Search - Ustad Sultan Khan & Chitra :: Piya Basanti

A Soulful Indian Folk Album

Upamanyu Bhattacharya | Mumbai, India | 12/06/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you have a taste for Oriental Folk music, this is a great place to begin. The album is fantastic by any standard, with soulful music, great lyrics (if you follow the language) and great singing too. Ustad Sultan Khan is an internationally renowned musician, better known for playing the Sarangi, but his vocal prowess is one not to be scoffed at, as he proves here. Highly recommended. I am biased since I worked for the company that launched the album, so check it out yourself!"

Waah Ustad!

SMChica | San Diego, CA United States | 06/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had approached this album sceptically thinking it would be one of those one hit wonders kind of album. I am happy to say that I couldn't have been farther from the truth.

The songs range from romantic (Piya Basanti) to pensive (Dhee More) to deliriously happy (Rangeelo Rut and Sawan Rut Aayo).



This album brings out Ustad Sultan Khan's voice in its full glory. It is very unique in its slightly nasal intonation which struck me as very unique at first but added to the distinct richness of his voice later. I wish he had started singing earlier. The sarangi (so called, because it can supposedly imitate any human voice)...true to its name supports his master's voice, interweaving flawlessly to create exquisite music.



Chitra does a commendable job holding her own against the formidable Ustad. She shines in Rangeelo Rut, the song is so peppy that it makes me want to dance (and I have 1 left and 20 right feet). Piya Basanti is already a hit, thanks to a super cute music video. Surmayi Aankhen has a beautiful haunting Nepali song in the beginning. Chale Re is a traditional fast paced song on the lines of "Dola Re Dola" (Bhupen Hazarika).



It is absolutely nothing like the modern day computer generated mumbo jumbo created for skimpily clothed "remix" singing babes who show more skin than talent.

If you like honest to goodness, clean, classical(traditional) music you will probably cherish this album."