Friendship, in music and musings

There aren't too many forms of creative expressions that celebrate friendship in a way music does. “You need two things to do sangeet (music) – songi (companion) and sangat (accompaniment),” said Moon, between his performances at The Daily Star Centre on August 2, where a small audience had gathered to celebrate Friendship Day. The unplugged concert, titled “Acoustica: Episode 01 – Ek Nirjhar'er Gaan” was held at the AS Mahmud Seminar Hall by Star Arts & Entertainment, to give the audience a taste of freshly-released contemporary music in the voices of three talented musicians – Leemon, Moon and Moitry.

The first Sunday of the month is not exactly ideal for an afternoon concert, and the traffic jam did keep the audience waiting by a little while. One of the scheduled performers, Sovvota, remained stuck in India as her flights kept getting cancelled due to bad weather, but the performers that arrived made sure the absence was not felt too much. “Jehetu Sorasori Parbo Na Bolte, Gaane Gaane Karsaji” – began Leemon, a familiar name to those following Bangla music over the last few years. Moon has also been around in the circuit for a fair while, and is a bankable music arranger. Moitry, on the other hand, is a discovery of the “Ek Nirjhar'er Gaan” project, a doctor by profession and singer by calling. Armed only with two acoustic guitars and a harmonica, the trio set a minimalistic musical ambience as they presented songs from the compilation album, including “Moner Ojon” (by Leemon, originally sung by Labik Kamal Gaurob), “Gopon Kotha Ta” (Moitry), “Muche Jacche Daag” (Leemon), “Eksho Bosta” (Moon), “Bondhu Toder” (Leemon), “Swopner Ghore” (Moon), “Jani Na To” (Leemon/Moon), “Ma Chara Prothom” (Moitry) and “Ish” (Moon), among others. The songs showed a wide range of emotions in free-flowing lyrical rhythm and expressive vocal work of the artistes.

Rafique Muzhar Islam and Omar Khalid Rumi speak.

In her welcome address, Star Arts & Entertainment Editor Sadya Afreen Mallick said friendship transcends age, gender and social barriers, adding that those who live among music stay forever young. Two musicians from Bangladesh's earliest band music days -- Rafique Muzhar Islam (from the '60s) and Omar Khalid Rumi (from the 80s), also came on stage and shared memories of trying to break out of a musical mold in those days. Rafique Muzhar Islam recalled performing in shows and trying to find their musical identity, while Rumi shared how he was inspired by bands like Windy Side of Care, The Lightnings and Rambling Stones etc.

Enamul Karim Nirjhar, the lyricist and composer of all the songs of “Ek Nirjhar'er Gaan”, also spoke at the event, and on behalf of his initiative Gaanshala, expressed hearty gratitude to The Daily Star for the 'pat on the back' for his efforts. He also shared how the project began and how it has come thus far, adding that bigger dreams are ahead.

The event was held in association with Gaanshala, GaanBangla TV and ABC Radio as partners. Selim SH Chowdhury designed the set and lights for the event, which was recorded by GaanBangla TV and will air soon on the channel.