Megha chhaye adhee raat-Avinesh Singh

Harmonica lovers' sunday meeting on 26th Dec' 2010

This week, two harmonica lovers from different states visited HaLoH meeting at Indira Park.

Raman Khandelwal from Jaipur (Rajasthan), and Sanath Kumar from Chennai attended the meeting yesterday.

Raman Khandelwal is a virtual member of HaLoH and is one of the publishers of this blog. This was his first meeting at Indira Park. He was very enthusiastic to meet all the HaLoH members. His prime wish was to play the harmonica under the "Bodhi" tree in (as we popularly call it) in the presence of other harmonica lovers.

After watching some harmonica related videos of Kolkata harmonica artistes at on laptop, all the players played their favorite numbers one-by-one. This was followed by herbal tea and sweets before calling it a day.

Harmonica our passion!

Shri Inderjit Singh Soni, Visits harmonica lovers meeting regularly to improve his harmonica playing skills and also encourages others to play the harmonica.We are uploading his video clipping this week.

Another day with Shri V.S. Shirali

Today, I want to share with you- my experience of a date with fabulous harmonica player Shri VS Shirali on my recent visit to Mumbai with few photos and videos I captured for the benefit of the harmonica lovers and visitors of this blog.

Needless to say, I'm a big fan of Shri Shirali and he treats me like his son. He is a very nice person with abundant knowledge of music. Apart from harmonica, he is a great keyboard and Guitar player. I adopted lot of things from him during our 8 non stop hours of discussion about music and harmonica. He says "In our generation we had the priority to be a musician first and a technician next... but these days the current generation people want to be a technician rather than being a musician. It is not a good sign".
He took me to his mentor- legendary sax player of India Late Shri Manohari Singh’s home where I conveyed my condolence to his family members as he passed away recently

I do hope you'll enjoy watching these videos. You can read more about Mr Shirali at the link given below.

http://harmonicahyderabad.blogspot.com/2010/07/vsshirali-fabulous-harmonica-player.html

We are Harmonica Lovers of Hyderabad

V.S.Shirali: A fabulous harmonica player

Most of the harmonica lovers must have already read about the Pune harmonica concert which took place recently. I met Shri V.S.Shirali, a fabulous harmonica player at Pune recently. He is one of the persons who inspires me to play the harmonica. After listening to the harmonica played by Shri V.S. Shirali at Pune concert, I became his die hard fan.Here are some interesting facts about Shri V.S. Shirali given below.

Shri V.S. Shirali is a 69 yrs old retired airlines manager. He is a self –taught musician who started playing the harmonica at the age of 4. He gave his first public performanc at the age of 5. He took up the Guitar at the age of 17 and had played with Pankaj Udhas and Manhar Udhas in the early part of their career. He started playing the keyboard after the age of 50 and has performed in many countries as a one man performer.

He was invited by the Indian Association Tokyo Japan for keyboards concerts in 1997 and 98 with Indian singers and local resident singers. He was also invited by the Indian Association in Baku, Azerbaijan for a joint Indo Azerbaijan music concert in 2000. He has accompanied Mr.Ramesh Shah (son of the late legendary music director Kalyanji bhai to Hongkong as a solo keyboards instrumentalist in 2001.

Ironically his first love the harmonica was lying unplayed in his cupboard for more than 30 years .About 6 years back an organisation called Golden Greats needed a harmonica player at short notice. He played that favourite Hai apna dil to awaara and finally started playing regularly from then onwards but never considered it seriously. Then about 4 years ago he got a chance to perform in an acoustic show with the great saxophone legend Shri Manohari Singh who advised Shirali to take up the harmonica seriously as he had the talent and there was a great future for him as a professional harmonica player. After that many shows on the harmonica followed.

The next step was the recording studios with his harmonica. Shri V.S. Shirali recorded the following using his harmonica.

Recorded for an Oriya movie. Singers Udit Narayan and Anurdha Paudwal

Recorded for a private album. Singer Shweta Pandit (niece of music directors Jatin Lalit)

Recorded a track for Ekta Kapoor/Sunil Shetty's yet unreleased movie The Little Godfather,

music director Viju Shah.

Recorded for a Kannada movie.Singers Shreya Ghoshal and Kunal Ganjawala

Recorded for a Thumri track. SingerGaurav bangia (Sa re ga ma pa winner)

Please watch the video attached below.. Shri Shirali played harmonica pieces for a Kannada movie called “Jothegara”, a sensational hit in Karnataka. Music is composed by Sujeet Shetty. The song is sung by Shreya Ghoshal and Kunal Ganjawala.

