Raga Reflections
“Raga Reflections” is a series of Classical Music by some of the best known artistes. A ‘Raga’ is the backbone of Indian Classical Music. Each Raga has a definite shade thus differentiating one from the other. The variety of Ragas in existence are proof of the richness of Indian Classical Music

The age-old Guru-Shishya Parampara is legacy that holds a prime position in Indian Classical Music. The traditional ‘Gurumukh’ or oral translation left upon the student an indelible impression of the Guru’s style and presentation. The Guru’s teachings coupled with the disciple’s ‘Riyaaz’ and deep pondering over the Raga’s intricacies, enabled the students in turn to add their own perspective thus personalizing the Raga, with the permissible boundaries of elaboration.

Spontaneity and Improvisation are the two main factors highlighting the artiste’s caliber during a Raga presentation. That one moment of magic during a concert or a live recording, is a true reflection of the artiste’s years of effort. Every performance is like a new lease of life and no two presentations even by the same artiste are identical. The artiste’s personality, state of mind and even the kind of audience is reflected in the performance thus leaving space for the ‘Unknown’ or ‘Surprise’ element in a classical music performance.

‘Raga Reflections’ is a unique compilation of the artiste’s contribution to a particular Raga, a ‘Reflection’ of the teachings and learnings, thus immortalizing the Guru-Shishya Parampara!

A senior disciple of Sangeet Martand Pt. Jasraj of the Mewati Gharana, Girishji is a name to reckon with amongst the new generation of classical vocalists. Shri B.G. Kshirsagar and Prof. P.N. Khardenavis have also been instrumental in training Girishji who lays great emphasis on the profound virtues of traditional singing rather than mere vocal acrobatics.

Girishji has been a recipient of the Central Government Scholarship for music consecutively for three years and was also awarded Scholarship for Music from Bhulabhai Desai Memorial Institute Mumbai.

Girishji has to his credit a number of successful performances all over India and has also travelled across the globe accompanying his illustrious Guru Pt. Jasraj. Some of the prestigious platforms being-Prague Spring Festival, Czecholoslovakia; Festival Pan Asiatico Roma-Italy and various Music Festivals at – Poland, Germany, England, Kenya, Nepal and USA.

On his tour to the United States of America, in 2001 and in 2006, he was associated with the prestigious Pandit Jasraj Institute for Music Research, Artistry and Appreciation in a teaching assignment and conducted several music workshops.

As a playback singer, Girishji has lent his voice to films, ballets and operas. He is a popular ‘A’ Grade artist of the All India Radio and Doordarshan. He has had many appearances on national television too. He has been featured at many radio concerts and also has a number of commercial cassette releases.

Girishji has recently shown his talent as a music composer and has composed and staged musical programs on popular saint poets such as Surdas, Tulsidas and the great Chayavadi poets like Mahakavi Nirala and Mahadevi Varma. These experiments have gained immense popularity both, in the music field and the literary world.

About The Ragas
The album opens with a morning melody in Raga Gujri Todi. The second selection is the rare raga Basant Mukhari, again a morning melody which is a combination of raga Bhairav and Bhairavi.

The album concludes with the night raga Hansadhwani in which is presented an energetic Jugalbandi with sibling Guru bandhu Pt. Chandrashekhar Swami. This is an old recording (1991) which was released on cassette format and is now being released in CD format.

Girishji’s dedication to his art form and the Guru are reflected herein in this album ‘Raga Reflections’ and stands as a great inspiration to the present generation of young artistes.

1. Raga – Gujri Todi [1991]
Khayal Vilambit Ektaal
“Meri Akhiyan Ki Palakan So Mag Jharu”
Khayal Drut Ektaal
“Baras Ughar Gayo Meha”

2. Raga – Basant Mukhari [1991]
Khayal Vilambit Ektaal
“He Beera Re Khewatia Paar Karo”
Khayal Drut Teentaal
“Aaj Mori Araj Suno Banwari”

3. Raga – Hansdhwani [1991]
Jugalbandi with Pt. Chandrashekhar Swami
Khayal Drut Teentaal
“Ram Sumir Ram”