Rare Budhaditya Mukherjee 1982 'Enchanting Hour...'

Here is a rare 1982 Budhaditya Mukherjee LP. The vinyl is in great shape and sounds pretty clean. I'm not sure why EMI put an hour of recording on one LP... On vinyl, the quality diminishes the closer the stylus goes towards the middle of the LP, because the same amount of information is being squashed into a smaller space... I often ponder over how Indian music is actually completely not suited to LP - which prefers loud music at the start and quiet music at the end, however Indian Classical performances are the complete opposite - starting with quiet intimate Alap and growing with intensity towards a climax at the end. This usually isn't a problem when the recording is kept to around 16-17 minutes but 30 minutes per side is really uncommon. Anyway, enough of my analysis - a nice LP - enjoy!!! Feel free to join in discussion or musings about Budhaditya.

Label: EMI ‎– G/ECSD 41506

Tracks:
A1 - Raga Yaman Kalyan
B1 - Raga Bhopali
B2 - Raga Tilak Kamod

FLAC unaltered

FLAC cleaned

MP3 320kbps cleaned

Digitised with: Project Essential II Turntable, Ortofon Red Stylus, recorded as WAV 16/48 in Audacity and saved unaltered (apart from track separation/info tags) as FLAC, and then separately edited with: Clickrepair (low settings) then slight reduction on surface noise + normalised to -1.5db in Audacity and exported as FLAC and MP3 320kbps.

Ali Akbar Khan 1982 'The Soul Of The Sarod'

Here is a 1982 LP of AAK. A nice listen - fairly clean recording. I'm not a huge fan of the standard practise throughout the LP era of separating the Tabla on the left channel and the Sarod or other instrument on the right... On this LP - separation has been done on side A, but Side B is centred? To add some consistency I've centred the Sarod more on Side A (on the cleaned version), which I think sounds a lot better.

Label: Oriental Records ‎– BGRP 1041

Tracks:
A - Rag Lalit
B - Tilak Kamod With Ragmala

FLAC unaltered

FLAC cleaned

MP3 320kbps cleaned

Digitised with: Project Essential II Turntable, Ortofon Red Stylus, recorded as WAV 16/48 in Audacity and saved unaltered (apart from track separation/info tags) as FLAC, and then separately edited with: Clickrepair (low settings) then slight reduction on surface noise + normalised to -1.5db in Audacity and exported as FLAC and MP3 320kbps.

Rare Shivkumar Sharma, Zakir Hussain 1982 '...When Time Stood Still!'

Hi friends. Here is another treat from Shivkumar Sharma, this is a hard to find double LP from a live performance in Bombay 1981. The quality is very good. I know half of this recording is available in digital format on Saregama's site as part of Shivkumar Sharma 'the Complete Works'... But here is the full thing! The back cover and inner gatefold pics aren't so great because they are super reflective... I've only edited the front picture to get the reflections away. What a great opportunity it is to have an extended recording of one Raga!

Label: EMI S/EMGE 12508/9

Tracks:
A - Kaunsi Kanhra (Alap, Jod)
B - Kaunsi Kanhra (Jod, Jhala, Gat in Roopak)
C - Kaunsi Kanhra (Gat in Madhyalaya & Drut Tritaal)
D - Mishra Kafi Dhun and Ragamala

FLAC unaltered

FLAC cleaned

MP3 320kbps cleaned

Digitised with: Project Essential II Turntable, Ortofon Red Stylus, recorded as WAV 16/48 in Audacity and saved unaltered (apart from track separation/info tags) as FLAC, and then separately edited with: Clickrepair (low settings) then slight reduction on surface noise + normalised to -1.5db in Audacity and exported as FLAC and MP3 320kbps.

Rare Shivkumar Sharma 1967 'Shivkumar Sharma'

Here is a very rare LP - Shivkumar Sharma's first from 1967. I couldn't believe my eyes when I found this in my local store for $30. It's still in pretty good shape, but there is wear, lots of crackles and surface noise. This was released as a special edition on CD by Saregama, however the CD is not so easy to get a hold of and I don't know the quality. There is a fairly good digital version of side A on Saregama as part of 'Shivkumar Sharma's Complete Works' (IF you can find it - many of the names aren't labelled adequately, aren't in order and don't refer to the original release album...).

