Tribute to Pandit Jasraj

Iconic Hindustani Classical Vocalist Padma Vibhushan Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj ji passed away at the age of 90 in the USA. Riyaz remembers Pandit Ji and passes deepest condolences and pays rich tributes to the legend for the invaluable  contribution to Hindustani Classical Music. May his teachings live with each one us in our journey… More Tribute to Pandit Jasraj

Mathangi Jagdish

Mathangi Jagdish a.k.a Ma.Ja is a playback singer , songwriter , stage performer and MTV coke studio season one artist with over 490 film songs to her credit. She has sung in more than 18 languages in a career spanning more than a decade and a half.  She has worked with the who’s who of… More Mathangi Jagdish

K V Narayanaswamy – Sangita Pitamaha of Contemporary Carnatic Music

“A good-looking man, his hair slicked down in the traditional way, sang like an angel with a delightful voice, husky at times, but never heavy throated or loud” – exclaimed Lakshmi Viswanathan, the Vice President of Music Academy  Madras in her tribute to KVN when he passed away in 2002. Kollengode Viswanatha Narayanaswamy a Carnatic musician… More K V Narayanaswamy – Sangita Pitamaha of Contemporary Carnatic Music

Bangalore Nagarathnamma – The Songster Activist

“I was Nagarathna (precious jewel on the snake’s head) by birth, then became bhogarathna (jewel of pleasure) and now I am rogarathna (jewel of disease)” – this was how Bangalore Nagarathnamma jovially described herself during her last days. She may also be called ragarathna (jewel of musical ragas) and tyagarathna (jewel of sacrifice). This is… More Bangalore Nagarathnamma – The Songster Activist

Mandolin Srinivas: The Musical Genius Who Captivated the World

Mandolin U Srinivas, also known as Uppalapu Srinivas, was a legendary musician whose mastery of the mandolin revolutionized the world of Carnatic music. With his exceptional talent and innovative approach, Srinivas elevated the status of the mandolin as a solo instrument, captivating audiences worldwide. This comprehensive blog post delves into the life and legacy of… More Mandolin Srinivas: The Musical Genius Who Captivated the World

Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar: The Trailblazer

“I was greatly influenced by Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar. I do not want another life. But if there is one, I want to be able to sing like Ramanuja Iyengar” exclaimed the doyen of Carnatic Music, Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer. Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar popularly known as Ariyakudi, was born in  Ariyakudi, a town in Karaikudi district near… More Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar: The Trailblazer

Music beyond boundaries: The story of Jon B. Higgins

“It was a grey chilly morning on December 7th, 1984. Jon Higgins rushed to my house carrying his cassette recorder and folders containing sheets of swara-notated music and his electronic shruti box. We sat together cross-legged on the rug preparing to begin our music lesson, but first turned to a discussion of our forthcoming trip… More Music beyond boundaries: The story of Jon B. Higgins

Purandara Dasa: The Father of Carnatic Music and Social Reformer

Purandara Dasa, also known as the Father of Carnatic Music, was a legendary composer, poet, and social reformer who left an indelible mark on the musical landscape of South India. Born as Srinivasa Naayaka, he underwent a transformative journey, renouncing his past to dedicate his life to the service of God. His immense contributions to… More Purandara Dasa: The Father of Carnatic Music and Social Reformer