Most of my listening this year was classic [tag]Hindustani Classical Music[/tag] (HCM). Some phenomenal stuff available in the market place. Of all the music that i heard there are two sets of series that gave me the most joy & pleasure – and if you like HCM – escpecially vocal HCM – then these are definitely worth a hear. 20th Century Baithak Series – a complete set of gems. The long form of Hindustani Vocal, where the raag is lovingly, enchantingly, and seductively explored. As the blurb on the rather simple website puts it:

As an offering to Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande, whose methodology, insight and non-partisan approach has been the source of our inspiration, we present selected material from our archives. The content is musically and historically relevent. It has been minimally restored and remains unedited to maintain its original identity.

Our first Publication presents 6 masters representing Dhrupad, Khayal and Thumri. Check out the female vocalists – Kesarbai Kerkar, Siddheshwari Devi & Rasoolan Bai – and get transposed to a different time and space. And, there are some rare & exotic ragas that are explored – raga Gandhari or Savani, Deshi (not Des) – fabulous stuff. The other series is by Virgin Records – The Royal Collection of Mewar. Dhrupad worth dying for. To hear the Dagar Brothers of Jaipour sing

More Saiyan Utrenge Paar ho, Nadiya Deere Baho

in raga Pilu is a trip.