Rekha's Sufiana

Just a week after winning the National Award, Rekha Bharadwaj brings to life the poetry of contemporary devotional poet Kavi Narayan Agarwal in her new album Kabir Chaura Sufi Chaura

Just a week after winning the National Award, Rekha Bharadwaj brings to life the poetry of contemporary devotional poet Kavi Narayan Agarwal in her new album Kabir Chaura Sufi Chaura

Kabir Chaura Sufi Chaura
Vivek Prakash, Gani-Ali
EMI Music
Rs 295

Listen to the angst in the soulful voice of playback singer Rekha Bharadwaj as she croons Badi dheere chali raina (Ishqiya), and you know she belongs in a league of her own. The jury for the 58th National Awards thought so too, and awarded her the National Award for Best Playback singer for that song. Barely a week later, as if in celebration, EMI India launched her album Kabir Chaura Sufi Chaura. The album has eight tracks, each with their own distinct identity. The music arrangement is traditional and effortlessly transcends to the realm of Sufi music. Sajan kahe na bole bain, is the first track and by far the best. It immediately reminds you of Badi dheere chali from Ishqiya, and it cannot go wrong from there.



Ishq rang safed hai baba belongs to the lyricist Kavi Narayan Agarwal, who is well-complemented by the use of the flute that is heard throughout the song. The track has been skillfully composed by duo Gani-Ali. Agarwal, who, as music critics may remember, also wrote the songs for Pt Bhimsen Joshi's album Jantra in 2005. The third track Main fakir mera yaar fakira can be skipped, unless you listen to the album for the second time. The arrangement, however, is worth a mention. Koi hame bataye has a very '90s feel and the music sounds very similar to the previous track.

The beautiful lyrics in Ko marag tohe mohe milave make this a must-listen. The singing is effortless and Bharadwaj's earthy voice lends it a rustic feel. Compared to the others, this one has a heavy bass line.
The rest of the tracks are average. However, the idealistic lyrics, in the vein of the Sufi tradition, give them a soothing, non-intrusive, flowy touch. Bharadwaj, who has strong roots in classical music, is the perfect choice for the album as the songs suit her distinctive style and wide range of singing. It's an album one would listen to on a relaxed Sunday afternoon or on a long drive to nowhere or even while at work.

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