CD REVIEW
Nakshi Kanthar Mathey: Kiran on a philosophical quest
Featuring 10 songs of Kabial Bijoy Sarkar, an album by Kiran Chandra Roy titled “Nakshi Kanthar Mathey” has hit the market. Bengal Foundation released the album recently. Kiran Chandra’s evocative voice with Durbadal Chattopadhyay’s apt musical arrangement adds to the soothing quality of the album.
Over a course of time, rural bards of Bangladesh followed different paths in their search for the Creator. Kabial Bijoy Sarkar (1903-1985) devoted himself to seeking the Creator, and composed songs which are known as ‘bichchhedi’. He used elements from day to day life as references and connected them metaphorically in his verses. As a result, sorrow and agony stand apart as the core aspects in his songs.
One will find Sarkar’s quest for the Creator in the very first track of the album. The song titled “Parobashi Hoiya” articulates the agony of an individual in not being able to find his beloved [allegorically the Creator].
Known as an accomplished folk singer, Kiran Chandra’s expressive vocals took the song to devotional heights.
What listeners will find in the album is measured playing of folk instruments such as dhol, mandira and flute. This limited yet soothing use of these instruments creates a rural touch to the songs and the listener may feel transported to a rural ambiance.
Using materialistic objects as a metaphorical reference is also apparent in the song “Posha Pakhi”. We find ‘Pakhi’ or bird as such a reference here. Sarkar terms his soul as a bird and cries in advance for its loss someday. The singer once again made the verses lively with his apt rendition.
The title of the album is borrowed from the song with the same title. Interestingly enough, Sarkar himself borrowed the characters and impressions from Palli Kobi Jasimuddin’s writings, “Nakshi Kanthar Math”, and composed an impressive song where he empathises with Shaju and Rupai’s agony.
Kiran Chandra also sings some popular songs such as “Ami Janite Chai” and “Ei Prithibi Jemon Achhey”. The album includes songs “Bhab Na Jene Pirit”, “Dudiner Duniyae” and “Nije Geye Nijei”.
-With The Daily Star input
