi tu hai" have been composed by Shafqat. All Lyrics except original Sufi Lyrics (Ameer Khusro's Rung le and Bhulley Shah's Awo saiyo)have been written by Shafqat. The first video of the premier song of the album "Kherhyan de naal" is now being aird on all channels in India and Pakistan. The video is directed by Shiraz Bhattacharya.

Check out it's video "Kherhyan de naal"

"Bulle shah"

My Review: Overall album is very nice and worth to buy it, specially for the people who like classical and sufi music. It' not required to explain the classical range and quality of Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan, everyone knows about it. You can find out more about Shafqat Amanat Ali on his official website www.shafqatamanatali.com

Gavin DeGraw "A charismatic, vibrant young artist"

2008-10-01T21:57:00.000-07:00

Gavin DeGraw is a talent, who in just a few short years has become one of today’s premier singer-songwriters. He’s done it the old-fashioned way, on the merits of his creative abilities, perseverance and a healthy, homegrown perspective, establishing himself as a magnetic, new voice in music. Now, Gavin DeGraw adds a new chapter to his celebrated narrative with the release of his second studio album, the self-titled, Gavin DeGraw.
DeGraw broke through in 2003, with the release of his debut album, Chariot, which awakened music fans across the country to a charismatic, vibrant young artist who connected with audiences in a way other contemporary musicians did not. Selling over a million copies and earning platinum certification, Chariot yielded three hit singles – “I Don’t Want To Be,” “Follow Through,” and the title-track, “Chariot.” But it wasn’t just the numbers that confirmed DeGraw’s popularity. The song, “I Don’t Want To Be,” was chosen as the theme song for the hit TV show, “One Tree Hill.” DeGraw made numerous appearances on television shows like The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Live with Regis & Kelly, Last Call with Carson Daly, and others. His songs have often been sung on “American Idol.” DeGraw has toured tirelessly, selling out to bigger and bigger audiences every time around.

One of the Most popular track and video...."I don't need to be"

Another Rocky number....

He says..“My first main love of music was classic rock, and that’s always remained my foundation,” explains DeGraw, who trained at the Berklee School of Music, before leaving to pursue his music career. “I felt like I had satisfied a lot of the sweeter stuff on my first record, and I want the Yin and Yang of it. I wanted to put a little more edge on it this time. You don’t want to always be pigeon-holed as the ‘sweet and nice’ guy singing ‘sweet and nice’ songs.”
Gavin DeGraw may have more of a rock flavor but it isn’t a hard-rock album. It still reflects DeGraw’s musical ability to photograph feelings and emotions and deliver it poetically to his audience. Part of DeGraw’s appeal is the way he submits to those emotions in his songwriting, and it’s one of the reasons why fans love him: his music is the soundtrack to their lives. “I’m so appreciative of the way my fans are with me,” he says. “It’s funny because when I used to play in bars when I was younger, it would bug me sometimes if people would sing along. Then I thought to myself, ‘What?!?’ That’s when you know they appreciate what you’re doing so much, they’re willing to sacrifice their own self-consciousness to be in it with you. That’s a great thing.”
For more information log on to his official website..
http://www.gavindegraw.com/

Latest official video of song "Cheated on me" from his latest album.

Awards and nominations
2005
Billboard Music Award nomination for Top Soundtrack Single of the Year ("I Don't Want to Be")
2005
Radio Music Award nomination for Song of the Year/Mainstream Top 40 Radio ("I Don't Want to Be")

My review:
Guys!! this is fantastic singer !!! Amazing style, voice, lyrics, Compositions..everything is perfect....It is a mixture of classic rock and i really enjoyed it. You will never get tired of listening it again n again. All album songs are superb!!! I give 5 stars to this awesome singer!!!

“Gary Allan” The finest contemporary artist of country music changing trends…

2008-09-17T21:51:00.000-07:00

Gary Allan
(born December 5, 1967), is an American country music artist.

Signed to Decca Records in 1996, Allan made his debut on the United States country music scene with the release of his single "Her Man", the lead-off to his gold-certified debut album Used Heart for Sale, which was released in 1996 on Decca Records. A second album, It Would Be You, followed in 1998 on Decca.
Allan's third album, Smoke Rings in the Dark, was his first album for MCA Nashville, and the first platinum album of his career. Its successors, Alright Guy (2001) and See If I Care (2003), were all certified platinum as well, while 2005's Tough All Over and 2007'sGreatest Hits were both certified gold. His seventh studio album, Living Hard, was released later in 2007.

