Finally back to blogging after a long, long break. Well, can't really single-out one particular reason for this discontinuity. While work, travel and more work and more travel can definitely be blamed, I would be untrue to myself if I don't mention lethargy here! But yes, here's my next blog with a promise to be more regular from now on!
So where do we start! Well, although I was away from the actual writing part, I continued to add onto my blog wish-list during this break, which understandably is quite long now. So lets start with the list topper: The Story Now - A brand new album by Papon! Independent albums are a rarity in Indian commercial music these days and so, when I heard Papon launching a follow-up album to his earlier 'The Story So Far', I was keenly looking forward to the release. The album contains only 4 numbers, which was sort of a let-down, but then the diversity of the genres, style, mood and emotions in the overall package more than made up for short line-up! So here we go.
Like in the earlier song, this one too starts in an unplugged manner primarily on an acoustic guitar sounding like that typical Papon romantic number! The accordion and mandolin combo joins the acoustic guitar and weaves another melodical dimension into the overall arrangement. The first interludes features a beautiful jugal-bandi between a free-flowing mandolin and the rhythmic acoustic guitar. Rest of the number continues the same feel.
Papon is at his romantic best with his voice in this one! At times he sounds casual and lazy with his vocals which, I must add, goes well with a laid-back accordion. Lyrics are quite simple and easily relatable thus making it a very real romantic song!
Saahil pretty much summarises Papon's story so far! Like Papon's life, the song starts with an exploration of mountains, rivers and nature and later to new lands as he realises his true purpose in music! The latter half of the video sums up his journey as a music star performing at various venues and yet learning something new from wherever he can!
Music too reflects his journey! Starts very subtly with an acoustic arrangement and later builds as new layers get added - electric guitars, brass section and ascending percussion. The brass section fills in during the interlude quite well with a variety of instruments. The interlude is unsually long - about 90 seconds, but the variety keeps one hooked. The brass instruments accompany Papon all the way to the second stanza creating a nice crescendo.
Papon is brilliant with vocals. He emotes a sense of inquisitiveness in the first half and then opens up full throttle as the song builds up. Overall a great package!
In 'Loving a Dream' Paponda teleports us to Jamaica as he lives his dream with this funky, retro style reggae number! Characteristic to the genre the song starts with an off-beat rhythm section on the keys and electric guitars. Brass sections come in at the latter part of the chorus with an interesting off-sounding melody. Jeenti is brilliant on the guitars leading the interlude followed by the brass folk. The second half continues with the same pattern ending on a brilliant trumpet solo.
Overall a great experimentation! Listeners who like this genre or are open to new kind of music would love this. For others it might take some time to digest this.
So Paponda has given us a great musical package with 'The Story Now'. I am sure you'll end up liking atleast 2 songs if not all, depending on your genre likings! A big thumbs up to 'The Story Now' and hoping for more stories from the house of Papon!
- Prabhu
So where do we start! Well, although I was away from the actual writing part, I continued to add onto my blog wish-list during this break, which understandably is quite long now. So lets start with the list topper: The Story Now - A brand new album by Papon! Independent albums are a rarity in Indian commercial music these days and so, when I heard Papon launching a follow-up album to his earlier 'The Story So Far', I was keenly looking forward to the release. The album contains only 4 numbers, which was sort of a let-down, but then the diversity of the genres, style, mood and emotions in the overall package more than made up for short line-up! So here we go.
Aerii Sakhi Morae
I was pleasantly excited, yet kinda nervous when I heard Papon mentioning that he is rendering this Hazrat Amir Khusru classic in his album. Excited because I love this number and was curious on how would Papon render this, while at the same time nervous too as this has been attempted by every single contemporary stalwart - be it Nusrat Sahib or Rashid Khan, with each rendition bringing its own charm, emotions and energy! Here, I would like to particularly point another crisp rendition by Abbas Ali Khan of Coke Studio fame which is quite close to what Papon finally gave us!
So for all the nervous excitement, Papon didn't disappoint! While Papon has quite boldly played with genres quite liberally, it is his voice that lends the stability and emotions into this rendition. The number starts off as an acoustic unplugged number and slowly translates into a jazzy mood in the first interlude with some beautiful work on the keys. Techno elements mark their entry in the first antara with some pronounced drums followed by a rock style lead guitar section in the second interlude. The rollercoaster ride of genres ends with some more acoustic unplugged section towards the end.
Again, can't help but re-emphasise the way Papon has emoted throughout the rendition. It's quite difficult to display one's classical prowess when one is sandwiching a classic piece in a 4 minute fast-food setup. But Papon has been spot-on with his notes, harkats and free-style singing!
Listen to this with an open, unbiased mind and I am sure it would strike the right chord!
Kahin Na Kahin
Like in the earlier song, this one too starts in an unplugged manner primarily on an acoustic guitar sounding like that typical Papon romantic number! The accordion and mandolin combo joins the acoustic guitar and weaves another melodical dimension into the overall arrangement. The first interludes features a beautiful jugal-bandi between a free-flowing mandolin and the rhythmic acoustic guitar. Rest of the number continues the same feel.
Papon is at his romantic best with his voice in this one! At times he sounds casual and lazy with his vocals which, I must add, goes well with a laid-back accordion. Lyrics are quite simple and easily relatable thus making it a very real romantic song!
Saahil
Saahil pretty much summarises Papon's story so far! Like Papon's life, the song starts with an exploration of mountains, rivers and nature and later to new lands as he realises his true purpose in music! The latter half of the video sums up his journey as a music star performing at various venues and yet learning something new from wherever he can!
Music too reflects his journey! Starts very subtly with an acoustic arrangement and later builds as new layers get added - electric guitars, brass section and ascending percussion. The brass section fills in during the interlude quite well with a variety of instruments. The interlude is unsually long - about 90 seconds, but the variety keeps one hooked. The brass instruments accompany Papon all the way to the second stanza creating a nice crescendo.
Papon is brilliant with vocals. He emotes a sense of inquisitiveness in the first half and then opens up full throttle as the song builds up. Overall a great package!
Loving A Dream
In 'Loving a Dream' Paponda teleports us to Jamaica as he lives his dream with this funky, retro style reggae number! Characteristic to the genre the song starts with an off-beat rhythm section on the keys and electric guitars. Brass sections come in at the latter part of the chorus with an interesting off-sounding melody. Jeenti is brilliant on the guitars leading the interlude followed by the brass folk. The second half continues with the same pattern ending on a brilliant trumpet solo.
Overall a great experimentation! Listeners who like this genre or are open to new kind of music would love this. For others it might take some time to digest this.
So Paponda has given us a great musical package with 'The Story Now'. I am sure you'll end up liking atleast 2 songs if not all, depending on your genre likings! A big thumbs up to 'The Story Now' and hoping for more stories from the house of Papon!
- Prabhu
1 comment:
Great story!
Regards,
Sarkariletter
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