Search - The Dagar Brothers :: Shiva Mahadeva

Labour of Love: a Must-Have for the Dhrupad Fan

09/15/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The original dhrupad album which transfixed a generation of Europeans was the senior Dagar brothers' DHRUPAD & KHYAL put out by Unesco/Auvidis, where they sang their magnificent Kamboji. Few dhrupad singers have that kind of testament to their art on record; French label Makar Records have recently released a Chal-Nat CD by Zia Fariduddin Dagar, destined for classic status, which comes incredibly close. The closest thing the younger Dagar brothers have got is this live album, SHIVA MAHADEVA (Shiva, the Great God). The classic here is the Malkauns of the first disc, which is given the full treatment with alap, nomtom and two dhrupads. This is one of the best performances I've heard on record by the younger brothers and quite possibly THE best. The shorter Darbari and even shorter Adana and Bhatiyar of disc two do not reach the same heights, although it's good, solid material.What really tips the scales and makes this album a must-have is the lecture material graciously included at the end of each disc. The brothers name, enumerate and demonstrate the various singing techniques they use in their family style, a world usually closed to non-Indians (due to shortage of English-language material) except those with personal ties to the Dagar family or their students. I think the inclusion is literally unique as commercial releases go. This label clearly cares about its material and its customers, and the end result is an album which not only offers good listening but teaches you more about the art than any liner notes and makes you listen to your other dhrupad albums with new, fresh ears."