Went to hear Jayateerth Mevundi, a rising star of the Kirana Gharana, with Manisha Lakhe.
hails from Hubli-Dharwad, the land of great vocalists and maestros of Hindustani Classical Music. Pt. Sawai Gandharva, Bharat Ratna Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Dr.(Mrs.) Gangubai Hangal, Pt. Mallikarjun Mansur, Pt. Basavraj Rajguru are some of the great musicians who have their roots in Hubli-Dharwad region.
Gifted with a mellifluous and sonorous voice Jayateerth is following the footsteps & lineage of the Kirana Gharana. The Kirana Gharana, founded by the legendary singer Ustad Abdul Karim Khan, is known for its melodious, leisurely pace, the tenderness and emotionalism of its music.
Jayateerth was born in Hubli in the year 1972, and began training in classical music at a tender age under the guidance of his mother. He received his formal training from Sangeet Ratna late Pt. Arjunsa Nakod for about 10 years. Later for around 12 years he was under the tutelage of late Pt. Shripati Padegar who was one of the foremost disciples of Bharat Ratna Pt Bhimsen Joshi.
I think that there is something in the waters of the area that produces such brilliant singers. They should simply bottle the water and sell it…
One of the most brilliant concerts I have attended. Mevundi started with a slow exploration of Raga Puriya Dhanashri. I got immersed in the Raga and its brilliance. The rest of the audience was in a similar state…
The next composition was a bandish sung in Raga Shudh Kalyan. Pure classical bliss…
And, then Mevundi went on to sing Abhangs. The first was the brilliant Lakshmi Baramma.
I couldn’t stop the tears from flowing. Just couldn’t. The rendition was absolutely soul stirring.
Mevundi ended the concert with the Bhairavi Thumri “Jamuna ke Teer” – composed by Ustad Abdul Karim Khan Saheb, the founder of Kirana Gharana – and just as it seemed that the concert was going to end, he moved effortlessly to sing “Jo Bhaje Hari Ko Sada….
I guess i miss Bhimsen Joshi like crazy -its odd to mourn someone you met only twice in your lifetime, but the man made so much of a difference to my life, that when I hear songs that he used to sing – i can still be moved to tears.
Jayateerth Mevundi is a fabulous singer. It is not just voice, it is not just technique – it is more than that. He is involved in his music when he sings. A part of the music. And his absolute immersion in his art touches you, melts your heart and makes you long for more.
the Kirana Gharana is in good hands…