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MUSIC REVIEW- KABIR BY ABIDA
By Suhel Johar
Jukebox
Over the past couple of years, Pakistani singer Abida Parveen has released a series of albums featuring the works of well-known Sufiana, ghazal and spiritual poets. Her rendition of Amir Khusro, Baba Bulleh Shah, Hazrat Shah Hussain and Faiz Ahmed Faiz are all worthy of adding to her fans' collections.
Now, Abida has chosen Kabir for her latest album, Gulzar Presents: Kabir By Abida, since Kabir's wonderful poetry based on situations surrounding our daily lives are eternally relevant. Begum Abida Parveen, unquestionably brilliant, the reigning queen of Sufi Music, takes the listeners into a spiritual trance.
Interestingly, the set is presented by Gulzar, the poetic maestro, who takes a moment to introduce and explain each piece of his poetry. Then he renders the poetry, in his flawless style, and thus enhances our experience of the album as a whole.
Thanks to her powerful voice, distinct style and ability to transport listeners into another world, Abida has come to be recognized as one of the best contemporary singers in the sub-continent.
Though many feel that she's a successor to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's legacy, the truth is that she's got an identity and musical personality of her own. When she chooses Kabir, she keeps in mind the fact that his poetry is a synthesis of Hindu, Muslim and Sikh concepts -- something which acts as a search for the ultimate religion.
The tracks thus have a mass appeal that traverse beyond caste or creed, and attain fresh meaning on each hearing. The singer also gives the right enunciation to the poet's vernacular style.
All tracks are over 15 minutes long, and require a serious approach from both the singer and the listener.
Equally important, Bhavdeep Jaipurwale's arrangements go well with the mood, and the use of tabla, bansuri, santoor, bass guitar and other instruments is appropriate.
Abida's impact is created on the opening number Man Laago Yaar Fakiri Mein, which impresses with lines like 'Mera Mujhh Mein Kucch Nahin Jo Kucch Kai So Tera, Tera Tujhh Ko Saunp De Kya Laage Hai Mera'.
The next track 'Souun To Sapne Milun' hits you like a bullet, as Abida begins: "Souun To Sapne Milun, Jaagun To Man Maahin, Lochan Raate Rab Ghadi, Bisrat Kabhun Naahin".
The penultimate track is 'Sahib Mera Ek Hai' with a catchy composition to complement some fantastic lyrics. Check out the lines -- 'Saahib Bhookha Bhav Ka, Dhan Ka Bhookha Naahin, Dhan Ka Bhuka Jo Phire, So To Saadhu Naahin'. Thanks to its catchy composition it will perhaps enjoy more mass appeal than other tracks on the album..
The concluding track on the album, 'Bhala Hua Meri Matki Phooti Re' is filled with expression, as Abida sings every couplet with flair.
Old-time listeners of Abida may discover that, of late, she's been laying more emphasis on the depth of the words, instead of going in for mass appealing melodic tunes. But in a way, that's a sign of her sincerity to the poetry's subject matter. Good poetry doesn't, after all, require any gimmick, as long as the expression is perfect. And without resorting to any gimmick, Abida sounds great. Therein lies her true charm.
On the whole, Gulzar Presents: Kabir By Abida, is an album in which Begum Abida Parveen with her brilliant renditions drives the listener towards ecstasy and intoxication. Witness her as she sings her ageless poetry of mystic poet Kabir, once more establishing her mastery gently and sparingly.
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