Rustom Karwa rocks in Hyderabad

"Ramannaa? This is Rustom Karwa here. See, I am coming over to Hyderabad tomorrow, we can meet” I got this call in the evening on 8^th June ’10. I was overjoyed by his call. I was longing to meet him face-to-face for quite some time. Rustom ji is so kind that he gave me his complete itinerary for the 9^th of June.

Rustom ji is a well known personality in Bollywood and has been a favourite of many music directors for playing the harmonica in their films. He is also famous for his whistling which he does in movies. I also got the opportunity to listen to his whistling during my interaction with him.

I met the harmonica maestro Shri Rustom Karwa at a 7 star hotel in Hyderabad, where he was going to perform on the harmonica along with his huge 21 piece acoustic instrumental orchestra from Mumbai for a private gathering in Hyderabad. The moment I saw him I touched his feet to seek his blessings “Hey, please don’t do that….. I am still alive” said Rustom Ji by holding my shoulder.

I had little inhibition to enter the hotel and I wanted to leave the place without giving any trouble to Rustom ji but he (Rustom ji) took me into the hotel and offered me a seat. He introduced me to the event managers as a harmonica friend. For a moment, I forgot myself by seeing the arrangements of the stage.

I enjoyed myself throughout the concert. I got an opportunity to watch a 45 minutes non stop musical recital by world famous “Maske electrical strings trio-Australia” on the same stage, in between the musical concert by sitting next to Shri Rustom Karwa :-) I’m uploading the video of “Maske electrical strings trio” (Not recorded by me) It was a memorable moment for me.

Rustom ji was kind to share his experiences with me for almost an hour while sitting in the Hotel. He was delighted on learning that HaLoH possesses his original EP which was recorded in 1970 by Polydor Company. Thanks to Rustom Ji for presenting me the copy of the same EP in CD with his autograph.

Please enjoy the video of Rustom ji’s live performance which I had captured using my mobile phone. Please excuse me for the poor video quality.

Rendezvous with Arijit Da

Recently, Shri Arijit Mukherjee- a great player and the nephew of harmonica legend Late Shri Milon Gupta, visited Hyderabad. HaLoH members Shri Vinayak B., Shri Vijay Konda, Shri Ravi Babu and I (Avinesh Singh) got the opportunity to meet Arijit Da at Tata guest house in Jubilee hills. Thanks to Shri Vinayak B. for coordinating the meeting.

After a brief chat with him, we quickly realized that he was very polite, straight forward and a nice human being. We all played our favourite songs in front of him and he explained our strengths, weaknesses and ways to overcome those weaknesses. This was very interesting part of the meeting. On our request he started playing Hohner 270. He explained facts by demonstrating the same on his harmonica using examples of appropriate songs. He played many famous classic songs. All of us had many clarifications on harmonica and he was very co-operative, supportive and happy to answer all of them.

He explained us a very systematic approach towards learning the harmonica and emphasized on using proper notations, ragas and clear single notes. Of the many things which he explained, few of the important things were- when to play chords and when not on a harmonica, how to hold harmonica properly, which songs are suitable for playing on a harmonica and which are not suitable, how to simplify notes without losing the essence, which harmonica should we use in Hindi Bollywood and Western songs etc.

To conclude, I have to say that we met a very nice, technical and professional human being who was totally impartial in exchanging ideas for the benefit of harmonica community. On the lighter side, he promised us a good party when he meets us in Hyderabad next month.

NOTE: MORE INFO ON ARIJIT DA CAN BE READ IN THE DETAILED WRITE-UP ON HIM WHICH WAS POSTED RECENTLY IN THIS BLOG.

http://harmonicahyderabad.blogspot.com/2010/04/arijit-mukherji-noteworthy-harmonica.html

- Avinesh Singh

Hello HaLoH!

It was a very warm day with hot current of air blowing on the roads of Hyderabad, the city of Nizams. Being a harmonica enthusiast from Jaipur and a virtual member of HaLoH, I was desperate to meet some harmonica lovers for the first time. I first met Ramana Illaiyaraja at Abids. It was my second meeting with him after we met at Jaipur. Then, Shri B. Vinayak, a senior harmonica lover was just in time. Very soon, I saw Shri Avinesh Singh driving at Abids. We all went to Nampally station to meet Shri Vijay Konda. I was impressed by the way these guys coordinated and gathered in a very short span of time. I relished my favourite Vijaya buttermilk during our casual meeting before saying good bye to Vijay Konda.

