Song: Devasabathalam
Composer : Ravindran
Singers : KJY, Ravindran (original)
Movie: His highness Abdullah
Performed by:
Singers: Sathish Menon, Murali
Mrudangam : Bharathan
Tabla : Deepak Shenai
Keyboard : Pulikeshi
A composition by Ravindran which will be talked about for decades to come. A compositional master-class where Hindustani meets Carnatic and the beauty of similar ragas in both the genres is brought out by the master composer. A song which will remain etched in memory in spite of the untimely demise. It is a very difficult song for the amateur singers.
In 2004, I conducted a troupe by name thendral in Atlanta. The notes of the song were completely decoded by me and the troupe was coached extensively which took a toll on my health quite a bit. Sathish Menon – an accomplished singer in Atlanta circles, was very eager to sing this song on stage. He has a deep bassy voice backed by carnatic classical training. So before the performance we rehearsed once. It was ironical that I was sounding more ‘carnatic’ than he did. So we agreed that he should do the Hindustani (KJY) part. His bassy voice, as expected, added elegance. With the extra reverb and super-high quality mics, it was kinda hard to hearback what we were singing and I was forced to close one of my ears tight to keep the shruthi. This song is anyday a tight rope walk, and I had not wanted to attempt this without a proper company (Sathish). But he is the best I could ask for.
Towards the end of the song, though originally only KJY was supposed to sing that portion, we decided to sing that jointly. Came out reasonably well, given the parameters we were working with. The extended dhaadi you see is because of shabarimala maala.
Listen/watch to it and let me know.
Whoa!!! that was one courageous thing to do. Couldn't agree more with you- the tightest of ropes to walk... anyday and did well u 2!
ReplyDeleteBarring the usual off keys typical to any stage shows, I thought it was wonderful. These were the high points for me:
1.Anirarthamudhaartha swaridhaprajayam: your seconds were awesome to hear.
2. The ending swarams sounded very much in sync, very nice
3. The way you started out each Panchamam, madhyamam and Nishadham were as good as it can get :)
4. Sathish has an awesome voice and has good control.
Great job both of you...
Superb song Murali. The audio isn't much clear in this, but I can hear that you both did a great job together. Its a real tough song and a great piece of work from Ravindran master. Now that I realize how much we will miss him in music.
ReplyDeleteAmazing is the word. I have listened to this hundreds of time and I would say its an extremely difficult song to try out on stage. You both did extremely well and were looking very comfortable singing this song. Great job!! Visit my blog when you get a chance. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWonderful..Toooo good Murali !!..
ReplyDeleteGreat job.. Indeed a very courageous effort. But you sure challenged yourself and you came out with flying colours... Congratulations !!! Can hear the crowd getting ecstatic n blown away.. a great thing to be able to do. Awesome !!!! Satish has a good voice too. :) Good job both of you.
Awesome, you both have sung real nice. one of the toughest songs indeed. Satish's voice is a lil similar to KJY at times.
ReplyDeleteglad u thought of sharing this, really enjoyed listening..thank you Murali.
Amazing video.!! Wow..!!
ReplyDeleteSuperbly sung! Loved the the mridangam and tabla.!!
Great song..and you guys have done great justice to the song. In the original wasn't it KJY and Neyyathangarai Vasudevan??
The Video quality didn't allow me to see your beard.! But its ok.!!!
Thanks Murali, for sharing the video of an awesome song !
The ending is awesome.!! Man.. both of you rock !
ReplyDeletehey murali,
ReplyDeletethis is awesome.. a very cool video... I like ur song very much.. more than that ur enthusiasm on stage was awesome... u looked exteremely focussed :)
And i could see u giving 200% of u for the song.. man i am amazed by ur talent and interest u put in music.... inspiring chinna pasanga like me :D
Great work murali.... neriya songs and videos upload pannunga..:)
Btw, me also put a songs... pls check when time
hi all,
ReplyDeletethanks for commenting. Presenting this song on stage has been the second best experience (first is of course the performance with Susheelamma. Jo and I have been contemplating about singing some duets. They may get featured here in the future if time permits. DO drop by and leave your criticizms.
Meera :
yes, with the reverb at the max and instruments screeching sometime, it could be difficult sometimes to hold on to shruthi. I am happy that you found the aberrations within acceptable limits.
Murali:
ReplyDeleteIs there anyway you can contact me through email. I dont know how to contact you. My email address is in my profile. Thanks!!
TERRIFICO !!!
ReplyDeleteWhat does a latecomer do when all the superlatives have been thorougly used up !! SIGH !!
Well neways i ain't gonna re-invent the wheel.....Murali You are one Gutsy Performer. Whoophie !! One has to be MAN ENOUGH to take this kind of a composition on stage and carry it thru with sheer assertiveness and come out on top !! Satish Menon earned his spot on the stage and what can an amateur like myself comment on a Major League Pros!!! Plain nothing !!! Awesome job !!! Wishing the person who videod used his zoom option or may be it was on purpose....are u the SHY-BYRD dude ??? No offense intended (wink)
You Amaze me Murali ! GOD BLESS YOU MORE AND MORE....Keep the Party Alive and Kicking if you will please :)