Label: His Master's Voice ‎– ECLP 2346

Tracks:
A1 - Raga Lalit (Gat in Jhaptal &Teental)
A2 - Dhun in Bhairavi (Keherwa)
B1 - Raga Kalawati (Gat in Teental)
B2 - Dhun in Pahadi

FLAC unaltered

FLAC cleaned

MP3 320kbps cleaned

Digitised with: Project Essential II Turntable, Ortofon Red Stylus, recorded as WAV 16/48 in Audacity and saved unaltered (apart from track separation/info tags) as FLAC, and then separately edited with: Clickrepair (low settings) then slight reduction on surface noise + normalised to -1.5db in Audacity and exported as FLAC and MP3 320kbps.

Kartick Kumar 1978 'Ritu Samhaar (Thirty-One Sitar Concerto)'

Here is a 1979 Japanese pressing of Kartick Kumar's 1978 LP featuring an orchestra of 31 sitars. Quite an interesting sound - it's quite rare to have so many sitars playing together. There is an LP by Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan from 1968 'Sitar Quintet' which I enjoyed a lot. The recording is pretty clean. A nice LP! Sorry I forgot all my high school Japanese so can't do any translation!

Label: Philips ‎– 6405 642

Tracks:
A1 - Grishma (Summer)
A2 - Varsha (Monsoon)
A3 - Sharad (Post-Monsoon)
B1 - Hemant (Autumn)
B2 - Shishir (Winter)
B3 - Vasant (Spring)

FLAC unaltered

FLAC cleaned

MP3 320kbps cleaned

Digitised with: Project Essential II Turntable, Ortofon Red Stylus, recorded as WAV 16/48 in Audacity and saved unaltered (apart from track separation/info tags) as FLAC, and then separately edited with: Clickrepair (low settings) then slight reduction on surface noise + normalised to -1.5db in Audacity and exported as FLAC and MP3 320kbps.

Ali Akbar Khan 1982 'Halfmoon'

Here is a 1982 live recording of AAK. The recording pretty good quality. I know that Malashri is rarely performed (because it's only three notes...) I'm not going to pretend I wouldn't have rather heard side B as Chhayanat extended in Gat - however I did enjoy hearing something unique (AAK trying to make a tri-chord sexy for 25 minutes...).

Label: Metalanguage ‎– ML 122

Tracks:
A - Rag Chhayanat (Alap)
B - Rag Malashri (Gat)

FLAC unaltered

FLAC cleaned

MP3 320kbps cleaned

Digitised with: Project Essential II Turntable, Ortofon Red Stylus, recorded as WAV 16/48 in Audacity and saved unaltered (apart from track separation/info tags) as FLAC, and then separately edited with: Clickrepair (low settings) then slight reduction on surface noise + normalised to -1.5db in Audacity and exported as FLAC and MP3 320kbps.

Ali Akbar Khan 1965 'Raga Miyan Ki Todi, Raga Zilla-Kafi'

Here is a 1965 pressing of Ali Akbar Khan. Like the other LPs released around this time, the recording isn't great... The quieter sounds seems to cut off like a bad filter. I have heard the digital version on Saregama, but like usual, the LP sounds much better. The vinyl looks new, so maybe the original recording and/or the pressings weren't manufactured well. But still definitely worth a listen! I love this cover art as well.

Label: His Master's Voice ‎– EASD 1290

Tracks:
A - Raga Miyan Ki Todi
B - Raga Zilla-Kafi

FLAC unaltered

FLAC cleaned

MP3 320kbps cleaned

Digitised with: Project Essential II Turntable, Ortofon Red Stylus, recorded as WAV 16/48 in Audacity and saved unaltered (apart from track separation/info tags) as FLAC, and then separately edited with: Clickrepair (low settings) then slight reduction on surface noise + normalised to -1.5db in Audacity and exported as FLAC and MP3 320kbps.

Rare Imrat Khan ‎1972 'At The Playhouse - Recorded Live 19th June 1972'

Hi friends. I've been concentrating recently on re-transferring all my original posts from January to provide you with 16/48 WAVs and great sounding cleaned files. So here is something new! A special treat for Imrat Khan fans. I haven't been able to locate any digital copies of this or any CD releases. This LP was released in the UK. The recording was done in the Playhouse, it's not too shabby, just a bit quiet. I amplified some of the speaking at the start of track one and three.

