Classical Vocal
(A collection of Kajri)
Sawan Ki Bahaar
by Smt. Jayasree Das
Smt. Jayasree Das is a promising addition to the line of Hindustani Classical Music. Born in the city of Kolkata, Jayasree started her training under Late Sukhendu Goswami. She was initially taught by her mother from a very tender age. She came under the tutelage of Late Prasun Banerjee and at present is under the able guidance of the legendary Vocalist of Benaras Gharana, Padmahbushan Smt. Girija Devi.
A Master of Arts holder in her academic career, Jayasree has picked her Sangeet Prabhakar and Sangeet Bharati from Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad. An artist in All India Radio, Kolkata, she has performed in various institutions like Chchandayan, Ranjini, Bhowanipur Sangeet Sammelan, Bhowanipur Sursagar Society, All India Music Conference, just to name a few. She is equally able to perform Khayal, Tappa, Thumri, Chaiti, Kajri, Jhula, Dadra, Hori, Bhajan and other wings of the Benaras Gharana. Gifted with a mellifluous voice, the fined features and flavour of this Gharana is markedly felt in her presentation.
She has earned great deal of appreciation on her performances from some of the eminent legendaries like Late Tarapada Chakraborty, Late Prasun Banerjee, Late Jnan Prakash Ghosh, Padmabhushan Smt. Girija Devi.
She has mastered the various nuances of North Indian Classical music, eminently Thumri and Kajri. Kajri focuses on the advent of the rains and their bounty. In a country of sizzling hot summers - the black monsoon clouds bring with them relief and great joy. The literary content of Kajri focuses on the setting of the monsoons.
This album is a compilation of Thumri and Kajri. Kajri is possibly a derivative of Kajal - meaning Kohi of Black.
Even though Kajri is sung in a large region - Mirzapur is considered the real home of the Kajri. According to a folk tale of Mirzapur - there were women called Kjli whose husband was in a distant land. Monsoon arrived and the separation became unbearable .... she started crying at the feet of the Kajmal Goddess. These cries took the form of the popular Kajri songs.
Desh - Kaari badaria barse
Pilu - Ghiri aayi hain
Manj khamaj - Aab ke sawan ghar aaja
Mishra raag - Jhiri jhiri barse
Misrha raag - Sajani chaii ghata ghana ghor
Accompanists :
Tabla : Bivash Sanghai
Sitar : Rahul Chatterjee
Sarangi : Pankaj Mishra
Harmonium : Debaprasad Dey
Item Number - CD-BMC-5