Smoke rings in the dark......Beautiful song

Overall, Allan's seven studio albums and Greatest Hits package have produced twenty-one singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, including three that ranked number one: "Man to Man" and "Tough Little Boys" in 2003, and "Nothing On but the Radio" in 2004. Seven more of his singles have reached the Top Ten on this chart as well: "Her Man", "It Would Be You", "Right Where I Need to be", "The One", "Best I Ever Had" (a cover of a Vertical Horizon song), "Life Ain't Always Beautiful", and "Watching Airplanes".

Enjoy the song "Nothing On but the Radio" with his pic stills...

One of his best number " The One

About his new released album called “Living hard”:

It’s raw and emotional. It’s freight-train-to-nowhere lonely. It’s hard-rockin’, no-apologies country music that has traded in its twang for a gravelly growl millions of fans recognize as the voice of Gary Allan. And with Living Hard, his latest release from MCA Nashville, Allan once again proves that, though times may change, the thread of truth at the center of his music remains the same.
"I think the fans are gonna feel that this record is different," he says, "but the most important thing is that what I do is authentic. I’ve never pushed for a certain image. I’ve just always done my own thing."

This time around, Allan says, that includes letting listeners ride along through his personal landscape over the past year. "The record has taken about a year to make," he says, "and I think the whole thing reflects change. I think every record sort of reflects where I’m at, and I’ve made a ton of changes this year, just mentally and in how I’m approaching everything. Oh," he adds with a grin, "and I think it’s much more rockin’ than anything I’ve done."
Allan decided to crank it up musically. "I just felt like I was growing so much and wanted the music the reflect that. I think the result has more of an edge." More edge, from the man who’s already got a reputation as a bit of a Nashville outsider? "Hopefully country music feels like they need somebody like me in the fold just to shake things up," he laughs.

Not that this was all his idea – Allan feels some of the changes come from the fans themselves. "It’s not like I was trying for a new direction, it’s almost audience driven, too. l feel like I’ve got this young crowd with me now, I’ve got punk rock kids in my audience. And I grew up with that music, too," says the California-bred singer, "so to me that stuff is right alongside Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings. The people really dictate the music, too. I feed off the audience, whatever they’re really wanting is what they drag out of me. I’ve got the edgy side of the country crowd -- and I want to keep them."

No danger of losing them – "Living Hard" is an all-out rocker with a heavy Rolling Stones influence, and in "Like That’s a Bad Thing" he lets it rip with a song that reads like a Gary Allan bad boy manifesto. "That song does sound like me, doesn’t it?" he says. "I think if anything that sort of renegade spirit is even more prevalent on this album. We’ve always danced to our own tune."

Source for more information: http://www.garyallan.com/bio/

Checkout his new song…"Livin Hard"

SOUTH INDIAN ROCK sensation "AVIAL".....AMAZING!!!

2008-09-16T23:35:00.000-07:00

There is new rock sensation brought by the Indian band called AVIAL. The band Avial is from a small town in Kerala but its members are professional musicians who have played in various bands in India and have done tours around the world independently. They came together to create music which does justice to the word Mallu Rock!Anandraj Benjamin Paul -- VocalsTony John -- Vocals, Turntables and SynthRex Vijayan -- Guitars and SynthNaresh Kamath -- BassMithun Puthanveetil -- Drums Check out their official myspace website for band biography, and some more awesome songs from their upcoming album!http://myspace.com/avialmusicTheir official website is still under construction:http://www.avial.in/Their record label is Phat Phish Records:http://www.phat-phish.com/

Though I am not Malayali and havn't got the meaning of lyrics yet language is not so necessary thing to judge a good music. Composition is so rocking and giving the real rock feel...i really enjoyed....sharing video for u guyss..I am sure if u like rock then definitely you will enjoy it....CHEERS!!!

