MUMBAI: After his last album with Lata Mangeshkar “Ya Rabba”, singer-composer Baiju Mangeshkar who is known for his unique soulful voice released his first solo album “Within You” with a soulful bouquet of six Sufi songs presented in a contemporary style with influences of world music and Indian classical traditions under Times Music.

Commenting on the album, “Songs and lyrics in the album, may appear as romantic ballads but are subtly disguised plays on the Sufi concepts of ‘Ishq-e-Majaazi and Ishq-e-Haqeeqi’”. ‘Ishq-e-Majaazi’ is the transitory love felt for another human being born out of emotional or physical desire, and ‘Ishq-e-Haqeeqi’ is a higher love felt for the Creator. “This love and romance of a higher intensity is the theme in this album. ‘WITHIN YOU’ is a musical inner journey within one’s being, transporting the listener into the realm of love, devotion and peace”.

“Each song is different from each other in its stylistic approach thus one can hear a gamut of styles such as meditative trance, soft jazz, soft rock and light Hindustani classical”. The “Kalaam” (lyrics) are by three revered Sufi saints of 16th century India: Hazrat Shah Hussain, Baba Bulley Shah and Khwaja Ghulam Farid. Also featured are two modern lyrics that are typically ‘Sufiyana’ in thought written by Amruta, an emerging and gifted young poetess.

The songs have been arranged by Jatin Sharma, with a host of highly talented Indian musicians contributing to the soundscape, including musicians from the west; Susan Mazer (jazz harp virtuosa) and Dallas Smith (master of woodwinds and saxophone). He also lent his voice to a few Marathi films and television serials.

Baiju shared that composing is a unique and a very spiritual experience that isn’t quite easy to articulate in words. How one’s mind or soul orchestrates the same seven notes in such a unique way painting a different emotion or feeling every time is an overwhelming and blessed experience, it is also spectacularly gratifying to say the least. Singing his own creation/composition is like a mere extension of that same process of creation that comes from within him.

His album “Within You” is a collective of three music videos, “Yahan Bhi Tu, Wahan Bhi Tu” directed by a talented young man from Assam, Samujjal Kashyap. The other videos to be released shortly which have been directed by a local young talent Abeer Kulkarni. The videos have been generously sponsored by Mr. Bharat Shah and Mrs. Lajo Gupta respectively.

“I hope to continue creating more independent music exploring genres such as romantic ballads, philosophical lyrics and songs based on spiritualism”, stated the singer. He is also very keen to sing in various languages of India. “Independent artists need more patronage, exposure and opportunities. There is so much talent within the country”.

The singer wishes to collaborate with talented musicians within our country as well as internationally on projects whenever opportunities arise.