Bartamané Bartaman (My first album review)

My first review in the premier Bengali daily, Bartaman (11th October). Quite amazing... as most would consider that a mere mention in the article (titled Ebar Pujoy Notun Gaan) would have been enough for a first album. But actually, it appeared in special box column titled Sumantra Mitra-r Apon Moné. If you missed it, check it out below:

A Brief Introduction to the Songs

Sei Purono Din | Ganesh Kaku | Din Din

I met Rituparno Ghosh, who needs no introduction, during 1996 and the association and friendship is intact till date. I simply cherish and enjoy whatever little time I get to have an adda with him. During one such occasion, I told him that I had some tunes in mind, but didn't know any lyricists; I asked him if he could help me find one. He said, "Can I try?'' I was pleasantly surprised and replied, "Why not? Let's do it!"

The 3 songs mentioned above were created with his superb lyrical skill. Friends, I am not qualified to assert how great a film maker he is (it would just be a waste of time), but I suppose by now you know that he is also a brilliant lyricist. His recently released Khela and Megh Peoner Deshe in Titli, both superbly sung by Srikanto, is a dazzling testimony.

Apon Moné | Amanush

I used to know a bearded young chap in Scottish College. Our para was nearby, and over the years I have seen him emerge as one of the hottest and brilliant performers of Chandrabindoo. Ladies and Gentleman, please welcome Anindyo Chattopadhyay.

When I approached him to write a couple songs some 3 years ago, he replied in his usual tongue-in-cheek style, "Ranganda, ami nishchoi likhe debo, kintu tomar ja kajer chap tate amar mone hoy na tumi ekhon parbe. Tumi sur duto diye jao, ar tomar studio book kore bolo; ami 7 dine likhe debo.'' Needless to say, he was right; and he has delivered on time despite his extremely busy schedule. Thank you, Anindyo. I am grateful to you.

Chol Jai

This was penned by Tarun Singha, who had almost vanished from the scene; but I made him resurface. I am sure you would love the inherent simplicity in this song.

Bol Kon Suré

This was somewhat hurriedly written by Goutam Nag, the lyricist of Nogor Philomel (way back in 80s). He had to write the song in haste because of my determined persistence and he's still quite upset, as he thinks he needed a bit more time.

Bhola Mon

My main support, Mr. Indrajit Sen (I'd like to write about him separately) has a habit of listening to music regularly; and more importantly, from very uncommon sources. One day, he was listening to this song when I joined him. From then on, I forgot everything and Bhola Mon totally engulfed me! I was completely bowled over by the sheer simplicity of the tune and the magic of the lyrics. I asked him, "Who?" He said (typically), "Tui chinbi na. Shouvik Mishra bole ekjon ache." I said I would die if I couldn't sing this in my album! Indrajitda told me, "Shouvik is an excellent person, but very passionate about his music. So it would not be that easy." When I went to Anindyo to get his lyrics, I told him about this song and mentioned that I was desperate to sing it. Luckily, he said he knew Shouvik and would fix an appointment; and wished me the best. I met Shouvik in his office and found him to be a wonderfully gifted musician and a brilliant, creative person. We chatted for more than an hour and a half. He not only agreed to let me sing the song, but to my utter surprise, also came to the recording and lent his voice in the chorus! How many people in today's world would do this? My salaam to Shouvik.

Ei Gaan Shonate Ese

This semi classical song is very different from the rest of the songs in the album. I have tried to sing it with utmost care, as I know that even a minute slip here and there would raise many eyebrows, as ritualistic true blue classical musicians are extremely pedantic in their rendition. I have done the second cardinal sin as I have penned the lyrics myself! Ki aspordha.

Halka Jhalak

Hi Friends,

Finally my album has been formally launched. Here's the advertisement that came out in the Ananda Bazar Patrika.

Also, for those of you who can't wait to sample what I've served, here's a preview of all my songs in Apon Moné.

Hope you liked it. I'd be glad to know your feedback; so do add your comments below and let me know how you feel.