Coke Studio .. A great way of fusion

Hi All,

I was reading news in Maharashtra times and came across the name "Coke Studio", checked that thing and was surprised to see actually a Music program, a good music program on MTV. Ha ha, yup I just think that MTV is all shows like Jersey Shore from US to Rodies from India. But this was a pleasant surprise ! The main program started in Brazil as Coca cola studio (as stated on Wiki of Coke studio India) but I could not find any links for it .. Leave it .. So the journey started in Brazil and continued to the Pakistan .. Yah it's Coke studio season 4 in Pakistan now.

Mr. Rohail Hyatt produced the Coke studio in Pakistan. It started in 2008 and continuing successfully till date. They started with Strings, Ali Zafar, Ali Azamat and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. These were well known artists but they also added some not so known singers. While the popularity of the program increased, in subsequent seasons they invited Abeeda Parween also. The best singer I found out on this was Arif Lohar.



Producer did some good jam sessions and also gave chance to meet sufi singers with the pop stars and combine the melody. They had a nice house band. They achieved to keep the band on the background and highlight the singing talent. I have to give here some of the great performances.



This great concept acquired in India and started the Coke studio India. Music is directed by Leslie Lewis. You must be knowing him from the Colonial Cousins, his band with Hari Haran. The format is somewhat similar to Pakistani show but changed in sense that Jam sessions are having two or more artists. They are singing folk songs from east, west, south and north. So a Punjabi song is mixed with a Carnatic classical song by Bombay Jayshree. This is a good format as considering wide spread folk music in India. But in many sessions I found out that the music of band was overpowering the singers. If the Leslie could get over it, it's going to be a great effort.

  

Singers, you know are very talented like Shaan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Bombay Jayshree, Shankar Mahadevan, KK, and Kailash Kher. But I liked some of new voices for me: Richa Sharma , Wadali Brothers. So again giving some good songs I wish good luck for Coke studio team and wish that they will provide us more and more great music in future.

Sherlock

Hi all,

Today I am going to write about the personality who doesn't need any introduction. I think you must have read or heard this name at least once in your life, the name is Sherlock Holmes ! The great detective, brainchild of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle residing at 221 B, Baker Street, London. His father published his first story in 1887 and after more than hundred years, he is still alive with his fans and followers.

I guess everybody will be saying we know about this and we have read about it. Recently I came across the British television series from 1984 "Sherlock Holmes" in which actor Jeremy Brett portrayed the legendary detective. And according to me he was very successful in that. I read several stories. Started from my childhood in Marathi and now the original ones on kindle. I think Jeremy Brett has done a marvelous job. He shows the intensity and intelligence of Holmes' character with great details. I would certainly recommend to watch the series which is very close to the narration of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Just one concern that Jeremy sometimes look old for the stories in the early age of Sherlock when he was around 30 years old. Oh one tip - some parts are available on youtube and you can find it on netflix also. Yup buying DVD is a great option too.

Another series I came across was Sherlock. It is kind of rebooting the series what they call with hollywood flicks. But this is a complete new series which takes place in the current London with the Sherlock living in 2010. Authors based their stories on the actual stories of Sherlock Holmes but made them modern. I liked Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock as his age matches with the Sherlock's age. This is a great series. I did not find it on youtute but still watch it. Yup and for UK ppl, it's going to return in the 2011 so you can watch it on BBC.

And for the fans of Robert Downy Jr. trailer of Sherlock Holmes 2.

 


So stay alert and watch your steps as Holmes follows you !!!