Revisiting few unknown facts...

As mentioned on BOSS 74th. birthday in Times of India, few facts, although Times stated unknown, however I think these are quite known by now. Reason being over the years many blogs, fan-organization, media(written/audio/video), all covered these facts over and over. 

Here's from last week as published by Times of India...

- RD Burman was nicknamed as Puncham and was popularly addressed by most of his industry friends the same name. Apparently the nickname was given to him by actor Ashoke Kumar when he heard the newborn Rahul saying the word Pa repeatedly. Another story says that RD Burman could cry in five different notes and hence was called Puncham (meaning five in Bengali).

- RD Burman composed his first song at the age of nine for the film Fantoosh (1956).

- Apparently some of the tunes credited to his father, the popular music director SD Burman, were actually composed by RD Burman. Some of such superhit songs include 'Sar Jo Tera Chakraye' (Pyaasa), 'Mere Sapno Ki Rani Kab Aayegi Tu' (Aradhana) and 'Kora Kagaz Tha Yeh Mann Mera' (Aradhana).

- Popular music director duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal played in the orchestra of RD Burman. RD Burman also gave break to several singers like Kumar Sanu, Abhijeet and Mohammad Aziz.

- RD Burman was nominated 18 times at the Filmfare awardsin the Best Music Director category. Of these, he won thrice for Sanam Teri Kasam (1983), Masoom (1984) and 1942 A Love Story (1995). Incidentally he won his last award posthumously.

I also liked this particular comment made by M.Saleem Raikodi -- very well stated Sir, agreeing totally...

Here's the comment from Times Of India...

M. SaleemRaikdodi (Riyadh/Secunderabad); 27 Jun, 2013 11:51 PM

Hindi Film music died with Sir. To some extent Jatin Lalit carried a little forward but the truth is the hindi film music blew off into the oblivion on this genius death. I was watching Vinod Chopra's interview in recent times narrating how RD was so low in his esteem to compose for 1942. RD became so nervous of late that he felt there are no more takers for quality music. The blares and yells and the cacophony we hear today, reminds each time of a bellowing buffalo in labour pain. The music Pandits declare there has been three eras in Hindi or Indian film Music. The First 25 belonged to Naushad who changed the way music is played out for films, The other belonged to RD who further revolutionized it and then in the last times is Illayraja. But RD no words sir. 

on HIS birthday this one came across quite good.....He was an inventor

He was an inventor: Vishal Dadlani

Rahul Dev Burman has been an inspiration to many musicians. And even though the iconic composer passed away 19 years ago (in 1994), he is still remembered fondly by many budding artistes.

Composer-singer Vishal Dadlani is one such fan, who calls ‘Pancham da’ the man who inspired him to strive and take up music as a career option.

Speaking to us on RD Burman’s 74th birth anniversary (on June 27), Vishal recalls, “He was more of an inventor, who assimilated sounds from all around the world. By experimenting with music, he opened doors not only for his contemporaries, but also for the coming generations. Every musician is just trying to get to where he left us.”

Incidentally, over the years, Vishal and his composer-partner Shekhar Ravjiani have had the opportunity to work on two songs originally composed by the musical legend —Humein tumse pyar kitna (for Jhankaar Beats; 2003) and the title track of Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008).

“But we didn’t mess with the original songs. Our versions are a tribute to RD Burman, and we made sure that he and the song’s lyricists got their due credit,” he says, adding that Pancham da was a man much ahead of his time.

“His songs are not nostalgic; they are as modern as today’s songs. You will discover something new every time you listen to them, even if you’ve heard them a hundred times before. You can’t escape his influence,” he says.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/Print/1083242.aspx
© Copyright © 2013 HT Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.

Heineken Commercial with Pancham Music

Deja Vu, yes that's the name of this commercial from Heineken, excellent background music from Hare Rama Hare Krishna, re-purposed from LoRD's creation...

Certainly RDX is the international music 🌟 Jai Pancham 🎷

On His 74th Birthday, my sincere Tribute

Happy Birthday Boss!

Life without your MUSIC is Suna Suna...

