The Vaar from Down Under

November 19, 2008 in USA

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The Vaar from Down Under

By: Dr. Gurpal S. Bhuller, Virginia

It is not often that one comes across a Gurbani CD that moves you, but if you have not listened to the Asa Di Vaar by Dya Singh of Australia, you are missing a treat. From the opening Digeridoo ( a native Australian instrument ) to the concluding shabad ( the concluding stanzas of Jaap Sahib), this recording is a bouquet of fresh flowers of Gurbani presented by a knowledgable exponent of Kirtan in the modern genre.

Modernity itself is seldom a virtue. Often it is an excuse for being different with little of substance. But cultures and traditions change, sometimes imperceptibly. To those puritans who insist that Kirtan should not change, the response should be that they are closing the door after the horse has left the barn. Look at page 179 of the great Mahan Kosh by Bhai Kahn Singh of Nabha. It has a picture of the various musical instruments that were used in his day ( early 20th century). Of those only the tabla is still extant, the remainder have disappeared from Gurbani Kirtan or have only a few exponents (although recently there are some efforts to revive them). But more important, many of the tunes, melodies, compositions, the tabla �bols�, the �taranae� the �shaan� and manglacharans are now rarely heard. Kirtan HAS changed.

This is not a criticism. It is the inevitable evolution that comes as time passes on. This CD takes the process a step further but it does so with sensitivity and cautiously. The introductory first chaka is sung to a background of �Waheguru simaran� and is then followed by a shababd is from the Varaan of Bhai Gurdaas on a slow tempo. The kirtan then settles down to the familiar Kirtan mode of recitation but picks up again on the 3rd stanza (Kudrat disae kudrat suniae) and continues in this mode with introduction of different styles in the pauris and the traditional verses of Guru Ram Dass ji that precede each slok. There is wonderful use of female voices which lends a sparkle that enchances the whole experience, together with the solos of the mandolin that show us a different view of the music. At the conclusion of the kirtan of each pauri, there is a repeat recitation of the pauri as done by traditional raagis.

But what really sets this apart from other Asa Di Vaar performances I have heard is the variety of the singing styles by Dya Singh and his troupe. He has used the traditional singing style that will be familiar with all of us blending them with different interpretations of the traditional tunes. It starts with the 4th �chaka� when he sings �Baenti, Baenti� with uncommon sensitivity and continues with a soulful �mil Mere pritma� after the 6th Slok. The different styles have been balanced in a manner that is not jarring and yet emphasizes the words of this prayer. The singing is particularly energized in some of the Pauris and brings out the words clearly.

Purists will notice that the accents are different � this is to be expected since all the singers are of the Sikh Diaspora. There is some tentativeness in the singing of some verses although it is not distracting. The discussions generated by his previous performances probably inhibited some of the musical talent that we see displayed here and it is a pity. One wishes that Gurbani kirtan could be adapted to the various cultures thus making it more relevant and allowing the younger generation some more latitude in experimenting with new techniques. This release cements Dya Singh�s role in the Sikh musical world. Although he resides in Australia, he has has ventured outside the traditional roads of kirtan and thus enriched not only the his chosen country but the Sikh world as well.

This 2 CD set is accompanied by a well produced Gutka by Sikhpoint.com containing the full text of the Asa Di Vaar together with all the shabads that have been sung alongside. Each line of Gurbani is accompanied with an English translation and quality of printing is excellent. I would recommend this highly to all Gursikhs and they will be well pleased with it. One hopes that Dya will continue to explore new areas of Kirtan and stimulate others to do so.

Asa Di Var CD�s can be purchased online from www.ethnicisland.com

Dya Singh CD�s available for sale now at www.ethnicisland.com

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