Coke Studio Episode 02 Reviewed By Umber Hyatt

Eastern classical music is an exacting science with an ancient history and a noble lineage. The art-form’s legendary Knowledge is steeped in mystery and shrouded in secrecy. It is due, in part, to the tradition of concealment and the arcane beliefs associated with it that the fusion of Eastern classical music with any other music is a rare and often controversial occurrence. Courageously stepping out from an environment where the mere mention of fusion can instigate a heated debate, Ustaad Hussain Bakhsh Gullu accepted the many challenges that Coke Studio had to offer.

The head of the famous Pattiala Family, Ustaad Gullu first met with Bilal Maqsood and Faisal Kapadia on the set of Coke Studio and soon found himself to be in surroundings that he could comfortably identify with - the environment of serious music and professional musicians. Himself a product of early training in classical music, Faisal Kapadia assumed the role of spokesman and within a surprisingly short time Faisal, Bilal and the Ustaad had struck up an easy rapport.

This session, the musical collaboration of Ustaad Hussain Baksh Gullu and Strings, has fundamentally profound implications. It transcends the visual and musical synergy of fusion, and bridges not just a genre gap, but also a generation gap. It conveys a radical change, a paradigm shift that introduces mutual respect. This Coke Studio session silently communicates an important message - the acceptance by the traditionalist of new and evolving art forms and a respectful appreciation by modern artists of their rich and ancient musical heritage.

While Coke Studio’s Episode 1 conveyed the force of passion in music, the second session is subtle, mellow. Classical music, due to its inherently delicate nature, was the most ideally suited for experimental fusion with Strings. The music draws you in gently, inviting you to experience a more finely textured emotional palette. Reflected throughout the session is the signature Strings sweetness that is both uplifting and inspiring. This is a session that will grow on you and stay with you - it has all the ingredients of a timeless classic.

Strings played their live Coke Studio session with a combination of their concert tour band and the Coke Studio House Band and the result was strikingly different. Starting off on an innovative note, Strings reinvent their No.1 hit song “Sar Kiyae hai Pahar” for the Coke Studio sessions, incorporating the entire Eastern rhythm section in a rousing celebration of sound. The Eastern cadence of the additional percussions gives the song an entirely new and exciting flavor. Bilal sings with feeling and emotion and holds unerringly true to key on “Sar Kiyae” while the backing vocalists contribute ably to rounding off this full-bodied Coke Studio version of a familiar love song.

Next, the Coke Studio House Band shine in subdued splendor in the hypnotic fusion number, known informally as The Ustaad Jam. Visibly in awe of the maestro in their midst, the musicians perform superbly - providing the perfect backdrop against which the Ustaad can demonstrate his genius. In a voice that is both soothing and arresting Ustaad Hussain Bakhsh Gullu skillfully plucks notes from the tapestry of sound around him, effortlessly weaving his alaaps over the repetitive and deceptively simple framework of keys, drums, bass and guitars. The Jam develops subtly, building almost unnoticeably to a trancy peak, with tablas featuring prominently towards the end and Gumby getting creative with brushes. All in all, the Ustaad mesmerized his audience - and his musicians. “I felt like I could have played that forever” says rocker Omran of the experience and many from the studio audience were later heard commenting that this indeed was truly sublime fusion.

Virtual unknowns, Saba & Selina are the next surprise that Coke Studio holds in store. Debuting memorably on Coke Studio, Saba and Selina look and sound all set to be stars. Casual and lighthearted “I’m in Love (I’m a Believer)” is the only cover song to feature on Coke Studio and was originally not intended to go on-air. The song came up at one of the informal behind-the-scenes jam sessions and since it sounded good, the girls spent the afternoon rehearsing and later that evening it was professionally recorded. The result of their efforts was good; so good that the song made it to Coke Studio’s Episode 2. Although neither one of these girls is a professional vocalist their talent is impressive. Equally impressive is their courage and confidence. Even seasoned performers will tell you that they still suffer from bouts of nerves when required to perform before an audience or cameras. However, Saba and Selina kept admirable control over their nerves and one must applaud them for a great performance under what must have been extreme pressure.

Bilal follows with “Anjaane”and the Coke Studio version is invigorating, vibrant and dynamic. Between them drummer Qaiser and bassist Shakir provide a solid and punchy groove and guitarist Adeel takes this opportunity to have his moment in the limelight with a flawless solo. As always, Bilal’s vocals are refreshing and distinctively unique.

The Strings continue their Coke Studio session with an effortlessly slick version of “Zinda”. The band does a particularly brilliant job on this song - Keyboardist Haider is especially note-worthy as he boldly abandons the familiar sweet piano sound of the intro for a very retro Ray Manzarek touch at the end. Faisal is impressive vocally and does the poetic interlude beautifully, speaking with expressive inflection.

The famous title track from their second album “Duur”, was the Strings chosen song for fusion and in an inspired (and inspiring) performance, “Duur” is reborn at Coke Studio. Keeping to the traditional structure of a classical performance, the Ustaad introduces the raag with an alaap, gracefully yielding to the contemporary pattern of verse and chorus when Faisal takes over. Faisal sings with striking confidence and intelligent control, creatively leaving space for the Ustaad to embellish with poignant emotion and infinite skill. The effect is spellbinding and the atmosphere unreal. The visual interplay between Ustaad Gullu and Faisal Kapadia is captivating while the vocal collaboration is breathtaking. When the song ended to a resounding applause, a visibly emotional Faisal Kapadia embraced the Ustaad, instinctively adhering to the traditional gesture of deference. Ultimately, “Duur” was the perfect closing to a memorable session.