"Tera mujhse Hai Pehle Ka Naata Koi
Yoonhi Nahin Dil Lubhaata Koi

Mera Tujhse Hai Pehle Ka Naata Koi
Yoonhi Nahin Dil Lubhaata Koi

Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na
Maane Tu Ya Maane Na...."

What a song? Evergreen melody. 

In Addition,

This video clip is a gem. Asha tai in studio and Pancham in his full form. The end part is also very interesting. Where Pancham and Asha traveling in a car and humming "Bachh Ke Rehna Re Baba"...and check what Pancham does....a pure joy to watch...only too short of a clip..

A big thanks to the uploaded ..

http://youtu.be/1-OsiaozCGU

Euphony Event for June 27/13; Kalamandir, Times of India Coverage

Euphony Event Media Coverage, June 27/2013

A tribute to Pancham, 'Lootera' music by Amit Trivedi

It's good to see that today's music directors are not only inspired by the genius Pancham but also openly recognizing the legend and offering their work as a tribute to R.D.Burman. 

This snipped of news brief is from Times of India...

National award-winning music composer Amit Trivedi says his renditions in his upcoming film 'Lootera' are a tribute to legendary R D Burman.

"The music of this film is a tribute to Pancham Da (R D Burman) in terms of melody and orchestration. I am happy that the music is getting good response," Trivedi told reporters.

Few moments of Rafi & Pancham

precious moments where Pancham-da is recording with BadShaaH of Music...Rafi Shahab....

And Happy Moments after their recording....

During another recording for Pancham-da....

A masterpiece - Tumne Mujhe Dekha....

we could easily see why Pancham-da was referred as "The BOSS of Situation"...how well and how creative treatment of a song given a director's imagination before even filming the sequences....And above all Majestic Rafi Sahab's rendering........touches your heart as the drum-rolls stops and the super romantic singing begins.....    to Rafi & Pancham. 

This is one song that we could discuss over and over again.....I'll come back with more of my views on this particular song, but for now let's to back enjoy the magic...

tum ne muze dekhaa, ho kar meharabaan

ruk gayee ye jameen, tham gayaa aasamaan

jaana-ye-man jaana-ye-jaan

tum ne muze dekhaa....

........

Full lyrics...

Tumne mujhe dekha hokar meherbaan

Ruk gayi yeh zameen, tham gaya aasmaan

Jaaneman jaanejaan, tumne mujhe dekha

Kahin dard ke sehra mein rukte chalte hote

Inn hoton ki hasrat meinn tapte jalte hote

Meherbaan ho gayi zulf ki badliyaan

Jaaneman jaanejaan, tumne mujhe dekha

Ho lekar ye haseen jalve

Tum bhi na kahaan pahuche

Aakhir ko mere dil tak

Kadamon ke nishaan pahuche

Khatm se ho gaye

Raaste sabh yahaan

Jaaneman jaanejaan

Tumne mujhe dekha hokar meherbaan

Ruk gayi yeh zameen, tham gaya aasmaan

Jaaneman jaanejaan

Tumne mujhe dekha

Magical moment......Two Legends......spectacular creations....

Courtesy of web collection,

Here is most popular and evergreen song list of Rafi-Panchm-Jugalbandi...

All fans should have them...

Chand Mera Dil (Hum Kisi Se Kum Naheen) 

Kya Hua Tera Wada (Hum Kisi Se Kum Naheen) 

Tum Bin Jaoon Kahan (Pyar Ka Mousum) 

Ni Sultana Re (Pyar Ka Mousum) 

Tumne Mujhe Dekha (Teesri Manzil) 

Rut Hai Milan Ki (Mela) 

Wadiyan Mera Daman (Abhilasha) 

Zamane Ne Mare Jawan (Baharon Ke Sapne)

Goriyan Kahan Tera Desh (Caravan) 

Kitna Pyara Wada (Caravan) 

Yaadon Ki Baaraat (Yaadon Ki Baaraat) 

Chura Liya Hai Tumne (Yaadon Ki Baaraat)

Rafi gem with Pancham - Naghma Hamara....from 1976

This is a superb composition and rendition....

excellent!!! Nagma Hamara Gayae Ga Sara Zamana 

Very true...Sara Zamana is Singing.... isn't it? This was composed and recorded 35 yrs ago, but still  is sooooo modern, yet periodic.

