Lishkare - Songs of Punjab
Folk Songs
By Meena Batish
Meena Batish is a fantastic vocalist of the North Indian tradition. She is the daughter of the late Pandit Shiv Dayal Batish, Bollywood music director, and legendary playback singer ("Khamosh Nigaahen, Naa To Kaaravaan Ki Talaash hai, and Poocho Naa Kaise Maine Raina Bitaaye" fame). Meena is truly gifted with a very beautiful and vibrant voice. She is presently touring on the heals of her latest CD release of Panjabi Folk songs called Lishkare featuring Bhangara, Boliyaan, Dholaa and more! She is the featured vocalist in her brother Ashwin Batish's group "Sitar Power." She has recently sang with Ashwin at the Kuumbwaa Jazz Center (Santa Cruz), Don Quixote International Music Hall (Felton), Asian Art Museum (San Francisco), Joshua Tree Music Festival (Southern California), John Anson Ford Amphitheater (Hollywood), Ramona Bowl (Hemet), World Cup Soccer Center (Mission Viejo). This CD release is a very proud moment for Meena and the Batish family since it comes after almost 25 years! Back in the 80s, Meena released My Favorite Bhajans (Hindu Devotional Songs) and toured with her brother and her father with concerts at such prestigious venues as the Winnipeg Folk Festival in Canada.
A review by ....
The album is full of fun and upbeat numbers. The first track "Yes, No, Alright" is a lighthearted and charmingly uplifting take on contemporary North Indian popular music. It is jazzy with fast brass and a vocal melody that sticks with you after the song is finished. The quirky insertions of a man's voice saying "yes," "no," and "alright" might put some off - but it was something I really enjoyed. As an English speaker, it seemed to invite me in to be part of the dialogue of the song, even though I don't speak the language.
"Lishkare" is an extremely well thought out album both in terms of composition and diversity. It is vitally alive in the energy that comes through the recording and enjoyable from the first song to the last. Though I can't say it is an album for everyone, I can say that everyone should give it a chance (maybe 2 or 3 chances) to take you in. For my part, I can honestly say that have enjoyed my copy thoroughly