Label: Merseyside Arts Association ‎– MAA 1

Tracks:
A1 - Raga Jhinjhoti
B1 - Raga Malkauns
B2 - Raga Bhopali

FLAC unaltered

FLAC cleaned

MP3 320kbps cleaned

Digitised with: Project Essential II Turntable, Ortofon Red Stylus, recorded as WAV 16/48 in Audacity and saved unaltered (apart from track separation/info tags) as FLAC, and then separately edited with: Clickrepair (low settings) then slight reduction on surface noise + normalised to -1.5db in Audacity and exported as FLAC and MP3 320kbps.

Ali Akbar Khan 1966 'Raga Durga, Dhun in Khamaj'

[Re-post and Re-transfer with WAVs]

This vinyl was released in India in 1966 in Stereo. It was also pressed in the UK under the 'Music of India Series no. 5. The version I have is the UK pressing that I acquired this year. I like the original LP cover, which is fully white and has the same picture of Ali Akbar - but I prefer purchasing original US/UK pressings over Indian pressings if available, as I find they are usually a better quality. The Music of India Series itself is interesting and features several popular names such as Ravi Shankar / Bismillah Khan and Vilayat Khan. I have heard a digital version of this LP from Saregama, but it was pretty bad... no surprise. Both these ragas have a major sounding (happy) tonality. Enjoy!

Label: His Master's Voice ‎- EASD 1310 (India) / ASD 2367 (UK) & Odeon - SMOAE 141

Tracks:
A - Raga Durga
B - Dhun In Khamaj

WAV unaltered 16/48

WAV cleaned 16/48

MP3 cleaned 320kbps

Digitised with: Project Essential II Turntable, Ortofon Red Stylus, recorded as WAV 16/48 in Audacity and saved unaltered (apart from track separation/info tags) as WAV 16/48, and then separately edited with: Clickrepair (low settings) then slight reduction on surface noise + normalised to -1.5db in Audacity and exported as WAV 16/48 and MP3 320kbps.

Ali Akbar Khan 1967 'Pre-Dawn To Sunrise Ragas'

[Re-post and Re-transfer with WAVs]

Here is another great recording of the Sarod Master Ali Akbar Khan. This LP was released in the USA in 1967. Connoisseur Society released many Ali Akbar Khan LPs throughout the 60s and 70s and all of them are wonderful. Fortunately several of Connoisseur Society's recordings were remastered in the 90s and re-released on CD as the 'Signature Series Vol 1-5'. This LP album was not however on these volumes. This LP in my collection is the Japanese pressing on the Philips label. I try to by Japanese pressings whenever I can because of the reputation for high quality.

Label: Connoisseur Society - CS 1967 (this version: Philips - SFX-7676)

Tracks:
A - Raga Bairagi 20:32
B - Raga Aheer Bhairow 21:13

WAV unaltered 16/48

WAV cleaned 16/48

MP3 cleaned 320kbps

Digitised with: Project Essential II Turntable, Ortofon Red Stylus, recorded as WAV 16/48 in Audacity and saved unaltered (apart from track separation/info tags) as WAV 16/48, and then separately edited with: Clickrepair (low settings) then slight reduction on surface noise + normalised to -1.5db in Audacity and exported as WAV 16/48 and MP3 320kbps.

Ali Akbar Khan 1966 'Morning and Evening Ragas'

[Re-post and Re-transfer with WAVs]

Today is a special treat! This LP was released in the USA in 1966. It is one of my favourites and a beautiful recording. It was digitised in 2011 by 'Sinetone AMR', however I have heard this MP3 version on the American iTunes store and was disappointed with the quality. This led me to buy a copy of the original LP from the US.

Connoisseur Society released many Ali Akbar Khan LPs throughout the 60s and 70s and all of them are wonderful. Furthermore, the quality of these particular LPs by Connoiseur Society is really great. Fortunately several of Connoisseur Society's recordings were remastered on the AMMP label in the 90s and re-released on CD. This LP album was not however part of these 'Signature Series' volumes.

Make sure you read the notes on the back cover, pretty detailed!