What a beauty this one is????? Once again only possible by Do Bade Ustaad

-->> Rafi & Pancham <<-- 

Selection of instruments in this duet always amazes me, rightly pointed out, Sarod is used in very creative way as filler music plus in the interludes. Beauty of those Sarod pieces are just check how Pancham made it go up or down based on the song note. Also using Santoor, Sehnai....with enhancing "tabla-theka".....simply "LajaWaaBBBBB"

Also check out the beginning....super craftsmanship indeed!!!!! Pancham's composition on semi-classical could easily be termed as Pancham Gharana

Rafi Sahab is supreme in this one, although subjective but I think Rafi Sahaab exceled more than Lata-didi and truly depicted the romantic mood of this one.

A snap from web on Polydor vinyl cover...

Pancham ~ Rafi magic in Aan aur Shaan

A nice duet is from Aan Aur Shaan, released in 1983. Song is "Ganga Ban Jaoon Kahan", with Asha. 

Compared to the other songs this particular composition and singing seem to be more situational than anything, but even in the song there are "jhalaks-of-brilliances". 

The base melody is very nice, rustic Indian flavour one can get easily. 

Melody and orchestration remind me of Aanchal songs. But in the middle, around 2 min into the song, suddenly BoSS turns that into western beats, with electric guitars, drums, bass guitar, saxophone, and Rafi Sahab as usual did full justice to the tune. Then again check out how seamlessly BOSS turns the whole western beats back to Hindusthani folk tune, even the instruments got changed...no more electric guitar, but mandolin..drums replaced with dholok....overall a very pleasant song to enjoy.

CBS vinyl cover page, courtesy of web.search. 

  

And tracks-list

Pancham's magical instrument - Madal

Dear Panchamites,

as we all do everyday, listen to LoRD's song, I was listening to his wonderful creation last night, 

The ever popular Karvate Badalte Rahe from Aap Ki Kasam --> couldn't help it appreciate more on his midas touch with a Nepali instrument, Madal 

Nobody explored and utilized "madal" the way BOSS did. If I'm not mistaken, what we call "Pancham Beat" is actually madal-based rythm - it produced a sound which was very unconventional. I read that Kanchabhai introduced this instrument to him and used to play the same in his team. Pancham crafted "Madal-Taranga, a set of 7-9 madals normally tuned at a higher pitch --> that was the Genius of Pancham

I can think of the following songs right away,

1. Musafir Hoon Yaaron 

2. Yeh Ladka Hai Aalha

3. Hum Dono Do Premi

4. Karvate badalte rahe

5. even in Mehebooba Mehebooba

6. a master piece of madal-tarang is TERE BINA JIYA JAYE NA (Ghar)....four sets of madal was used in this song....(I think )

7. Achchhi nahin sanam dillagi dile

8. Bangle ke peechhe

9. Majhi Re Majhi in Dil Padosi Hai

10. Dhanno Ki Aankho Mein....the cascading waterfall could be tabla or madal

11. "Dil Pukarey Arey..." - although SD's composition, but I strongly think that musical arrangements/use of Madal was done by our BoSS.

There are numerous example in Pamcham compositions where  "Madal" was used in a very creative, but marvelous way and one can't think of the songs without madal.

Jai Pancham

Below is pic of Madal... {source: web search}

Pancham touch in record breaking "Rangeela Re...."Arrangements/Orchestration

SDB had Manna Dey, Jaidev, his wife MDB and off course beta-Pancham as his assistants and I'm positive they all contributed to numerous compositions in different time and in different ways. But it's never written who did what, understandbly.

Rangeela-re, my take: 

the basic tune is certainly by SDB; the way it's orchestrated Pancham-fans can't ignore the Master's Foot-print. Check the starting, guitar chords; filler music. their timing, extremely creative bongo beat; use of triangle as percussion, solo violin pattern...the list goes on. Now there's no written credit, but it's the style we are recognizing with. 

