Ghazal Master Jagjit Singh Mesmerizes Fans in Concert
OAKLAND, Calif. - Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown's formal declaration of "Jagjit Singh Day" for ghazal master Jagjit Singh during his concert at the Oakland Arena here May 6 was a suitable designation as the singer has aged to perfection and delivered a performance that rocked the crowd.
The audience at the live concert, presented by Mehta Entertainment here as well as in Sacramento the previous day, was treated to the lovely opening song, "Kaun Kahata Hai Mohabbat Ki Zubaan Hoti Hai," from Singh's album, "Life Story," followed by "Tum Ko Dekha To Yeh Khayal Aaya," from the 1981 album, "Saath Saath," as his fans warmed up to the beat of the music.
Singh shared the stage with an array of talented musicians. The seven-person team accompanying musicians delivered sounds from many different instruments, including tabla, sitar, dholak, guitar, flute, saxophone, xylophone, and synthesizer. Singh's subtle hand gestures to the musicians to bring them together wasn't missed by the audience and almost invited them to clap in unison. But it was the tabla that naturally got the audience to actively participate, applauding throughout the evening's program and especially at the beginning of Singh's most recognizable songs.
Singh's signature look, silver-rimmed glasses, black kurta and sash, was simple but distinctive. Unlike many other performing artists today, Singh looked identical in person to the images of him on the posters promoting the tour. Even for ticket holders seated at the very back of the arena, Singh appeared close at hand with the assistance of a big screen that projected the entire concert.
To the delight of his fans, the concert featured some of Singh's most famous works, like "Hosh Walo Ko Khabar Kya," "Aap Ko Dekh Kar," "Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal Jaye," and "Mitti Da Baba."
"Yeh Daulat Bhi Lelo" was clearly the favorite in the first part of the concert, bringing every person to tap in unison. His voice mixed so perfectly with each and every instrument as he blended the vocals and instruments with extraordinary talent.
Singh's concert wasn't without some side entertainment, as a few minor distractions forced him to publicly address his concerns over an overenthusiastic photographer and an outspoken member of the audience, both of which were handled gracefully.
Singh's overall performance was beautifully executed with a perfect blend of slow movements and rapid-fire rhythms. To hear his recorded music is one way to experience Jagjit Singh; however, it is a far greater pleasure to hear the master live. The rise and fall of the music, Singh's calming voice, the rapid tabla sounds and the mesmerizing sitar all playing together produced an unforgettable evening that made the audience's heart race with emotion.
One of the more memorable items of the concert was Singh's rendering of one of the most romantic ghazals of all time, "Sarakti Jaye Hai," from his 1979 album, "Come Alive." The crowd couldn't help responding with shouts, whistles, claps, and waving their hands high towards the ceiling in tune with the melody. The concert suddenly seemed to have a more interactive feel to it as Singh welcomed the audience to sing with him.
"It's like 'American Indian Idol,' okay?" said Singh, as he proceeded to win over every person in the audience as their voices rose up to celebrate this opportunity to sing with one of the finest singers of our time. If the audience wasn't loud enough, Singh would cup his hand over his ear, tilt his head towards the seating area with a slight smile on his face, and the audience would respond by raising their voices, encouraged by Singh.
Towards the end of the evening's program, the entire group of musicians had a modern day showdown of musical talent. One musician would play and another would echo the music. Then, they would return to the original instrument to dare other musicians into a competition and deliver a more challenging piece. The challenges within the group went on for an extended period and just when you thought the challenge couldn't be beat, another instrument would jump in to prove you wrong, resulting in an exciting flourish of sounds. "It was a very good show," observed local organizer Deepak Mehta.
When the last song was being performed, you could see many brave souls dancing unabashedly in the aisles. Jagjit Singh will next perform in San Diego May 12 at Spreckels Theater and May 13 at Long Beach's Terrace Theater, both presented by Super Entertainment.
The audience at the live concert, presented by Mehta Entertainment here as well as in Sacramento the previous day, was treated to the lovely opening song, "Kaun Kahata Hai Mohabbat Ki Zubaan Hoti Hai," from Singh's album, "Life Story," followed by "Tum Ko Dekha To Yeh Khayal Aaya," from the 1981 album, "Saath Saath," as his fans warmed up to the beat of the music.
Singh shared the stage with an array of talented musicians. The seven-person team accompanying musicians delivered sounds from many different instruments, including tabla, sitar, dholak, guitar, flute, saxophone, xylophone, and synthesizer. Singh's subtle hand gestures to the musicians to bring them together wasn't missed by the audience and almost invited them to clap in unison. But it was the tabla that naturally got the audience to actively participate, applauding throughout the evening's program and especially at the beginning of Singh's most recognizable songs.
Singh's signature look, silver-rimmed glasses, black kurta and sash, was simple but distinctive. Unlike many other performing artists today, Singh looked identical in person to the images of him on the posters promoting the tour. Even for ticket holders seated at the very back of the arena, Singh appeared close at hand with the assistance of a big screen that projected the entire concert.
To the delight of his fans, the concert featured some of Singh's most famous works, like "Hosh Walo Ko Khabar Kya," "Aap Ko Dekh Kar," "Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal Jaye," and "Mitti Da Baba."
"Yeh Daulat Bhi Lelo" was clearly the favorite in the first part of the concert, bringing every person to tap in unison. His voice mixed so perfectly with each and every instrument as he blended the vocals and instruments with extraordinary talent.
Singh's concert wasn't without some side entertainment, as a few minor distractions forced him to publicly address his concerns over an overenthusiastic photographer and an outspoken member of the audience, both of which were handled gracefully.
Singh's overall performance was beautifully executed with a perfect blend of slow movements and rapid-fire rhythms. To hear his recorded music is one way to experience Jagjit Singh; however, it is a far greater pleasure to hear the master live. The rise and fall of the music, Singh's calming voice, the rapid tabla sounds and the mesmerizing sitar all playing together produced an unforgettable evening that made the audience's heart race with emotion.
One of the more memorable items of the concert was Singh's rendering of one of the most romantic ghazals of all time, "Sarakti Jaye Hai," from his 1979 album, "Come Alive." The crowd couldn't help responding with shouts, whistles, claps, and waving their hands high towards the ceiling in tune with the melody. The concert suddenly seemed to have a more interactive feel to it as Singh welcomed the audience to sing with him.
"It's like 'American Indian Idol,' okay?" said Singh, as he proceeded to win over every person in the audience as their voices rose up to celebrate this opportunity to sing with one of the finest singers of our time. If the audience wasn't loud enough, Singh would cup his hand over his ear, tilt his head towards the seating area with a slight smile on his face, and the audience would respond by raising their voices, encouraged by Singh.
Towards the end of the evening's program, the entire group of musicians had a modern day showdown of musical talent. One musician would play and another would echo the music. Then, they would return to the original instrument to dare other musicians into a competition and deliver a more challenging piece. The challenges within the group went on for an extended period and just when you thought the challenge couldn't be beat, another instrument would jump in to prove you wrong, resulting in an exciting flourish of sounds. "It was a very good show," observed local organizer Deepak Mehta.
When the last song was being performed, you could see many brave souls dancing unabashedly in the aisles. Jagjit Singh will next perform in San Diego May 12 at Spreckels Theater and May 13 at Long Beach's Terrace Theater, both presented by Super Entertainment.
posted by Amarjeet Singh at 10:25 PM
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