Label: Connoisseur Society - CM 1766

Tracks:
A - Goojjari Todi (Morning Raga) - Dhammar Tala (14 beats) and Jhaptal (10 beats)
B - Misra Mand (Evening Raga) - Kaharwa Tala (8 beats) and fast Tintal (16 beats)

WAV unaltered 16/48

WAV cleaned 16/48

MP3 cleaned 320kbps

Digitised with: Project Essential II Turntable, Ortofon Red Stylus, recorded as WAV 16/48 in Audacity and saved unaltered (apart from track separation/info tags) as WAV 16/48, and then separately edited with: Clickrepair (low settings) then slight reduction on surface noise + normalised to -1.5db in Audacity and exported as WAV 16/48 and MP3 320kbps.

Ali Akbar Khan 1965 'Raga Multani & Hindol-Hem'

[Re-post and Re-transfer with WAVs]

Here is a 1965 LP by Ali Akbar Khan, released in India in Mono and Stereo. This LP has been digitised in Mono by Saregama (a primary Indian music label - formerly 'The Gramophone Company of India Limited', however like a lot of Saregama digitisations, was done pretty poorly! I acquired this LP last year after deciding the digital version I was listening to was not good enough. Indeed the LP sounds so much better and I'm happy to share.

Label: His Master's Voice ‎- EALP1301

Tracks:
A - Raga: Multani
B - Raga: Hindol-Hem

WAV unaltered 16/48

WAV cleaned 16/48

MP3 cleaned 320kbps

Digitised with: Project Essential II Turntable, Ortofon Red Stylus, recorded as WAV 16/48 in Audacity and saved unaltered (apart from track separation/info tags) as WAV 16/48, and then separately edited with: Clickrepair (low settings) then slight reduction on surface noise + normalised to -1.5db in Audacity and exported as WAV 16/48 and MP3 320kbps.

Ali Akbar Khan 1964 'Raga Prabhakali / Kaushi Bhairavi'

[Re-post and Re-transfer with WAVs]

Yet another 1964 India release in Stereo. This is another lovely LP that to my knowledge was never digitised or re-released. I acquired this last year, and was allured by the beautiful cover art. The original recording quality is a bit dull, but was probably done several years before the pressings were even made. Unfortunately there is a strange hiss at around 10:30 on the first track which lasts for a minute and a half. I have heard that other versions of this also have the hiss so I think it is a fault in the recording...

Label: His Master's Voice ‎- EALP1286 and Odeon - MOAE145

Tracks:
A - Raga Prabhakali
B - Raga Kaushi Bhairavi

WAV unaltered 16/48

WAV cleaned 16/48

MP3 cleaned 320kbps

Digitised with: Project Essential II Turntable, Ortofon Red Stylus, recorded as WAV 16/48 in Audacity and saved unaltered (apart from track separation/info tags) as WAV 16/48, and then separately edited with: Clickrepair (low settings) then slight reduction on surface noise + normalised to -1.5db in Audacity and exported as WAV 16/48 and MP3 320kbps.

Ali Akbar Khan 1964 'North Indian Master Of The Sarod'

[Re-post and Re-transfer with WAVs]

This vinyl was released in the US in 1964 as a Mono and a Stereo version. I'm not aware of any remastered versions or re-releases. Another digitised copy of this LP was also posted on 'oriental-traditional-music.blogspot.com.au', however that file also has a bit of surface noise. Overall a lovely performance by Ali Akbar Khan (as always) with some lovely call-response or 'imitation' between the sarod and tabla towards the last halves of both sides.

Label: World Pacific WPS-21433

Tracks:
A1 - Raga Darbari Kanara (Evening Raga) Alap 9:55
A2 - First Gat In Raga Misra Mand (Jor) / Tala Kaharwa 8 Beats (Jhala) / Second Gat In Tal Chachar 14 Beats 12:40

B1 - Raga Basant Mookhari (Morning Raga) Alap 9:40
B2 - Slow Gat In Tintal 16 Beats (Jor) / Fast Gat In Tintal 16 Beats (Jhala) 13:21

WAV unaltered 16/48

WAV cleaned 16/48

MP3 cleaned 320kbps

Digitised with: Project Essential II Turntable, Ortofon Red Stylus, recorded as WAV 16/48 in Audacity and saved unaltered (apart from track separation/info tags) as WAV 16/48, and then separately edited with: Clickrepair (low settings) then slight reduction on surface noise + normalised to -1.5db in Audacity and exported as WAV 16/48 and MP3 320kbps.

