Kabir in Malwa

The Malwa belt of Madhya Pradesh lies in the western part of the state with Ujjain as the ancient centre and Indore, currently the largest city. The most interesting aspect of the folk music traditions of the area are the Bhajan mandalis that sing words of the mystic poets, especially Kabir, Meera, Surdas and others. There is a very strong branch of the Kabir panth (a sect that follows Kabir's philosophy) here, and almost every village has a team of musicians who sing through the nights on a regular basis. There is of course the music that accompanies rituals, ceremonies or is sung at festivals and is very beautiful and rich.



Prahlad Tipanya - Sakal Hans Mein Ram Viraaje :  



Prahlad Tipanya - Mat Kar Maya Ko Ahankar :  



Kaluram Bamaniya - Piya Mera Jaagta :  



Kaluram Bamaniya - Ab Thara Laal Samandarada Mai :  

Suns of Arqa : big and live

Suns of Arqa band creator and leader Michael Wadada has been continuously investigating the supernatural potential hidden in the classical Raga structure of the music of India. His mission is to mix the cerebral and cosmological vibrations of the Ragas with the mother earth rhythms of Nyabinghi drumming.

Big and Live was recorded 100% live with no overdubs. The unique vocals are complimented by guest appearances from the Dhrupad singer Reba Bhaduri and Cat Von Trapp. Big and Live is a return to the full organic sound of 1970's dub, mixed with Hindustani 'magic' music.

Suns of Arqa - Om Kaaraaya :  



Suns of Arqa - Arana :  





Suns of Arqa - Allah Who? :  



Suns of Arqa - Let Me Show You How :  



Suns of Arqa - How Does It Feel :  

NorDar Lakshmi Shankar : Ampel'a

Just two songs from Ampel'a, an exceptional musical collaboration between musicians of diverse musical heritage. Armenia and India, two countries with primitive musical tradition, meet for the very first time. Kora Michaelian (member of NorDar) composes the music and nightingale of Indian classical music, Lakshmi Shankar sings. The album is a unique fusion of Armenian and Indian melodies, embossed with sophisticated musical forms.



NorDar Lakshmi Shankar - My Mother's Eyes Part 1 :  



NorDar Lakshmi Shankar - My Mother's Eyes Part 2 :  

Prem Diwani

Perhaps the most remembered and quoted woman in India's history is the 16th century poet, singer and saint Meerabai, or Meera. Versions of her songs are sung today all over India, and she often appears as a subject in films, books, dances, plays and paintings. Meerabai belonged to the Rajput aristocracy. From an early age, she worshiped the image of Krishna. Her form of worship was influenced by a number of her relatives who were devotees of a mystical form of Hinduism called Bhakti. In the Bhakti tradition, one approaches one's God through pure love, without any restrictions of caste, color or gender.

E Ri Main To Prem Diwani is one of Mirabai's most popular songs. The singers featured here are from across all genres of music. They belong to different times and were trained for diverse styles of music. While Aziz Mian is a famous qawwal from Pakistan, Lakshmi Shankar is a renowned Hindustani classical singer. Juthika Roy is a legendary bhajan singer of yesteryear. Geeta Dutt and Lata Mangeshkar, as we all know, are associated with Hindi film music. The styles of their singing may be different but the passion is the same. Take your pick.



Aziz Mian - Prem Diwani (Qawwali) :  



Lakshmi Shankar - Eri Main To Prem Diwani (Bhajan) :  



Lata Mangeshkar - Eri Main To Prem Diwani (Nau Bahar 1952) :  



Geeta Dutt - Eri Main To Prem Diwani (Jogan 1950) :  



Juthika Roy - Main To Prem Diwani (Non-Film) :  

Karunesh : global spirit

Karunesh, born Bruno Reuter is a German-born Newage and Ambient musician. His music has strong Afro-Asian and Indian influences prevalent throughout, with liberal use of Indian instruments, such as the sitar. Although he had been drawn to music as a child and played in bands as a teenager, he chose to study graphic design as a career. However, after attaining his degree, Karunesh was involved in a serious road accident. His brush with death prompted him to choose music as a career instead of graphic design. He rethought his life and embarked on a spiritual journey of sorts, traveling in 1979 to India.

He became initiated in spirituality and took on a new name, Karunesh, a Sanskrit name, meaning compassion. Back in Germany, Karunesh came in contact with many musicians from all over the world and developed an ability to weave different styles and feelings from different cultures together in a living symbiosis, creating a music that is both relaxing and spiritual. Presented here are a few tracks from his album Global Spirit.



Karunesh - Call of the Tribes (Remix) :  



Karunesh - Punjab :  



Karunesh - Kabuka Ma :  



Karunesh - Bombay Pure :  



Karunesh - Solitude :  



Karunesh is now living in Maui, in the US state of Hawaii, since 1992.