A soft, mellifluous voice singing ‘Uyire Uyire’ in the film ‘Bombay’ captured the hearts of music lovers all over the world. The singer Hariharan had already cast his spell internationally in the field of ghazal singing, and then took over the tinsel world.
Equally mesmerising with an endearing smile and fingers that create magical sounds on the, tabla is Ustad Zakir Hussain, an iconic figure in the performing arts arena.
The coming together of these two masters is reason enough for celebration. When S.S. International Live toasted the duo’s release of their new album, ‘Hazir 2’ with a concert, the overflowing crowd cheered.
The audience burst into raptures soon after Hariharan transported us to the desert of Rajasthan with his rendering of the folk song ‘Kesar Balamuva Padaro Hamare Des.’ The improvisations, similar to niraval of Carnatic music, for the lines, ‘Maro Tero Des Me’ was an exciting exploration even as the ustad matched the singer’s notes with his rhythmic repartee.
The first half of the performance featured select numbers from their first album, ‘Hazir,’ released almost two decades ago. The caressing tenor in Hariharan’s voice surfaced so evocatively in the song, ‘Koi Saya Jhilmilaya’ and retained its magic throughout the concert, swaying the listeners. A Natbhairavi /Sarasangi ragas-based song and the popular ghazal ‘Patha Patha Buta Buta’ followed.
Giving us a sneak peek at what lay in store for ghazal aficionados in ‘Hazir 2,’ was the rendering of a sedate Mumtaz Razi Sahib ghazal which was followed by a peppy ‘Bakudha Ab Tho,’ penned by Shamim Jaipuri. The crowning melody of the show was the Behag-based ‘Udhas Udhas Thandak,’ wherein the meaningful lyric, the lilting tune and the depth of singing highlighted the richness of the ghazal.
At no point did Ustad Zakir Hussain draw attention to himself with rhythmic overtures. Like a true Ustad, he displayed his maturity by flowing with the tide of the music.
The rich, musical experience was also largely due to the brilliant support from the accompanying musicians. Their playing of the interludes was a rich tapestry of melody moving from the haunting sounds of the flute in the hands of Ashwin to the strings of the guitar by Sanjoy Das to the masterly touches by Akhlaksh Hussain Varsi on the harmonium and Stephen Devessy on the piano.
The concert re-emphasised the truth that true art blossoms when harmony reigns supreme between artists.