All of us travelled to Avinesh ji's residence and had a musical session. I was impressed by the harmonica skills of these people. Each one had their own speciality. Avinesh ji showed his collection of harmonicas and played the harmonica. A few of his styles reminded me of Big Bhandari Ashok ji. Vinayak ji's harmonica recital reminded me of Milon da. Ramana too impressed me with his latest recording and he played a song using a karaoke track on his favourite mobile handset. I took valuable tips on playing the harmonica from Vinayak ji. We never felt that we were meeting for the first time. In fact, we felt as if we knew each other very well. After savouring some snacks at Avinesh ji's place, it was time to say good bye to each other.

Before leaving Hyderabad, I enjoyed my supper at 'Kamat' with my friend Ramana. Though I could not meet other harmonica lovers, I made it a point to talk to Shri Kailashnath over phone. On my request, even though it was dark, Ramana showed me the gate of Indira Park where HaLoH meeting takes place every Sunday morning. I wished to see the "BODHI" tree under which HaLoH members achieved "Nirvana" after playing the harmonica under it ;-) I wish to visit Hyderabad again to meet other harmonica lovers under that tree in Indira Park.

-Raman Khandelwal, Jaipur.

Harmonica lover of the week-Inderjit Singh Soni

Shri Inderjit Singh Soni invited all HaLoH members to his residence. Hence, this week, instead of meeting at our regular venue-Indira park, Harmonica Lovers of Hyderabad Mahendra gala, Kailashnath, Shivraj, A Rajkumar, Avinesh Singh, Dharmendra Jain, Ravibabu and Ramana assembled at Shri Soni’s residence. We had a great musical session for 2 hours blended with all kinds of tunes on harmonica followed with tasty Punjabi snacks :-P

HaLoH thanks Mr Soni for his warm reception and hospitality

In the following video I have used a western harmonica tune played by anonymous player :-)

Aajare pardesi- Avinesh Singh

Hi Friends,
This is my second attempt with Karaoke.
Although this song is relatively difficult I have tried it hard and dedicating it to MY Harmonica Lovers of Hyderabad (HaLoH)
I have selected a song from film Madhumati. Aaa Jaa Rae Pardesi... I am really inspired by the way Ashok Bhandari Ji has played it.
My sincere thanks to Ashok Bhandari the Big B(handari) of Indian Harmonica, who has provided me the original Karaoke track which he had recorded for the same song when he played it in Harmonica. Hope you all would like it.

-Avinesh Singh

Harmonica lover of the week-Ramana

Today I'm delighted to publish my first recording on harmonica “Pyar hua iqraar hua from Shri 420” and I am dedicating this song to My friend,guide,philosopher and harmonica lover of Hyderabad Shri Vinayak on his birthday.

Vinayak Sir,

Many many happy returns of the day.

With Love

Ramana

Passion for harmonica continues..

Hi all, This week end I have come up with a new version of the song from film Shor - Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai... A very famous and ever green song. Hope you would like it . My sincere thanks to Keyur Shah Ji from Ahmadabad for giving me all support and knowledge to create this video and for doing the mixing.

-Avinesh Singh

Meeting the Big B(handari) of Indian harmonica

Now-a-days if anybody talks about current generation harmonica wizards in India, Shri Ashok Bhandari’s name will be in the top-list. Like every Indian harmonica lover I am also mesmerized with his harmonica magic. The more I listened to Big Bhandari, the more was my desperation to meet him. This desperation kept on increasing until I planned my vacation to Delhi and I met him at his office. Needless to say, I had witnessed the harmonica magic live. One must listen to him live in his lifetime.

When asked why he doesn’t play Western Jazz or Blues because of his regular touring around the world, he says jokingly, he would prefer Indian Dal and Roti to Western food. He adds- “We Indians try to copy western people whereas many western people enjoy our Indian harmonica music. Harmonica is an instrument which has to be played by feelings and not by mathematical formulae alone.”

I had the privilege to take lunch with Ashok ji that day. I hope to meet Big Bhandari again to enjoy more his harmonica magic in future.

Please watch a video I recorded at his office. (Excuse me for the poor quality)

HaLoH meeting at Pink City

From Gurgaon, I visited Jaipur to meet the virtual member of HaLoH Mr Raman Khandelwal popularly known as KK (Kromatic Khandelwal). We met for the first time. On Sunday morning, we called Hyderabad and spoke to all HaLoH members who assembled at Indira park.

I know KK through a social network because we both are harmonica enthusiasts. Raman K, is a 35 years old businessman from Jaipur. Music (Harmonica) and Soft Skills training especially “Body language” (non verbal communication) skills for sales effectiveness are his hobbies. He was brought up in Vijayawada, AP and is now settled in Jaipur (Pink city). I stayed in their home for two days and received lot of love and affection from all their family members which I cannot forget in my life time. Apart from the harmonica session at his home, I liked the Rajasthani dishes and other items like Pav Bhaji and a variety of sandwiches. His family gifted me a Rajasthani bandhej dress material for my better half. KK and I roamed all around in Jaipur while talking about only harmonica. I took some lessons from him on Music theory during this trip. No wonder he is very good at explaining things and has taught some basics of musical theory to some harmonica lovers. KK promised me to visit Hyderabad this year.

