K-O
K for Khamaj
Shafqat Amanat Ali, Ustad Amanat Ali Khan’s youngest son, decided that it was time for the Patiala Gharana tradition to don another beautiful form in keeping with the times when he formed a band called Fuzon with two instrumentalists. Traditional Patiala thumris emerged in new avtaars and the band struck a chord with the young audiences who no longer had the patience or appetite for long sit down baithaks and the time consuming elaborations. Khamaj, was one such recreated thumri . Made in 2001, it is popular till date and would probably make it to the list of songs with most covers.
L for Raag Lalit
Umeed Ali khan of the Gwalior Gharana was brother of Ustad Akhtar Hussain’s wife. He played an important role in the training and grooming of his nepherws- Amanat and Fateh Ali Khan. He was also peer and friend of Ashiq Ali. This very famous jugalbandi in Lait is a testimony to the fierce, yet friendly combat that they often indulged in musically.
M for Marsiyas
Marsiyas are poems written as tributes to the martyrdom of Hussain Ibn Ali in Karbala. The Patiala Gharana has a beautiful tradition of singing marsiyas. Mujra E Khalq Main In Aankhon Nay Kya Kya Dekha, in Pahadi was composed by Ustad Amaant Ali ;while Yeh Sochta Hun Abid Ka Haal Kya Ho Ga is Ustad Fateh Ali Khan’s composition in Todi.
N for Noorjehan
The Mallika-e -tarannum (Queen of melody) also has roots in the Patiala tradition as she received here early classical training under Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. Here Shafqat Amanat Ali pays tribute to her by singing one of her popular songs.
And the original
O for OSTs
The Pakistani TV shows are popular across the subcontinent and music is an integral part of it. Songs specially composed for the TV dramas there are popularly referred to as OST’s. This is a relatively recent phenomenon so you won’t really find any sung by the older generation of the Gharana. However, Shafqat has sung many and here are a couple of my favourites.
To be continued….
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