As the curtains went up on an evening of abhangs, the aim of the two artistes on stage was not to compete but to walk a line that was appreciable and aesthetic. Leading vocalists Bombay Jayashri and Jayateerth Mevundi appearing for Bolava Vitthal, took up the challenge of engaging with each other’s musical thoughts and of presenting something cohesive and pleasing.
Pancham Nishad organised the show that was held at Narada Gana Sabha recently. Also on the stage were excellent co-artistes who raised the show to a higher plane: Pravin Godkhindi (flute) Patri Satish Kumar (mridangam), Sai Bankar (tabla), Prakash Shejwal (pakhawaj), Niranjan Lele (harmonium) and Apurv Dravid (percussion).
In the background of Ashadhi Ekadasi (today), the evening created a meditative atmosphere, soaking people in Vittalnama.
Bombay Jayashri and Jayateerth Mevundi first appeared together with the co-artistes for the rendition of ‘Jai Jai Ram Krishna Hari.’ Following this, the main artistes performed separately in two sessions.
Intense musicality came to the fore in the second session as Jayashri sang abhangs she had handpicked, including those of Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki and Kishoritai Amonkar. Jayashri conveyed the devotion in the abhangs ‘Sundarathe Dhyana’, ‘Abir Gulaal’, ‘Majhe Maher Pandari’, and ‘Hari bhajana bina’ with her soothing and melodious voice. The first few words of each abhang were brought forth with dashes of creativity and improvisation in bhava-soaked raga swarupa. She was accompanied by three young disciples during this session.
Flautist Pravin Godkhindi’s accompaniment with impressive creative inputs drew applause.
Jayateerth Mevundi, a well-known Hindustani vocalist, has an amazing voice control. His musical prowess was in full display in the creative suites, which were matched to the hilt by the flautist.
The audience loved his soaring flights of imagination and laser-sharp manodharma, especially in the first few lines of each composition.
Jayateerth sang ‘Visava Vittal,’ ‘Thirtha Vittal,’ ‘Lai Nahi Lai Nahi Magne,’ ‘Vittal Vitthal,’ and ‘Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma’ (composed by Purandaradasa).
For the past 13 years, ‘Bolava Vittal’ has been organising abhang concerts, featuring Hindustani and Carnatic vocalists, in various cities across the country to popularise this form of devotional music. With musical rendition and appreciation gaining a wider perspective, abhang has become a part of the Carnatic repertoire.
