Jagjit Singh Concert at Palace Grounds, 5th July 2008

Or should I say 'Padmabhusahan Jagjit Singh's concert' as the announcer always referred to him. It was a bit of a disappointment as Jagjit Singh never connected with the audience. I think part of the charm of attending a live concert is the connection that the performer makes with his audience. Jagjit Singh came, wished everyone a 'Good Evening' and then started singing. The only people he talked to (perhaps to his chagrin) were the guys who were in control of the sound system. He had to repeatedly ask them to adjust the tones and tenors of the various microphones.

The accompanying violinist was extremely perturbed as he was not happy with his microphone. For the first half he kept signaling to the sound guys to make adjustments. Two microphone changes later he was slightly pacified. And then Jagjit Singh let him play a long piece to make up for it.

The selection of songs wasn't the best, and didn't sing any of his extremely popular songs. The only renditions I enjoyed were 'Thukarao Ab Ki Pyaar karo ','Hoshwalon ko khabar kya', 'Baak niklegi, to door tak jaayegi' and his ever popular 'Kaagaz ki Kashti'. The other's were 'Hum to hai pardes mein', 'Kuchh na Kuchh to zaroor hona hai', 'Aadmi aadmi ko kya dega', 'Jhoom ke jab rindon ne pila di'.

I read about a concert in Hyderabad last year and seems like he was in a very good mood there. In the Bangalore concert, he seemed preoccupied and didn't seem to be enjoying himself. He just sang.. and then finished the show with a Punjabi number 'Chaariyan di joon buri' and then left.

That's it. Looking at the bright side, his voice was mesmerizing as ever, his shows still pull crowds as was evident from the turnout at the Palace Grounds in Bangalore. But I have attended better shows before. The one he gave at Thapar Institute of Engineering when I was a student there was outstanding. Even the one I attended at Siri Fort in Delhi was great because he connected with the audience. He was talking to them constantly and taking feedback. Here he was detached and it definitely wasn't one of his 'good mood' days.

Well, hopefully there will be more of his concerts and we'll get to witness one of his better ones like the one he gave at Hyderabad. The fans will be waiting.

Comments

amitnme said…
The other concert in Bangalore which I attended was much better compared to your description..
Details on my blog!!
July 7, 2008 at 9:34 AM
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