KK, All HaLoH members are waiting for you to share their love.

Harmonica lover of the week Mr Anand, a retired defence personnel

During 62 year old Anand's college days in Chennai, one unknown person used to play melodies on the harmonica (not a beggar :-)) for the people at a bus stop everyday at a particular time. That harmonica player inspired Mr Anand to pick up harmonica. 20 years ago, he recorded two instrumental cassettes on his favorite tower harmonica. Shortly, we will share those numbers with you. With the increasing age and responsibilities Mr Anand hardly touched the harmonica but after seeing the enthusiasm of HaLoH, he wants to revamp his harmonica. Though he never played for years, he agreed to play a number for us. Watch this video and encourage this harmonica lover.

Sandy’s journey with HaLoH begins

This sunday, 10 harmonica lovers attended the meeting at Indira Park, Hyderabad. A new face graced the occasion. He is Mr sandeep Bhagerwal, a software engineer who learnt about HaLoH through internet. Sandy is seen playing love theme from the movie Sholay on his tower harmonica.

HaLoH welcomes Sandy.

The Palace of Harmonicas: Live life King Size

I'd like to express my deepest thanks to Rajah of Pithapuram (ROP) Shri RVMR Ratna Rao for his love and affection towards me during my recent visit to their palace in Pithapuram. I thought I would take this opportunity to tell you a little bit about him, and share a few videos and photos I took. Just wanted to share with you the exciting (for me, anyway!) experience.

As some of you know, Pithapuram is a historical place in AP which was ruled by the grand fathers of existing Rajah Shri Ratnarao for centuries. Few colleges like Pithapuram RajahGovt College,Kakinada and Rangaraaya medical college, Kakinada were donated by them.

I was delighted when I was invited by him to their palace. I was very much curious to visit the palace not only to see the antiques, riffles but harmonicas as well. Yes… to see the grand collection of harmonicas.

As soon as I entered the palace, ROP had offered water and a soap to wash my hands. I told, “Sir I just finished my breakfast!” ROP answered with smile: Please wash your hands to have a musical feast and there was a beautifully carved leather pouch in front of me. I thought it could be a pistol, because collecting riffles and guns is one of his hobbies. ROP asked me to open the pouch and to my surprise it was a harmonica (SUZUKI SCT-128). No doubt it’s quite expensive to own. It’s a combination of chromatic and tremolo harmonicas built in a single body. ROP asked me to inaugurate it by playing because it arrived just a few days ago. I felt like a harmonica virtuoso at that moment :-P and thanks to ROP for honoring me in such a way.

His Harmonica collection comprises more than 100 premium class harmonicas like Hohner Super Chromonicas 270 in all scales, 30years old Larry Addler, 280, Super 64x, Marine band deluxe set, Special 20s set, Meister class, Cross harp MS, SUZUKI-total sets of Firebreath, Bluesharp, Folkmaster, Overdrive300, Manji, Harpmaster, Pipe humming harmonica, SCX chromatic in all scales, SCX-64, Gregory Marett, SCT-124 harmonicas etc. Apart from harmonicas, he is also a proud owner of Roland Fantom-G8 Music Workstation(keyboard) worth 2.25 lacs and a Gold plated Gibson Les Paul custom guitar which he purchased and received directly from the hands of (Late) Mr Les Paul who is the founder of Gibson guitar company during his visit to USA in early 90s. After seeing all harmonicas I could not resist myself asking a question: “Sir, what is your favorite harmonica?” Immediately, he went to his bedroom and brought a 56 years old Hohner Marine Band 10 hole diatonic harmonica which was gifted to him (on his persuasion) by his uncle when he was just 6years old in Madras (Chennai). That’s how harmonica entered in his life at avery tender age.

Then, began our musical session. ROP is a great fan of Hendrix , Mark Knopler and Eagles a great classical guitarist, lyricist and a composer. We feel proud of him because he is a harmonica lover too.

You’ll love to watch two videos of ROP which I shot at Pithapuram

I hope ROP don't mind me posting this video here for others to enjoy. Of course, if I receive any objections, I'll take it straight down.

It was 3 0 clock then. Both of us were hungry and ROP offered me a great lunch with all my favorite non veg. dishes. The dining table was bigger than my master bedroom :-P

ROP and I enjoyed my visit to their Palace and would like to go there again but along with all HaLoH members!