Music: Diganta Sarma

Folk songs have their own charm. They grow at their own pace, and then refuse to leave once they fall on your ears. And, perhaps thats one of the reasons why composers like A R Rahman and many others (Shantanu Moitra, Sneha Khanvalkar (Oye Lucky Oye, LSD) use folk references in their compositions, and travel to interiors of India. The references maybe in the vocals they use, or arrangements of the instruments. But having said that, folk music which is used in bollywood is too processed or 'commercially adulterated'. So where does one hear an aesthetic balance of both folk and contemporary?

Perhaps, no artistes are producing such material, and no labels are backing it - but that would be an old rant because I did stumble upon something that was likable, and was done for the love of music. The album I speak about here is called  'Echoing Hills of Borail Range' produced by All India Radio (Haflong).

The album titled Echoing Hills of Borail Range  is an instrumental album that attempts to present Indian Folk, Indian classical and Western music in an aesthetic way. And having produced by a radio station (AIR), this attempt is certainly laudable since it encourages and popularizes local music. I wonder, if AIR across India  starts producing such albums, it can give impetus to Indian folk musicians and local talent  

If you are expecting an elaborate album with a dozen songs, you won't get any as the album features just four songs. The good part about the album is that it will appeal to even those who are not familiar with folk music – thanks to the tasteful folk, classical, and western arrangements. The instrumentals are based on popular folk songs by Zeme, Kuki, Harangkhoi and Dimasa tribes. For instance, in the first song 'Journey by the Valley', which is based on Zeme Folk song, you'll find some jazzy keyboard work, and, at the same time the traditional folk chorus, bells, strings and percussions. The highlight of this song is its engrossing bamboo flute solo – unfortunately, the CD doesn't mention the name of the musicians, but it's great work nevertheless.

The experimentation with folk melodies continues through the second song Rain on the Poppie. The melody instantly throws you back into the misty North Eastern hills. This song is based on Kuki Folk, and will appeal to those with a familiarity with Indian classical music. The sounds of sitar-santoor-flute poured onto a fairly modern beat evoke a feeling that you are in midst of some snow capped mountains. The flavor throughout is essentially North Eastern - especially because of the flute - one of the most widely used instruments in North east's folk music  

The Tanpura drone fills your ears in the next track 'After the Sunset'. The song is based on a Harankhoi folk song and is quite pacy compared to the previous two songs. The drumming is wild, and as the title suggests, the track captures the vibe that one would get after the sunset. How would you feel after its dark in jungle? It's amazing how the song evokes that feeling with instruments, and arrangements. This is one of the track with a 'hypnotic' hook. As it furthers, its surprises you with its rather experimental arrangements - have you ever heard a passionate saxophone solo followed by a sitar riff? Well, you'll find it all here!

Last offering on the album, 'The Piano Song' is one of the cheerful songs of the lot and is based on a Dimasa Folk Song. This melody has a morning fragrance to it and evokes the feeling of walking aimlessly in the valleys, and, for a moment, helps one forget the city's concrete jungles. Sounds good? Well, the only hitch is that this album is not yet available for sale. Nevertheless, it confirms one thing – musicians from north east are the real trend setters when it comes to experimentation. It may not be a record breaking album, but it is certainly a significant step    

The album is produced by Utpal Datta, A.I.R Programming Head (Haflong).

Advisor to the project: Mukul R Burman ASD

Send in your comments to: chirag.sutar@indiantelevision.co.in