Ali Akbar Khan 1977 'Raga Malayalam'

Here is an Ali Akbar Khan LP from 1977. This LP was posted on oriental-traditional-music blogspot in 2011, but only as MP3. Here is my version in lossless format. Raga Malayalam is another Raga composed by Ali Akbar and dedicated to his mother 'Malaya' and father 'Alam'. Malayalam is a morning melody derived from traditional ragas Megh, Asavari, Kukubh Bilawal and Tilang.

Label: His Master's Voice ‎– ECSD 2548

Tracks:
A - Raga: Malayalam - Alap
B - Raga: Malayalam - Gat: Vilambit & Drut: Trital

WAV 16/48 unaltered

WAV 16/48 cleaned

MP3 320kbps cleaned

Digitised with: Project Essential II Turntable, Ortofon Red Stylus, recorded as WAV 16/48 in Audacity and saved unaltered (apart from track separation/info tags) as WAV 16/48, and then separately edited with: Clickrepair (low settings) then slight reduction on surface noise + normalised to -1.5db in Audacity and exported as WAV 16/48 and MP3 320kbps.

Rare Shobha Joshi 1986 'In a Classical Mood'

Here is a 1986 LP of Shobha Joshi. I had not heard of her before finding this LP. I could also not find any other copies of this available online or digitised. 'Shobha Joshi comes of a cultured family. She took to singing even as a young school girl. Realising her artistic potential, her parents encouraged her in her pursuits. She has learnt classical and light classical music from many eminent mentors, who include such veterans as Dr. Prabha Atre, Agashe Buva, Yeshwantbuva Joshi, Manik Verma and Niwrutti Buva Sarnaik, all classicists Eminent composers like Gajanan Watwe, Ram Phatak and Yeshwant Deo imbibed in her the fineries of light music'.

Label: Music India ‎– 2394 881

Tracks:
A1 - Raga Charukeshi
B1 - Raga Bahar
B2 - Thumri - Kanha Karat Manmani

WAV 16/48 unaltered

WAV 16/48 cleaned

MP3 320kbps cleaned

RAGA CHARUKESHI: This is a charming "raga" of Carnatic origin, now adapted to the Hindustani tradition with a few variations. The melody now enjoys tremendous popularity among North Indian vocalists and instrumentalists alike. The artiste renders the "raga" first in a composition in slow tempo ("Vilambit") set to "Ektal" of twelve beats ("Matras"), and then in a .fast tempo ("Drut") number set to "Trital" of sixteen beats ("Matras") Both the songs and their tunes have been composed by her eminent mentor, Prabha Atre.

RAGA BAHAR: This is one of the ancient but most popular "ragas" associated with the Spring season. Rendered towards midnight, it has a bright, colourful character, depicting the mood of the season. The presentation is heard here in a fast-tempo ("Drut") composition in "Ektal" of twelve beats ("Matras").

THUMRI: This is also sensitive lyric composed by Prabha Atre. Cast in the "Thumri" style, the tune, also composed by her, evokes the emotion contained in the song. It is set to "Deepchandi Tal" of fourteen beats ("Matras").

Digitised with: Project Essential II Turntable, Ortofon Red Stylus, recorded as WAV 16/48 in Audacity and saved unaltered (apart from track separation/info tags) as WAV 16/48, and then separately edited with: Clickrepair (low settings) then slight reduction on surface noise + normalised to -1.5db in Audacity and exported as WAV 16/48 and MP3 320kbps.

Rare Sharan Rani 1963 'Sarod Solo'

Hey friends. I'm pleased to share this rare 1963 Indian LP of Sharan Rani. I have only ever heard bad versions of this from different Saregama sources. A fairly good result with this vinyl, but I feel like the actual recording was a bit quiet on the LP, not as much clarity as I want and bass from the tabla, but oh well... I'm sure you will enjoy anyway! It's the best version you will probably hear online (please prove me wrong if you have a copy and would like to share!!!) I love Sharan Rani and find her playing very exiting. Most of her few LPs that were pressed are very rare, apart from the 1962 'The Music of India' (World Pacific 1418), which had many re-releases.

