Dhammar Vol. 1 | GAAYATRI - Raag Bhimpalasi (Eri Mana Legayori)

GAAYATRI is a trained Indian Classical Hindustani vocalist. She hails from the Rampur Maihar-Senia Gharana, having trained under the Late Ustad Ali Akbar Khan from the age of 4. GAAYATRI is the first pure vocalist of this lineage of music since the time of Mian Tansen’s daughter Saraswati in the 16th century. She was trained extensively by her Guru to represent this rare vocal music in its most authentic form, which has been stewarded thus far by the great instrumentalists of the Maihar gharana. She had the fortunate of singing for Smt. Annapoorna Devi, and receiving her blessing that her presentation is authentic to the tradition and lineage of music taught by Ustad Allauddin Khan. GAAYATRI’s repertoire consists of Dhrupad, Khyaal, Tarana, Light Classical, and Regional Folk sung in this unique Maihar vocal style. The Gayaki is characterized by integrated Dhrupad, Khyaal, and Beenkar elements in the elaboration, with an overarching emphasis on tonal purity.

Dhammar is a special genre of Hindustani music where the compositions set to the Taala of the same name. Dhammar compositions can be elaborated in both Dhrupad style and Khyaal style ways. Each composition is unique lending to a distinct blend of elaboration specifically suited for the context of the piece. Many Dhammar compositions come from the time of Swami Haridas in Braj Bhoomi inspired by the Leela of Lord Krishna. These pieces are still sung today in Mathura and Vrindavan by specially trained Dhrupadiyas of the Mathura Gharana who to this day sing almost exclusively for temple or Haveli ritual Puja ceremonies. These are very rare never before recorded pieces passed down through centuries of musicians from the 16th century now shared publicly for the very first time.

Raag: Bhimpalasi
Aaroh/Avaroh: nSgmPnS SnDPmgRS
Pakad: nSm, gmPnDP, mgRS
Samay: Prahar 4, 3pm-6pm
Jati: Aurav-Sampuran
Thaat: Kafi
Vadi/Samvadi: m/S

Vocal: GAAYATRI
Sarangi: Satwinder Pal Singh
Jori: Mehar-Jot Singh
Recorded, Mixed, & Mastered by: Mujic Studios
Video Animation: Mujic Studios
Distributed by: Rajalaskhmi Records

Fondly dedicated to my Grandfather, Sri Venkatarao Ganti who brought our whole family to Hindustani music, and brought me to my Guru. This is a tribute to his unwavering support and encouragement for my music throughout my entire life.