‘STARTLING ECLECTIC SOUNDS FROM TABLA PHENOMENON ANURADHA PAL’
‘When a composer tries to cram every single musical influence of their life into one single work, one might well expect an unmitigated disaster. But Anuradha Pal pulls it off with wit & panache, which leaves one quite speechless with admiration & respect. Its only to be expected from one who is already something of a maverick among indian female musicians, having trained under the likes of late Ustad Alla Rakha and his son Zakir Hussain, at a time when Tabla was a no-go area for women. Undaunted by the condescending accolades such as the ‘prettier face of Tabla’, Anuradha then went on to form her own band, Recharge...
There is a whole array of musicians featured, playing Jazz Saxophone, Flute and keyboards, with Anuradha Pal herself playing some dizzying and dazzling Tabla (especially notable on track 3-‘Energy’) as well as other percussion instruments like Kanjira (a South indian tambourine like frame drum) and Udu ( A Nigerian Hausa clay drum) The Album makes fleeting references to virtually every kind of music, yet most tracks still retain a distinctly semi classical flavor. ‘Lonely hearts’ in the Rajasthani folk inspired Raga Mand is beautifully evocative, with the percussion replicating the rhythm of the camels trundling across vast sand dunes.
The vocals of unknowns Chandanabala & Nanuram Dogney hold you until the last breath on ‘A prayer for World peace’. It begins with a shloka (a prayer from the Bhagwad Geeta) and progresses to the ‘Azaan’ (muslim call to prayer) before moving on to a deeply patriotic song, ending with a phrase from Mahatma Gandhi’s favorite Bhajan. (Hindu hymn) It works like a dream’.
- by Jameela Sidiqui from Songlines magazine, U.K., Nov-Dec. 2009.
“This is an energetic effort from the country’s only professional female Tabla player. Recharge, Pal’s world music band, has the distinction of being the only fusion band to perform at Woodstock 2008. This album is a mellifluous blend of classical (Hindustani and Carnatic), folk, pop and jazz styles. However, the emerging sound is distinctly Indian. The highlight is ‘Just One God’ — the superb rendition of the Carnatic classic, ‘Vatapi’ which is interspersed with snatches of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony (‘Ode to Joy’) & Handel’s ‘Hallelujah’ chorus from ‘The Messiah’. An album for those who appreciate fusion music.” - The Hindu, April 2009.
Compliments by Legendary Musicians –
“Anuradha Pal’s Recharge has truly captured the real essence of World music & truly portrays the music, instruments, flavours & fragrances of the music of different countries around the world’. The compositions are truly very beautiful & soothing & indeed very rich rhythmically too. May God bless Anuradha with more & more Success and musical excellence always!” - Legendary Vocalist Pandit Jasraj.
“Extremely well composed, with careful thought and hard work, ‘Anuradha Pal’s Recharge’ combines the best of the worlds’ music, in an energizing and peaceful combination. May God bless this great Tabla player, who is always striving for more…”
- Legendary Flautist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia. |
