Known for his exquisite and extended alap sections, Nikhil-ji seems to have an unerring sense of how much of an alap a certain raga requires. It's not just about playing for "As Long As Possible" (as sitarist Josh Feinberg once jokingly described an alap) but rather playing for the "exact right amount of time" and introducing and developing the notes of the raga in just the right way.
Banerjee definitely had a reputation as a skilled performer during his lifetime, but after his sudden and untimely death in 1986 -- and the subsequent issues on CD of extended live performances -- his reputation has shot upwards.
This 1983 LP on Oriental Records (New York, NY) is a reissue of the same LP on Amigo Records.
Tabla by Anindo Chatterjee
An excellent web page devoted to Nikhil-ji:
http://staff.spd.dcu.ie/johnbcos/Nikhil_Banerjee.htm
downloads:
Yes indeed, why not start off with the great Nikhil Banerjee. One of the great benefits of the interweb for me has been the discovery of Pandit Banerjee along with an appreciation of Indian classical music which wouldn't have been possible previously. Your blog looks to be a valuable source of rare vinyl which probably is unobtainable otherwise. Looking forward to the Ali Akbar Khan as well. All praise for you and your blog.
ReplyDeleteThere were two "Live at Stockholm" albums by this label, Vol 1 and 2. One was Piloo and the other was Desh. When they printed them, they mixed up the labels on the LPs. So this is actually Piloo. Here is the album images that go with the recording.
ReplyDeletehttps://sitaraag.wordpress.com/2014/05/30/nikhil-banerjee-raga-piloo-1975/
Superb information! I am really impressed by the way this great information is being shared by so many passionate music lovers. I salute all the Indian music lovers on this blog. Appreciate it!!
DeleteThis is actually Raag Piloo. Nels Olsen is correct :)
ReplyDeleteThanks very much for this re-upload.Great performance.The first gat is in rupak tal (7 beats) which does seem to support the above posts. No matter a great recording.
ReplyDeleteHere is a second take on some image editing of the cover posted by Richard (better perspective fix on my end).
ReplyDeleteBill
https://imgur.com/qucsHml
Since there is some confusion, here is a cover of Rag Piloo with a little image editing.
ReplyDeleteBill
https://imgur.com/fo84bCO
It is almost 8 years now I’m following this blog and I feel it is time for me to express my deepest appreciation for Richard’s efforts…….very very well done!
ReplyDeleteYou are providing a remarkable service for preservation and dissemination of Indian Classical Music (and its cultural roots) for future generations. Keep it up, Richard! And if you need some help (tag editing, graphic restoration, etc.) don’t hesitate asking.
I'm Italian and, by birth, miles away from India and its great music traditions. But thanks to a suggestion by Amazon, received out of the blue while purchasing some western acoustic music, 20 years ago I came across Pandit Nikhil Ranjan Banerjee……a revelation which completely changed my audiophile life. 50% of my music collection is now made of Indian Classical.
Nikhil Banerjee…..indeed!
My favorite musician too, regardless genre, quality of recording, pressed media or whatsoever audiophile alchemy.
There’s no one other out there who’s music has such as comunicative gracefulness. When it comes to Banerjee’s artistry, there is something more than just excellent timing of alap sections, rendition pace or instrumental harmonics. It is pure transcendence which goes beyond perception of physical senses….his music whispers directly to your soul. I can recognise one his note among millions….it stands out from the crowd with such magnificence.
There have been and always will be great artists in history, well…..I like to think of Nikhil Banerjee as the Leonardo Da Vinci of music.
Once, I read in the linear notes of a recording (don’t remember exactly the title) that concert MC, in order to properly introduce the performance, asked him what Raga he’s gonna play and he answered -I will decide it according to the first note played by Tanpura.
A unparalleled Genius…..that’s all!
I would like to have attended one of his live performance…….but who knows, perhaps we’ll meet in another life.