Remembering an important Guru of my life – both musically
and professionally on his Birth Anniversary today – 08 February.
Father of the
Modern Indian Ghazal – Singer/Composer/Stage Performer/Arranger/Producer –
Jagjit Singh. Born as Jagmohan Singh Dhiman later went on with the name Jagjit
Singh Dhiman better known as Jagjit Singh. He is also known as the King of
Ghazals, Ghazal King or Gazaljit Singh (b. 08 February 1941 d. 10 October 2011)
Some of the highlights of his era 1976 - 2011 can be seen as
follows
1. He was singlehandedly instrumental in bringing about a paradigm shift of the traditional semi classical based composing and presentation format of Ghazal to a very modern simple composing and singing style where words attained paramount importance.
2. The Orchestration of a Ghazal – traditionally restricted to a typical Harmonium + Tabla + Sarangi setup was changed and developed to a modern - 12 string Guitar, Base Guitar, Violin, Santoor, Synthesizer and other electronic instruments, Flute along with Dholak and other Side Rhythm Percussion instruments in presentations and albums all with multi track sound recordings.
3. A continuous quest to improve all things related to his creations and presentation. Just see his time line from 1976 until 2011 and see and hear the quality graph go northward steadily because of this passion for innovation and excellence.
4. The Ghazal Mehfil became a Ghazal Concert.
5. The poetry selection in Ghazal diversified from a typical romantic based focus to various aspects of life like Philosophy, Realities of life, Spirituality, Politics and even Humour in Ghazals – all credit goes to Jagjit Singh.
6. Ghazal audience increased in approach from the traditional Mehfil and Mushaira right into the Living Room of people’s homes.
7. Ghazal – heard sometimes in Films apart from the regular Live Mehfil was actively used in compositions of TV Serial title songs along with a full fledged and ever expanding market of Non Film based Album creations.
8. Indian Ghazal reached every corner of the world – All thanks to Jagjit Singh.
9. Jagjit Singh – along with Ghazals also created a separate niche in Devotional Music in his unique style of composing and rendition.
10. A man far ahead of his times, Jagjit Singh created a new School of Thought about this form of poetry and overall approach to music which took it effectively into the 21st century.
I am greatly influence by this Legend in various aspects like selection of songs for singing and composing, a simple stage presentation format, singing delivery, innovation and experimentation without fear, presentation quality on stage and creating a brand – different from run of the mill – all facets learnt and followed sincerely as a student of the Jagjit Singh School of Thought about Music! Mhaaro Prannaam!
Ab Main Rashan Ki Qataron Mein Nazar Aata Hoon - Shayar - Khaleel Dhantejvi - Cry for Cry 1995
Baazeecha - E - Atfal Hain Duniya Mere Aage - Shayar - Mirza Ghalib - Originally from the TV Serial Mirza Ghalib 1988
Tum Meri Rakho Laaj Hari - Bhajan - Sant Soordas - At Iskcon, Mumbai 1994
Beautiful written by Dr. Salil Latay ji!!
ReplyDeleteI spent my 25Yrs to learn Ghazal, music and Recording skills from Jagjit ji!! 🙏🙏🌹
It was great Unforgettable experience for me!!
Many more years to go..!🎻😊
- Pt. Hrishikesh Mahale ( Music Director, Vocalist from India )
Thanks for your words of appreciation Panditji.
DeleteYou were so lucky to have met him in person and learnt from him for so long.
Listening Jagjit ji is like a sailing a boat on a full moon day in high tide sea.... Tranquillity !!!
ReplyDeleteVery Well Said Sir!
DeleteA masterly tribute to the maestro doing justice fully to the great work of a lifetime by a great artiste. You have given us a new insight into Jagjit Singhji, his art and life in general. Thank you. Keep writing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your real, deep reading and appreciation of my efforts.
DeleteAn informative and loving tribute to the maestro, Salil. Jagjit Singh Ji's way of rendering the gazals is so soothing. He made the gazals easy for millions of people, including me, who are not well versed with the heavy vocabulary.
ReplyDeleteI must say, your rendition of two of his soulful gazals is truly mesmerizing. You are blessed with a powerful voice, that reaches directly to the heart.
Looking forward to more of such insightful blogs & listen to your melodious voice.
Thanks for your words of appreciation Ashish.
Delete