Label: His Master's Voice ‎– ECLP 2283

Tracks:
A - Raga Darbari Kanada (Alap & Gat in Teentaal)
B - Raga Nat Bhairav (Gat in Roopak Taal)

WAV 16/48 unaltered

WAV 16/48 cleaned

MP3 320kbps cleaned

Digitised with: Project Essential II Turntable, Ortofon Red Stylus, recorded as WAV 16/48 in Audacity and saved unaltered (apart from track separation/info tags) as WAV 16/48, and then separately edited with: Clickrepair (low settings) then slight reduction on surface noise + normalised to -1.0db in Audacity and exported as WAV 16/48 and MP3 320kbps.

Rare Amjad Ali Khan 1968 'Music Of The Monsoon'

[Re-post and New Transfer - better cleaned version + FLACs]

Here is another rare LP released in India in 1968. I'm pretty sure this recording was never commercially digitised or re-released. I was fortunate to find a clean copy in great condition.. much worth it - despite costing a lot of money! These LPs only pop up sporadically and I have to be lucky to find them in good condition.

About the raga: "One of the most popular rag-s of the malhar family, Miyan ki malhar or Miya malhar is supposedly a creation of the legendary Miyan Tansen and patronised by the great Emperor Akbar. Many interesting anecdotes are woven around this rag because of its association with the rainy season, and the texts of vocal compositions include descriptions of rain, thunder, clouds and lightning..."

Label: His Master's Voice - EALP 1330

Tracks:
A Raga Mian Ki Malhar
B Raga Mian Ki Malhar (Continued)

FLAC unaltered

FLAC cleaned

MP3 cleaned

Digitised with: Project Essential II Turntable, Ortofon Red Stylus, recorded as WAV 16/48 in Audacity and saved unaltered (apart from track separation/info tags) as FLAC 16 Highest Level 8, and then separately edited with: Clickrepair (low settings) then slight reduction on surface noise + normalised to -1.5db in Audacity and exported as FLAC Highest Level 8 and MP3 320kbps.

Ali Akbar Khan 1964 'Raga Pahadi-Jhinzoti, Raga Mishra-Shivranjani'

[Re-post and new transfer from the January post of this LP]

This vinyl was released in the India in 1964 as a Stereo LP. This record is possible to track down, however was never digitised (to my knowledge), making it valuable and an important part of my preservation efforts. The record looks in very good condition, but the quality of the actual recording sounds a bit sub-standard. If anyone else has a copy of this, please let me know if it sounds the same!

Label: His Master's Voice ‎– EALP 1281

Tracks:
A Raga Pahadi-Jhinzoti - Bilampat Teen Taal
B Raga MIshra-Shivranjani - Roopak, Drut - Teen Taal

FLAC unaltered

FLAC cleaned
MP3 cleaned

Digitised with: Project Essential II Turntable, Ortofon Red Stylus, recorded as WAV 16/48 in Audacity and saved unaltered (apart from track separation/info tags) as FLAC 16 Highest Level 8, and then separately edited with: Clickrepair (low settings) then slight reduction on surface noise + normalised to -1.5db in Audacity and exported as FLAC Highest Level 8 and MP3 320kbps.

Rare Amjad Ali Khan 1967 'Amjad Ali Khan'

Here is Amjad Ali Khan's first LP from 1967. It is possible to find a copy, but still fairly rare. Saregama have re-released the tracks, but you have to hunt for them and their digitisation of track 2 is low quality. Enjoy!

Label: His Master's Voice - EALP 1316 & Odeon S/MOAE. 185

Tracks:
A1 - Raga Desh (Slow And Fast Gats In Teental)
B1 - Raga Kiranranjani (Alap And Gat In Rupak Tala)
B2 - Dhun In Bhairavi

FLAC unaltered

FLAC cleaned

MP3 cleaned

Digitised with: Project Essential II Turntable, Ortofon Red Stylus, recorded as WAV 16/48 in Audacity and saved unaltered (apart from track separation/info tags) as FLAC 16 Highest Level 8, and then separately edited with: Clickrepair (low settings) then slight reduction on surface noise + normalised to -1.5db in Audacity and exported as FLAC Highest Level 8 and MP3 320kbps.