SDB to me was the CEO and all departments were headed by respective Knowledge-Experts, all contributed to make the wheel-of-music roll for him. But neither can you ignore nor can you deny real contributions from all respective members in the team. As Pancham-fans our ears are very used to certain musical-pattern and picks-up quite easily all tunes that resembles the pattern.

Having said that I must also admit that there's simply no written materials anywhere that I know of about the said song, hence it's free to individual interpretation.  

Let's bring back some old vinyl memory :-)

Swami Dada - excellent Pancham touch in Pyar Lo - Pyar Do...

one of 80's album that didn't do fair in the market was Dev Anand's  Swami Dada

All the songs are excellent and perfectly fit for the situations...

here's one example where Kishore-da sang  

Pyar Lo Pyar Do

in this you'll here how beautifully BoSS used "bass-guitar" and a unique percussion instrument,

called "khol" - sometimes called Bangla-Clay-Drum; very popular in Bengal for Kirtan/devotional songs.

 There are numerous Rabindra sangeets that  contain "khol" as main rhythm/percussion instrument.

here's how it looks like...

Pancham's creativity with songs, prelude/interlude, "pick-ups"

BOSS gave us unconventional and innovative "pick-ups" in numerous songs. And I think there are many examples where HE not only utilized great pick-ups but also used non-percussion instruments...

One that comes to my mind right away....

Nahin Nahin Abhi Nahin --> magnificent pick-up with guitar, voice and percussion and saxophone....trememdous!!!!

Also, right before the 1st stanza --> unbelievable pick-ups

Similarly what a spectacular pick-up in guitar....

Aaj Ki Raat Koi Aane Ko Hai Re... --> possibly the very first time in Indian Music

Extremely creative pick-up in 

Aao Na Gale Lag Jao Naa... --> honestly I'm in love with the rhythm and the beat variations.....spectacular use of 'triangle'...UFFFFFF!!!

And who knew one can use a FLUTE in such a rhythmic way!!!! Guess only GENIUS could...And off course the superb use of xylophone.

Another masterpiece....

Jabo Ki Jabo Na.... --> what a spectacular and creative pick-up with just guitar and then "tak tak...." on bongo

One other fantastic....

Jeevan ke har mod pe --> picks up in guitar and then "tak"...superbbbb!!!! In fact this song should be a "rhythm case-study" for Masters classes in Percussion/Rhythm....a song full of variations.

Another outstanding pick-up in a song...

Kitna Pyara Wada -->starts with violin-ensemblem then Rafi Sahab adds to the pick-up taken away by rhythm....and majestic mandolin and what a beat that follows????

Outstanding in my view is pick-up in Piano...

Chalkaon Jhum Ke Paimana Khushi Ka... --> super fast grand piano sets the tone...a deep bass-guitar stroke and then picks up with rhythm

Another guitar-percussion-bass-guitar combo in...

Teri Meri Meri Teri Yaari Bari Purani....

Also check out this Superbbb and extremely creative one...

Diwana Karke Choroge... --> just guitar and triangle, reso-reso and then duggi and the rest is history....starting the song in bongo...ufff!!! outstanding!!!

One of my favourite in pick-up and rhythm...

Jab Tum Chale Jaoge To Yaad Bahoot Aaogi... --> organ, guitar, dialogue...guitar strums and the beats!!!! Totally out of this world!!!

Above ALL, everyone favourite....

O Mere Dil Ke Chain.... --> I have no idea how one can start a song in such a spell bounding way....This song should also be taught in the Masters classes in Music

Guess time to get back to my songs.....

!!!JAI PANCHAM!!!!

Pancham Studio - 27th June, a great event by Euphony in Kolkata

One simply can't miss this one....

Euphony presents "Strings of Pancham" at Kalamandir, Kolkata

Facebook event page for more info on the event and ticket,

 http://www.facebook.com/events/288198907983753/?ref=3