Classical Vocal
Mhaaro Prannam
by Ritika Dutta
Ritika is 16 years old and a senior at Troy High School in Fullerton, California. Born and raised in the US, Ritika has had a musically bi-lingual upbringing where she took equal interest in both Indian and Western music but as she grew older she became increasingly drawn towards Hindustani Ragasangeet (North Indian Classical) and its rich melodies, rhythmic intricacies and its improvisatory nature within the bounds of the Raga’s melodic structure. She started learning Raga music at the age of five from her grandmother, Purabi Dutta, who is an accomplished Indian Classical vocalist. From the age of eleven, she would visit India during the summer to study at the prestigious Sangeet Research Academy in Kolkata, under renowned Jaipur gharana maestro, Pandita Shruti Sadolikar. For the last several years, she has also had the great fortune of learning under Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty, arguably the most prodigious performer and teacher of Hindustani Vocal music today. She has also received additional taalim (training) from Shri Shantanu Bhattacharyya in the Patiala gaayaki and Pt. Arun Dravid in the Jaipur gaayaki. While Ritika is firmly committed to the pure and traditional Hindustani Classical music, she has also participated as the main vocalist in Raga Ensembles directed by renowned sitar player and composer, Paul Livingstone.
Ritika has also won many competitions, including receiving the Hamilton-Brewert grand prize in California at the age of twelve. In December, 2009, she was selected to perform as the solo vocalist with Odissi Dancer, Sharanya, at the KCET’s prestigious 50th annual Holiday Celebration at Dorothy Chandler Music Center, Los Angeles which was broadcast live by KCET TV. While she still has a long journey ahead of her as a pupil of this vast and rich musical tradition, she is excited to make her musical debut with this CD.
Raga Jaunpuri
Track 1: Mohe Garva Laago Aaye Aaj
Track 2: Payel Ki Jhankaar
Raga Patdeep
Track 3: Mein Tore Sanga Naa Jaungi
Track 4: Tarana – Tanum Tanana Tadaare Daani
Raga Puriya Dhanashree
Track 5: Tu Hi Jag Palana Haara
Bhajan in Raga Yaman Kalyan
Track 6: Mhaaro Pranaam Baanke Bihaari Ji
Sawani Thumri in Raga Desh
Track 7: Saawan Maasa Aayo
Hori in Raga Manjh Khamaaj
Track 8: Rang Dekha Jiya Lalchaaye
Raga Bageshree
Track 9: Aao Sajaao Mandir Aaj
Sadra in Raga Bhairavi
Track10: Bhavaani Dayaani
Accompanists:
Tabla : Hemant Ekbote
Harmonium : Gopal Marathe