About Pakistani ROCK Music

2008-09-16T09:30:00.000-07:00

Guys!!...Here I am discussing Pakistani Rock music which is undoubtedly better than India nowadays. I have been exploring Pakistani music for more than decades so I am sharing the brief history and making of rock bands in Pakistan.....enjoy :)

HISTORY:
Rock music in Pakistan had its beginnings in the 1990s with Vital Signs and Junoon as the pioneers of Pakistani rock. Other bands such as Strings began in the mid 1990s and during the late 1990s underground bands were becoming a norm in cities such as Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. Pakistan witnessed an explosion of rock bands in 2000 as Pakistan began to liberalize under President Musharraf's "enlightened moderation" campaign.
SUFI ROCK:
Junoon is said to be the pioneers of Sufi Rock, a genre of Pakistani rock which mixes classical music with modern rock. Junoon has often been regarded as the U2 of Asia for there amazing sounds and messages in each song they produced. Junoon has often been labeled for starting the "Junooni" generation in Pakistan. Now a days a band called MBH(Mekaal Hassan Band ) is one of the finest sufi rock band producing refined rock with classical sufi touch.

HEAVY METAL:
The roots of Pakistani hard rock and metal can be traced back to the first wave of bands from the late 80's and early 90's. Final Cut and Barbarians stand out in this regard, with short lived but influential careers. The second wave included artist like Dhun (Fawd Baloch's more conventional metal project). Later bands like Mizraab have played a big role in promoting metal music in Pakistan. Headed by Faraz Anwar it was the first progressive metal band of Pakistan. Moreover Messiah and Black Warrant kept Heavy Metal alive. More bands are coming up and the scene is getting bigger.

UNDERGROUND:
Underground is an umbrella term that covers bands from a number of rock genres (college indie, alternative, death/black metal etc). The first famous bands in this regard include Kainath (frentic death/thrash from Karachi)and Seth(death metal and later groove metal from Lahore)in the mid 90's. Autopsy Gothic (Black Metal)and Dusk (Doom Death Band featuring a young Faraz Anwer) from Karachi also left their mark on the scene. Lahore had a scene of mostly alternative/hard rock bands including Coven, Mindriot and later Estranged. A new wave of extreme bands in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad included Burzukh, Corpsepyre, Holy Black, Hassan Sheraz and Sifr. There are a large number of bands from all across Pakistan at present including Black Warrant, Paranoid, Kain, Lithium, Drainage, Cultural Jukebox, Genocide and Hypnotix-2000. The underground scenes in both Karachi and Lahore are teeming full of college students eager to become famous.
POPULARITY:
Pakistani rock has become massively popular within Pakistan, especially among the new generation. Even beyond Pakistan in countries such as Bangladesh, Iran, India and as far as Japan and China. Pakistani rock is quite popular and also among the Pakistani diaspora. A landmark event occurred in 2003 when the Pakistani group Strings' song "Najane Kyun" featured as a single on the Hindi version of the movie Spider-Man 2.

Aaroh
Call
EP
Fuzon
Junoon
Karavan
Mekaal Hassan Band
Sozz
Mizraab
Noori
Rox3n
Strings
There are lots of more talented bands are coming day by day producing the quality music......

RECENT HAPPENINGS- COKE STUDIO CONCERT

Recently There was a live concert happened in COKE STUDIO Pakistan...It brings to you FUSION music in a series of live studio recordings like never before. Fusion is an ambitious concept and the COKE STUDIO session include some of the MOST CHALLENGING music and vocal variations....Most popular artirts performed are Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Ali Azmat, Strings, Hussain Bukhsh Gullu, Ali Zafar, Tufail Ahmed, Mauj, Sajid & Zeeshan

Coke Studio featuring Ali Azmat and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan - Garaj Baras Experience the first episode of Coke Studio with Ali Azmat, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Mauj. Artists: Ali Azmat, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Mauj Drums: Gumby Lead Guitar: Omran Shafique Bass Guitar: Mannu DJ, Keyboard: Zeeshan Parwez Backing Vocals: Saba and Selina Percussionist: Shezi Dholak: Babar Khanna Balochi Percussions: The Abdul Latif Band Producer: Rohail Hyatt (less)

Also enjoy amazing video of Alizafar live performnce at coke studio.

Enjoy the another amazing rare performance video of Strings and ustad HB Gullu sahab live performnce at coke studio.

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