Raga & Blues

'Raga & Blues' is a remarkable collection of three exhilarating ragas - Raga Malkauns, Raga Todi and Raga Jogkauns. Raga Malkauns is one of the most ancient ragas of Indian Classical Music. The ragamala of Malkauns, in this album, is traditionally that of a heroic man chewing paan. It begins with a beautiful solo piano 'Alap', followed by the slow, soulful 'Jersey Blues'. The following track 'Crow Hop' is another tinge of Raga Malkauns, propelled by powerhouse bassist Gaku Takanashi. Inspired by a Native American dance, it ends with a rocking Jhala. The ragamala of the second raga Miyan Ki Todi is of a beautiful woman stroking a veena surrounded by deer. The mystical 'Alap' is followed by the erotic and mysterious tango entitled 'Saffron and Camphor' and then a fast, exhilarating jazz-blues reflecting the busy streets of Bandra in 'Bandra Blues'. The third exquisite raga featured is Raga Jogkauns, which begins with 'Alap' and is followed by 'Salute to the Seven Khans', a cheery duo with an r&b flair. Thus ends the awesome garland of ragas.