Marasim
Times are changing, and the concept of love too.

The ghazal, however, remains what it was - a unique form of poetry, a blend of rhyme, rhythm, compressed and capsulated thoughts, conveyed through the medium of metaphors and imagery, delicate, sensitive and sometimes sensuous. Like that ghazal, Jagjit Singh too remains what he was - romantic, nostalgic and hauntingly melodious.

Jagjit, arguably the 'Badshah of Ghazals' in India, is one who has shown the boldness to go for experiments without harming the purity and the inner beauty of the poetry. The singer with a deep baritone that spells magic, and haunts you for ever, has immortalized the lined of some of the greatest poets of all time, including Mirza Ghaib.

'Marasim', his latest released by Sony Music, is a collection of 'memories woven in melody'. Marasim means relations, and Jagit reminiscences his creative relationship with the renowned poet, lyricist Gulzar in this album.

Gulzar's relationship with the singer dates back to the days when Jagjit composed music for his serial 'Mirza Ghalib'. "The compositions came very easily to him. I was astonished at his spontaneity," recalls Gulzar.

"Ek purana mausam laute" is easily the pick of the lot, while "Haath chute bhi to rishtey nahi chooda karre" come a close second. The other songs in the album are, 'Aankhon mein jal raha hai kyun', 'Who khat ke purze udaa raha tha', 'Shaam se aankh', 'Zindagi yun hui basar tanha', 'Ek parvaz dikhayi di hai' and 'Din kuch aise guzarana hai koi'.

Jagjit the singer scores over Jagjit the composer for the umpteenth time in 'Marasim'. The golden - voiced singer is often accused of being repetitive with his compositions. 'Marasim' is no different.

The rich voice filled with emotions, however, makes you forget all shortcomings of this album. As Gulzar notes in the inlay card, Jagjit has yet again proven that he is a master par excellence in rendering of a ghazal.

By Anand KV

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