Welcoming Spring: Understanding Raag Basant (songs by Pt Basavaraja Rajguru)

Spring is here and I started learning Basant in music class. So I did the lazy thing and thought I'd share a Basant treat that's been on repeat the last week or two.

It’s only been a few weeks listening to Basant, but it already feels like a lifetime. I have a few favorites, which I’m happy to share if there’s demand for it (hint: use comments). Mostly sung in the upper octaves, this raag defies its Thaat raag Purvi and takes you on a very different melodic trip.

For the short & fast part of the presentation, a Taraana in Basant from Pt Basavaraj Rajguru.

Next, the polar opposite of what you heard. Immerse yourself in the “Nabi ke darbar”, Manarang’s (Ustad Bhupat Khan) composition in Basant that Panditji takes to another level, hitting crazy high notes while singing in D#. From his voice, I can tell this is a more recentish recording of him, and yet some of the harkats you hear probably took 50 yrs to bake in his vocal chords hardware. Thank heavens for recording & mastering technology.

That’s all for now on Basant. We’ll explore Basant more in the coming weeks. In more Basantish news.

Sangeethaamsha’s Spring baithak is happening on Sunday, June 2nd in Saratoga

If you live in the Bay area, don’t miss this chance to hear Sangeethaamsha’s Spring Baithak happening in Saratoga on June 2nd. FOR FREE.

Featuring talented local performers bringing their best Nat Bhairav, Jaunpuri, and Charukeshi among other raagas. More details and registration here. or Click on the Poster.

Thank you and speak to you all soon!