Rajavin Ramanamalai

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Recently, 'Rajavin Ramanamalai' was released. This title could cause some confusion as a title named 'Ramanamalai' with Raja's tunes had been released earlier. As it stands, we have two Ramanamalais. I am going to write my opinion on the second Ramanamalai.

This album has a total of 10 songs, 8 of which are tuned by Raja and 2 of them tuned by a person called KVS and orchestrated by Raja. Let's have a look at the songs.

Except for the Bombay Jayashree song, 'arunagiri ramanan', all songs start with a small speech of Raja, wherein he talks about Ramana Maharishi. I am including samples of some songs. You can buy the album here: http://bookstore.sriramanamaharshi.org/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=180&products_id=6679

'thirunalum' - Sung by Raja. This is a wonderful tune. Very simple and touching. I am not sure which raga this is based on. Is it Pahadi? If you know, let me know. The song has a lovely bass line. The orchestration in all songs in kept simple. The chorus adds to the beauty of the song and keeps up the bhajan mood of the song.



'arunagiri ramanan' : Sung by Bombay Jayashree and chorus. This is the simplest song of the album. It is meant for group singing with very little in the way of twists and turns in the tune. That is compensated by the interlude. The first interlude is a gem.



 'annamalai saralile' : Sung by Sriram Parthsarathy. Based on Saranga Tharangini ragam. It sounds very close to Hamsanadam. I was told it was not so I am writing Saranga Tharangini. If it sounds like Hamsanadam to you, you are in the same boat as me. A gentle melody with some nice interludes. The soft touch is maintained throughout and Sriram does a nice job.



'idayathai eduthukkondan': Sung by Sriram Parthasarathy. This song will appeal to you almost instantly for it is based on ReethiGowla. Once again some lovely interludes and a charming charanam.



'yaar arivar': Tune composed by KVS and sung by Shankaran Namboodhri. A light classic tune. Shankaran Nambhoodri sings it well.

 'edhai adaya': Another KVS composed tune sung by Shankaran Namboodhri. Based on Gowla. Once again a classical sounding composition.



'vedhamum vilakkadha unnai' : Sung by Bombay Jayashree. A lovely tune based on Shanmukhapriya. It becomes better in the charanam. Jayashree's singing adds lustre though sometimes there is a bit of confusion between la and La. The way the tune reaches high in the charanam and then effortlessly joins the pallavi is typical Raja.
'arputham arputham': Sung by Raja. What a charming melody. So delicate and delicious. Based on Sudha Dhanyasi.



'ennaiyum thaan ennum': Sung by Sriram Parthaarathy. It is difficult to select one song as best but if I need to, then I will choose this melody. A complex melody with a superb rhythm structure. Sriram once again does a nice song. A lovely amalgamation of folk and classical without being obvious.



'eesan enru sollavo': Sung by Rajashri Pathak. The most aggressive tune of the lot. Based on Mayamalavagowla. One more variation to Mayamalavagowla. Raja comes up with so many variations in this raga that it is mind boggling. The volume of this song is very low in my CD. No idea why.

This album pack also has a DVD. In that you have the video of Raja singing two songs, Sriram Parthasarathy singing one song and Bombay Jayashree singing one song. You can buy the album for this video alone. In the video, there is a place where Bombay Jayashree finishes a line and then like a small kid asking if she has sung right, she smiles and looks up. Priceless. So are the parts where Raja is at the console and singing along with the singers.

Overall, a top class devotional album. Very simple and sweet. Gives a very peaceful feeling. Go buy it.

Comments

Ponnuswamy said…
Thank you very much for adding insights about the Raagas the songs based on.
January 9, 2018 at 1:07 PM
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