Niloy Ahsan - Breathing Raga '2024

Tracks list

Niloy Ahsan is one of the foremost Dhrupad vocalists of his generation, having
studied under tutelage of the renowned Gundecha Brothers and Ustad Wasifuddin
Dagar.

As part of the illustrious Dagar lineage, which spans 21 generations with roots
tracing back to Swami Haridas in the 15th century, Niloy is a master of the Alap
- characterized by a sophisticated, subtle, and serene presentation that
meticulously explores the microtonal nuances, delicately unveiling the
intricacies of the raga - elements often overlooked or lost in other musical
forms.

On Breathing Raga, Niloy offers a rendition of Raag Bhairav, an early morning
Raag known for its immense aesthetic depth, its sound symbolizing the drowsy,
wandering state of early morning around sunrise.

The single Bhairav (Bandish) is a composition with a deep legacy in the Dagar
lineage, having been sung or recorded by all the senior maestros of the Gharana.
Set to a 10-beat rhythmic cycle known as Sadra, it encapsulates the essence of
Lord Shiva. The theme of the composition revolves around the description of Lord
Shiva, reflecting upon the infinite nature of existence, as the word "Shiva"
signifies 'That which is not.'

“Music holds profound importance in my life,” explains Niloy.
“It allows me to authentically and genuinely convey my deepest experiences
as I sing. As a human being, I find that I can express myself most effectively
through music, surpassing the limitations of speaking or writing, or any other
medium.”

“Singing, to me, serves as a powerful method of maintaining health,
activity, consciousness, and strength in life. In particular, my discipline of
music, Dhrupad, encourages deep breath control while singing, ensuring that the
entire body is engaged in the act of exhaling or vocalizing. This practice
consciously activates all singing registers, spanning from the base of the spine
to the crown of the head, making it a profound yogic experience for me.”

“Moreover, music serves as a conduit for exploring profound questions
about life, the universe, and my personal emotions. It allows me to delve into
the intricate layers of emotions, associating myself with different feelings and
expressions. Witnessing these deep-seated emotions materialize into sound brings
me immense joy and fulfillment. Ultimately, music isn't just a part of my
life—it is life itself. It defines who I am and encapsulates my
essence.”

Niloy's family originated from the village of Gouripur in what was once East
Bengal (now Bangladesh), once a renowned center for Indian classical music. This
vibrant hub nurtured legendary maestros such as Ustad Allauddin Khan, Ustad
Inayat Khan, Ustad Dabir Khan, Pandit Birendra Kishore Roy Chowdhury, and many
more, who either resided there or frequented its musical circles. His father
inherited his musical legacy from this rich milieu and remains a skilled
vocalist to this day.

The album is named Breathing Raga for the Dhrupad style, which, despite being
revered as one of the oldest musical forms in India, remains remarkably
contemporary due to its focus on breathing. Breath, inherently tied to the
present moment, infuses Dhrupad with a timeless quality, perpetually rooted in
the 'Now'.

Breathing Raga establishes Niloy Ahsan as one of the leading Dhrupad musicians
of his generation, and stands as a testament to the depth and intricacy of the
tradition. This sublime rendition of Bhairav is sure to be enjoyed by lovers of
introspective music the world over. 

Tracklist:
1.01 - Niloy Ahsan - Bhairav (Vilambit) (18:01) 
1.02 - Niloy Ahsan - Bhairav (Madhya) (12:03) 
1.03 - Niloy Ahsan - Bhairav (Drut) (17:33) 
1.04 - Niloy Ahsan - Bhairav (Bandish) (11:57)

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